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Old 11 January 2014, 07:53 PM   #1
Nic
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Tightening president bracelet clasp

The traditional clasp on my president bracelet is loose ,ie it pops undone easily
Any advice on how to tighten it myself or do I need to take it to a service centre
There seems plenty of info on other types of clasps but not this one
Thank you
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Old 12 January 2014, 02:16 AM   #2
Cc1966
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I have a similar problem on mine. As far as I can tell, the retaining hook needs to be built up some. Not a DIY job IMHO.
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Old 12 January 2014, 01:58 PM   #3
Jim Smyth
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I haven't had to adjust mine yet but I assume a flat bladed screwdriver is inserted between the wings and you would twist slightly and spread them out a little bit so it grips better. That is if the ears are not worn away. This is just a guess on my part but it seems logical.
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Old 12 January 2014, 03:31 PM   #4
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To be done correct and not leave any marks on the clasp, there is a special tool, it is a pair of handles that slip over the clasp from both sides at the catch, then apply pressure to spread the tabs of the catch apart.



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Old 13 January 2014, 12:12 AM   #5
Jim Smyth
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There ya go. Kinda the same thought process of a split ring pliers where you squeeze and it spreads the ring apart. I am sure if your handy and have the proper sized screw driver and put some tape on the end to not mar anything you could accomplish the same thing. I would go very slow and the results will be fine. But if in doubt head over to your local Rolex AD.
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Old 13 January 2014, 01:30 AM   #6
Cc1966
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Sorry, just saw that the OP had the traditional clasp.
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Old 13 January 2014, 07:35 AM   #7
Nic
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Thank you all for your responses
The watch was given to me by my dad , it is 22 years old but he hardly wore it and it is in extremely good condition
However it really needs a good clean polish service and waterproof test ,as none of this has ever been done ,so I will get the service centre to adjust the clasp this time
But the design of the clasp appears that this may be a recurring problem and it is good to know how to fix little problems yourself as the service centre is a two hour jet flight away
Once again many thanks and regards
Nic
Australia
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Old 16 January 2014, 02:44 PM   #8
crowncollection
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here is the tool 75 dollars on the bay


http://www.ebay.com/itm/310630298225...#ht_1200wt_662
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Old 18 January 2014, 10:43 AM   #9
Jim Smyth
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Thats a interesting tool David, I would have thought you just needed to spread the wing clasps out a little bit. How does that spreader work? Is it just used to do a downward bend to get the wing to flex outward a little bit? I looked all over the internet at that tool and couldnt find any other pictures than the one you linked to via Ebay. Is it just a slot in that handle or is there something else on the bottom part of the handle/tool?
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Old 19 January 2014, 02:33 AM   #10
Cc1966
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Thank you for posting this tool. I was able to correct mine based on the same principle. THANK YOU again!!!!
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Old 19 January 2014, 03:31 AM   #11
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yep , interesting to see there is a real tool for the job.
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Old 20 January 2014, 06:56 AM   #12
crowncollection
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dysondiver View Post
yep , interesting to see there is a real tool for the job.
yep with pleasure, there is always a tool with rolex lol
you can do it without but can cause scratches, dents
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Old 1 February 2014, 08:06 AM   #13
Nic
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Would love to read instructions or see video on the finer points of using the tool prior to purchasing it and using it in ignorance
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Old 1 February 2014, 03:20 PM   #14
Vanessa CW21
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Nic, with that tool you can do the same amount of damage as with two flat pliers... Even though I do not recommend trying this at home, it is very simple, but also very delicate.
The tightening goes like this: You put the pliers on each side of the raised part on the clasp. VERY GENTLY you bent the surfaces down, away from you. Be very cautious not to snap the gold! The connection of the clasp with the bracelet is thin and fragile. A little bit too much pressure and your clasp will break, and can only be repaired by a (good) jeweler.
So, my recommendation is to go to a Rolex watchmaker and let them mess with it!
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Old 1 February 2014, 09:25 PM   #15
Nic
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Thank you Vanessa for your detailed advice

I was under the false illusion that the clasp would be tightened by widening the raised buttons in a parallel fashion by opening the split in the clasp,ie wedging them apart with a fine wedge . Rather than than rotating then out wards from the base
Just another example of how a misguided idea can worsen a problem rather than fix it

The clasp design does appear to be fragile and as the watch requires servicing anyway I will get rolex to sort it out this time
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Old 2 March 2014, 01:53 PM   #16
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I have the same issue on my 118239 and am a McGuiver of sorts. But have been loathe to attempt it. My Rolex jeweler can't seem to help either. I put it on, clap my hands once and it pops right open. The issue is that the channel of the piece the small tab is attached to runs the length, so if I spread the flange apart, the channel will either deform damaging the bracelet, or retain its shape and push the flange right back where I started. I have seen no one able to repair this yet on any forum. Some say they have a solution, but they don't work. It's maddening. I'm wearing a $30,000 wristwatch with a twist tie holding it closed.
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Old 2 March 2014, 02:54 PM   #17
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Alex, I think your clasp has a different design and is tightened differently. There is a special tool out there that's very helpful, but i wouldn't recommend trying this one yourself at home. I would recommend finding a good Rolex trained watchmaker in your area, or send it to a RSC. This is repairable!

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Old 29 November 2014, 05:02 PM   #18
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I tried it at home.

It's very secure now - I have to remove the watch with a jeweler's screwdriver.

So far, so good. : )
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Old 3 May 2021, 01:11 PM   #19
abhishekd
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Quote:
Originally Posted by crowncollection View Post
here is the tool 75 dollars on the bay


http://www.ebay.com/itm/310630298225...#ht_1200wt_662
Trying to find a tool to tighten the clasp on my Dad’s Daydate. Have no idea what the tool looks like or how to tighten the clasp. Ebay link is dead. Does anyone have a clue on the tool / technique?
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Old 3 May 2021, 06:38 PM   #20
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I used two flat nose pliers with masking tape on the jaws and did it myself.
Warmed up the clasp of my 18238 in hot water and used a little force to bend down both sides simultaneously. I exaggerated a bit and now it is very tight. Snaps in place with a satisfying click.

You don’t really need the tool imho
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File Type: jpg RT-CLASPTOOL-ALT.jpg (58.6 KB, 154 views)
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Old 4 May 2021, 02:27 AM   #21
abhishekd
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Thanks. Is the picture you attached of the tool?
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Old 4 May 2021, 04:28 AM   #22
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Quote:
Originally Posted by abhishekd View Post
Thanks. Is the picture you attached of the tool?
Yes, these can be bought in a pair at Esslinger.com

Not all watchmakers know how to adjust these clasps properly. I’ve seen them trying to tighten up like you would with the newer clasp Has no effect on these type of clasps.
If you don’t want to DIY drop in at a RSC, it’ll take a minute only. Perhaps they are willing to help you out.

https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/i...0p-wdtyOnBB0&s
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