Gold Submariner 16808 1978 strap details

[ro-lex]

Looking for expert advice on my wristband , or strap, Watch head near mint with original sticker, and the strap in similar condition, but did Rolex ever make the links "solid" ie the large piece in each link being joined to the 2 smaller pieces. Mine have no visible join, between the 3 pieces that make up each link. Some collectors say the strap, must have been a worn out one, refurbished to look perfect by gold soldering the 3 pieces of each link, but there is no wear at all which shows the strap had had any real use...thanks...