Rolex 1955 Collectible Gay Freres Bracelet 18mm Beads of Rice watches Super Precision Explorer,BubbleBack,Patek Philippe,Omega

✫ ✫ ✫ Rare Rolex Antique & Collectable 1950's GAY FRERE crown coronet version, AKA "Beads of rice"or "grain of rice" , "Beaded Bracelet" type ssteel bracelet for sale✫ ✫ ✫   !  

this is a bracelet from one of most renowned metalworkers of the 20th century.ITEM DESCRIPTION : The clasp, which is working well, is stamped “GF SWISS MADE STEELINOX 4-55”; and has the letters “G” and “F” stamped either side of the company’s trade mark. You can see the GAY FERES animal logo embossed logo on end of blade clasp. Like a “Bonklip”, the strap can be adjusted to any length, from very small up to a maximum of 9½ inches (24 cms) plus the width of the watch. 

Later, in 1940, Gay Frères developed the "rice bead" watch bracelet design specifically for Rolex, when Rolex wanted a distinctively new look for its watches.  

Arguably though, Gay Frères reserved its finest work for Geneva's most illustrious manufactures. During the 1940s and 1950s, the company supplied Patek Philippe and Vacheron Constantin, two of its closest neighbors, with bracelets that matched the quality of the watches to which they were fitted.

The beads-of-rice pattern proved its versatility at Patek, which paired it with simple stainless steel Calatravas and rose gold perpetual calendars alike. Lest we forget, the bracelet that secures the most expensive wristwatch ever bought at auction – the $11 million Patek Philippe ref. 1518 in stainless steel – to the wrist of its new owner is a Gay Frères bracelet. The same references in precious metals? Their bracelets are often made by Gay Frères as well. 

When the focus of certain manufacturers shifted toward creating chronographs and other professional watches in the 1960s and 1970s, Gay Frères opted for new designs, and presented companies such as Heuer with a beads-of-rice bracelet flanked with Oyster-like folded links.

This is the case for several models, including early Carreras and Autavias – but not the Monaco, which used a Novavit S.A. (NSA) bracelet. Heuer, like Rolex, had several suppliers.In 2001, Rolex bought the Gay Frères company and now makes its own bracelets. 

c o n d i t i o n  :

This example is in nice shape, straight, clean condition. It is probably as good an original example as you will find. It has 18mm endlinks and links themselves are soft to wear for daily use.

Stamped : 

GF SWISS MADE STEELINOX 4-55 inside blades clasp. 

Brushed & polished elegant finish for top cover clasp and full polished for oval links. Very soft & light to wear. The bracelet ends can be prised open to allow. 16.2cm total lenght. This vintage GF strap to be fitted to a watch with fixed lugs if necessary.

Preowned : micros mark sof normal use but not pretty much, bracelet is just perfect for its age !If you like vintage looks with perfect mint condition collectibles luxurywatches bracelet for luxury watches, this one is made for you, don't miss it !

SOLD AS IT

 GUARANTEED 1OO% GENUINE