1940s Gay Frères Beads of Rice 5-Row 16mm: Resize or Sell?

Lages97 · Oct 2, 2025

Good evening, everyone.

I'm a recent collector of watches, preferably from the 1930s and 1940s. I recently came across a Gay Frères Beads of Rice 5-row bracelet with straight lugs from the 1940s, 16mm between lugs and 17cm in length at the largest adjustment position, with only superficial scratches

In my opinion, Gay Frères Beads of Rice bracelets are among the most desirable for collectors of high-end stainless steel watches from the 1930s, 40s, and 50s.

Many watches I see for sale in well-known vintage shops use bracelets that imitate the original design of the Gay Frères, such as those by Private Eyes -
https://www.watchnet.co.jp/en/item/view/5371

However, since I have a very small wrist (15.5/16 cm), it doesn't fit me even at the smallest setting.

My question is: if I resize (remove links professionally, by a watchmaker), even if I keep them, will the bracelet lose value? Or should I sell it?
What is the approximate value of this Gay Frères Beads of Rice 5-row bracelet, 16mm between lugs and 17cm in length at the largest setting, with only superficial scratches?

For example, WindVintage is selling some Gay Frères bracelets, but I think the price is excessive - https://www.windvintage.com/16mm-gay‑frres‑rolled‑bracelet‑in‑steel‑56‑inches

Thank you for your answers and the time you spent.

Photos of my bracelet:

Dan S · Oct 2, 2025

I also like GF bracelets, and this is a nice example. While branded GF bracelets can be worth hundreds of USD (even close to $1000 for the right brand), I have usually purchased unbranded GF bracelets for less than $150. And that would be for bracelets that are 18-20mm between the lugs. The 16mm width limits the desirability of this particular bracelet, IMO, so I would put the value below $100. Just my personal opinion. If you like the bracelet and have a particular watch in mind, I would urge you to resize it. You will probably get more joy from wearing it than from selling it.

If it were a pristine branded full length bracelet original to a watch that you own, I could understand putting it aside to keep it intact. I've done it myself.

BillShaine · Mon. 11:01am

Dan S
I also like GF bracelets, and this is a nice example. While branded GF bracelets can be worth hundreds of USD (even close to $1000 for the right brand), I have usually purchased unbranded GF bracelets for less than $150. And that would be for bracelets that are 18-20mm between the lugs. The 16mm width limits the desirability of this particular bracelet, IMO, so I would put the value below $100. Just my personal opinion. If you like the bracelet and have a particular watch in mind, I would urge you to resize it. You will probably get more joy from wearing it than from selling it.

If it were a pristine branded full length bracelet original to a watch that you own, I could understand putting it aside to keep it intact. I've done it myself.

A qualified professional should be able to remove links in a way that allows them to be preserved so that they can be added back. The only damage to the value in that circumstance is the cost for adding the links back.

I have recently acquired Gay Frères® and will be producing new Gay Frères® bracelets made to the original specifications. For the BOR bracelets, I will first be producing the 50s to 60s spec bracelets. I am still working on being able to make the 40s style BOR bracelets in a way that is both consistent with the originals but sufficinetly sturdy. It's a lost art. Site for future sales - perhaps by the end of the year:
https://gayfrères.net/.

I have also recently acquired the rights to manufacture, market, and sell Corfam® watch straps. The first of these are already for sale:
https://corfam.net/ or
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_dk...ainevintagewatchcollection&_oac=1&_nkw=corfam.