'Old Style' Clasps

[Perdu]

If it didn't rattle it wouldn't feel right.

[gelshocker]

Never had problems with the older type bracelet and clasps. I actually like them for their simplicity, and beautiful Rolex stamp It looks and feels so old skool



However, I have to admit the newer solid versions are more comfortable overall, ableit heavier. Cheers,

[poppydog]

I have a Seadweller and date Sub, both less than two years old and both used for diving and have experienced no problems. I also have a Tudor Sub on a Rolex bracelet that I bought in 1981 and which is still working perfectly and has never let me down in any way. I've read many complaints about the folding mechanism of the Rolex bracelet, but my observation is that it's a tried and trusted design. The Omega folding clasp "bit" is made from three pieces of steel that allow a degree of lateral movement that the Rolex does not. This puts a lot of pressure on the pin that holds the clasp together and which broke last year on my PO. Omega (apparently) doesn't replace the pin and put a completely new clasp on instead at a cost of £80!

I agree the Rolex clasp arangement may feel a bit "tinny" but it works. It's all very well to have chunky, thick steel bracelets, but they still have to be held together with comparatively fragile pins.

What sets Rolex divers apart in my view, is their "real-world" use that has influenced their design characteristics: military and Comex.

Just my tuppence worth.

[Psmith]

They have a certain 'historic' appeal and can work satisfactorily for decades, but... still look & feels cheap. Fine back in the 70s, but not at today's prices with today's design/engineering capabilities. Also they feel too flimsy when open, as if could be easily bent by hand. The new clasps have had their problems, but they are a big step in the right direction - especially the Glidelock.



Cheers

[RRGHOST1]

I dont like the new tapering bracelets and i have a Longines Hydro-conquest with a nice parallel 22mm bracelet which seems stronger than the GMT 11c. The new bracelets seem stronger in feel, but even they have their problems, never had any probs with my Sub or GMT.

[swatty]

Originally Posted by Psmith

They have a certain 'historic' appeal and can work satisfactorily for decades, but... still look & feels cheap. Fine back in the 70s, but not at today's prices with today's design/engineering capabilities. Also they feel too flimsy when open, as if could be easily bent by hand. The new clasps have had their problems, but they are a big step in the right direction - especially the Glidelock.



Cheers

well said Clive

[jdc]

Rolex bracelets have stood the test of time, no problems with older style

[padi56]

Originally Posted by rfknauss

Dan, I have been wearing my 5513 sub almost every day since 1978 (when I purchased it new) and have never had a problem with the clasp or bracelet.

Likewise SD subs too and using them what they was intended for with many 100s of dives underwater.And while working as a instructor and dive guide on various live-aboard boats world wide never ever had any problem with any fliplock oyster.On one occasion while wearing a SD bracelet held my almost 15stone dangling over the side a zodiac boat for several minutes until the weakest link the spring bar failed.But good job it did might have damaged my wrist a lot more.Watch was lost to the abyss watch easily replaced but body parts are not.The fliplock has a well proven track record in the field for almost 50 years.While the new clasp is a new kid on the block and it has a long way to go before it get the same credentials as the fliplock.

[spuds]

Great info' Gents..... Thankyou!!

[Nicko]

I have never worn the new style, but the old style on my Sub is very very comfortable. It's a heavy watch and I sometimes forget I have it on, right now I haven't taken my Sub off in 3 days and it feels like a part of me, total comfort.

[mascot]

Hiya! Is there any difference on the bracelets on SUB V-series compared to older models?
///mascot

[Wildwing]

It's a Jubilee, not an Oyster, but it's the old style. And who out there is going to say it's not a work of art. No problems with it either.

[Subfiend]

I have had problems with the clasps on all of my Subs opening when I hit the water on a dive. It has happened with all of them -- the Sub, TT Sub and SD. It is annoying and all too common.

[xjeeunitx]

My "Z" Explorer II never opened up on me. I've never had any problems with it either. But after wearing a PO for about a month, I dont think I would ever go back to the old clasps. If they had the new clasps, I'd jump on it like white on rice. Only if I could find an awesome deal on a DJ with roman numerals. :)

[slcbbrown]

I've got a 50's DJ, and it's still OK.

[Jimbits76]

I have had problems with my clasp.

All that money and only 50 years of continued use through three generations before a rivet went.

Rolex, that just aint good enough! Buy Omega!

J

[padi56]

Originally Posted by Jimbits76

I have had problems with my clasp.

All that money and only 50 years of continued use through three generations before a rivet went.

Rolex, that just aint good enough! Buy Omega!

J

Now very true Jim to some they may look flimsy, but in the real world with millions upon millions of Rolex world wide they sure stood the test of time.

[republik-of-mancunia]

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

Hi Dan,

Having owned several Rolex models, most of them the older ones with the hollow links and the older clasps, I can proudly say that I've NEVER had any kind of problems with the clasps nor the bracelets.

By the same token, no problems with my new clasp or bracelet either......nor my Ceramic bezel (which I haven't whacked yet!!)

same here after wearing my SS DJ every day for 13 years!
fingers are crossed that my new baby (a GMT-IIc) will be similarly reliable and robust!

[Jimbits76]

Originally Posted by padi56

Now very true Jim to some they may look flimsy, but in the real world with millions upon millions of Rolex world wide they sure stood the test of time.

And easy to repair Peter...a fellow member here Tylden Reed did a fantastic job with it.

That watch has been all over the place including jungles and deserts. Who says the clasps are flimsy?

53 years old this year and still ticking away!



J