How to tighten clasp on 8385 bracelet

[TheWatchmen]

I have a 18038 Day Date and the clasp sometimes comes undone if I shake my wrist too hard. It looks like a fork mechanism with “knobbed” ends, which need to be spread a little further apart.

Since this is gold, I want to be careful with it - anyone know how to tighten this clasp?

[Tomas Eriksson]

According to https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=584669 there is a special tool for the job:


I would go to a RSC or AD

[Tools]

As you can see, the tool doesn't really pull the clasp blade apart, it simply flexes it which tends to move the catch knob outward expanding its size.


You can do the same thing with a couple of pairs of flat-jaw pliers or even a couple of small crescent wrenches; protect the finish with a couple of strips of tape.

It doesn't take much movement

[Dan S]

Good excuse to pull out those soft-jaw needle nose pliers.

[KY..]

I’ve used a case back tool between the tabs (you called knobbed ends) to slightly spread mine and it worked fine.

[TheWatchmen]

Thanks so much for the replies everyone, much appreciated. I simple job to be sure, but the knowledge and correct method are what I needed.

Cheers!

[zapokee]

I wouldn't do this as a DIY job. You could easily snap the clasp or otherwise eff it up.

DIY butchery on a $10,000+ watch without the proper tools or expertise is inadvisable. A decent watchmaker will do it for 20 bucks in two minutes.

For context, Rolex quoted me 600 USD for a replacement hidden President clasp like yours.

[ronricks]

https://www.instagram.com/p/B2EoPtdF__F/

[TheWatchmen]

Originally Posted by ronricks

https://www.instagram.com/p/B2EoPtdF__F/

I had it serviced by a certified guy here in Colorado recently, it’s still under warranty so I bet they adjust it for me with no cost.