We can debate which bracelet feels best on wrist, and I certainly have. As mentioned, the folded link has a Goldilocks appeal for me, though there’s also a practicality to wearing your vintage tool watch on a sturdy solid-link bracelet (FlipLock and all). There’s a bit less vintage appeal, and it’ll feel chunkier on the wrist, but you also won’t sweat while walking through every single door jamb. For me, a matte 5513 on a solid link bracelet strikes that balance between vintage charm and wearability that makes vintage Rolex appealing. That’s more about wearability than collectability, but of any vintage watches, it feels like we should wear our vintage Subs.Â
By the way, that’s one of the reasons it can be so fun to search for vintage Submariners – they vary so much in condition because people just wore their damn watches.Â
Beyond personal preferences for a particular type of Oyster bracelet, it’s important to find a bracelet that matches your watch. For example, if you’re wearing an early gilt dial, that should pair with a rivet bracelet. For me, it just looks weird and put together on a solid-link bracelet – save those later bracelets for late matte or glossy dials. And if you’re a dealer, offer your Sub stock on a correct bracelet!