Rolex

There is a very broad range of Rolex oyster bracelets that adorn many vintage and modern Rolex watches most notably the 7xxx and the 9xxx series with a dozen of end links to match.  However, the underappreciated Rolex Jubilee 6251H was the bracelet of choice for the vintage Rolex GMT from the very early beginnings.  There was always great color ads with Pilot wrists showing off the steel or gold Jubilee which we associate with the “Pan Am” pilot watch Rolex GMT. The Rolex Jubilee was even an option offered on the early Rolex Daytona watches as it could accommodate both the 20mm for the GMT and the 19mm flush fit for the Daytona. Later the jubilee evolved to fit other models like the datejust.

The production period seems to have started around 1959 (Example below shows a 1960 Big Logo Jubilee) and continued to the early 1970’s.  The Rolex Jubilee 6251H (designation H – Homme “Men”) is the bracelet most associated with the early  Rolex GMT and was rarely seen or offered on the Submariner.  The Rolex 6251H was made in a rolled steel type fabrication where sizing was not done by removing pins in the links but by unfolding the two smaller links and reattaching.  Not to dissimilar to the early oyster links.  The early Jubilee 6251H was offered almost exclusively with the 55 end link or flush fit as it was called.  As it was only destined for the GMT and some Daytona it did not have a range of end links just the 55.  There is also apparently a 50 end link but it was associated with the Rolex Jubilee fabricated in Mexico under license “Joskes - Hecho en Mexico” was stamped on the blades.  The 50 end link is also displayed on the parts catalog below. I know I have an example or the Hecho en Mexico but I could not find it easily in my pile. 

**A detail: the HECHO EN MEXICO men’s bracelets come either stamped with JOSKE’S or with J/M (what means very likely Joske’s Mexico). Some show the number MJ-01, but can’t tell for sure the reason (not steel or steel/14KT ). I’ve read once that it might stand for “Mexico Joske’s model 01” - well possible.

So let’s celebrate the unsung hero in the Rolex Jubilee 6251h and its long association with the vintage Rolex GMT of the early 1960’s and 1970’s.

And you can now claim to be an expert on the Rolex bracelet 6251H Jubilee one model referece to remember one common end link "55" one common Model the Rolex 1675 GMT.  Presto bingo Expert.

** Contribution by Xeramic

More posts: 1675DatejustDaytonaGMT MasterSubmariner

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