Broken strap

[fore_endy]

Hi everyone

Just managed to break the small locking clasp on the strap of my 90's Submariner Date SS.

Might take this opportunity to change the strap to something more interesting.

I would appreciate your thoughts on alternate straps for this watch...

Many thanks

[tomilg]

I guess you did break it...I would love to hear the back story on this! Looks like it got snagged on something.

Might be a great time to pick up a new Glidelock bracelet for it, or at least a couple of NATO's.

[Lewwillo]

reckon you could bend it back into place but probably best to buy a new one.

[fore_endy]

Hi Tomilg

You won't believe that i caught it on my work shorts as I sat down....

I think I have the most robust shorts on the planet!

[fore_endy]

Hi Lewwillo

I could bend the clasp back into shape but it's the pin that worries me, it isn't the spring loaded type, it looks like it's rivited in place!

[Lewwillo]

Originally Posted by fore_endy

Hi Lewwillo

I could bend the clasp back into shape but it's the pin that worries me, it isn't the spring loaded type, it looks like it's rivited in place!

Ah fair do's. A new one it is then!

[MCO1]

Alternate options are great on an old sub...Nato's in particular. I would get the bracelet clasp repaired or replaced though.

[fore_endy]

A new rolex strap will incur quite a lot of "wife added tax" I'm afraid.

[hnn17]

It is riveted in place, try to get a replacement clasp not the whole bracelet. Lucky your watch didn't fall into the bowl if it was a link that breaks.

[tomilg]

fore endy,

Haha, sometimes truth is stranger than fiction...glad to hear your work shorts made it through unscathed, the Sub, not so much!

My guess is that the clasp and pin shouldn't set you back terribly, but it would be a great time to grab a few NATO's while it get repaired!

[fore_endy]

Hi hnn17

It could have been a lot worse...

I'll see if I can source a replacement clasp.

As tomilg suggested I think I'll get a NATO in the meantime, they look quite cool.

Thanks

[77T]

A NATO is least costly quick answer to get the Sub back in use.
As mentioned already, pre-owned or NOS clasp is best answer to get the bracelet back into use.

One thing to do - keep this old clasp since you may later want to preserve the original parts for restoration. The keeper could be re-shaped and an indie watchmaker could replace the rivet pin. This way your clasp code and head's s/n retain their original correctness. Never can tell when that may matter down the road.


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[fore_endy]

Very sage advice 77T, originality is everything after all!

Thanks

[kilyung]

Easily repairable by any competent watchmaker. You can also find used replacements or even update to an easy link or glidelock.

[fore_endy]

Hi Kilyung

I've contacted my local Rolex accredited guy, awaiting the response.

[Tools]

Originally Posted by kilyung

Easily repairable by any competent watchmaker. You can also find used replacements or even update to an easy link or glidelock.

Agree.. bend it back and a tack-weld at the rivet end, or put in a new rivet.. Probably a fraction of the price of a new clasp..

A new Glide-lock bracelet is a couple of thousand bucks.

[JP Chestnut]

I'd probably look for an old used up clasp on the forums, and then get a watchmaker to raid it for parts to fix yours.

[Tony-GB]

You've been a member here for 8 years and you refer to a bracelet as a strap...?

[fore_endy]

Well, I've ordered a NATO "strap" as a short term fix, will be keeping an eye out for a suitable 2nd hand replacement.

Cheers folks

[spoilsofwar01]

Originally Posted by fore_endy

Hi everyone

Just managed to break the small locking clasp on the strap of my 90's Submariner Date SS.

Might take this opportunity to change the strap to something more interesting.

I would appreciate your thoughts on alternate straps for this watch...

Many thanks

If your looking to move it on after you get your replacement, then please do PM me, Many thanks "H"

[fore_endy]

Sorry "H", I purchased the watch when I qualified as a submariner in the Royal Navy, so I won't be parting company with it.

Thanks

[spoilsofwar01]

Originally Posted by fore_endy

Sorry "H", I purchased the watch when I qualified as a submariner in the Royal Navy, so I won't be parting company with it.

Thanks

Hi Andy, I meant the bracelet, did you decide on replacing it? Cheers "H"

[fore_endy]

Hi H

Not sure yet, still reeling over the eye watering quote I received for a replacement, are the bracelets hewn from solid meteorite? Who could believe anything short of an aircraft carrier made from stainless steel could cost so much!

In the meantime I've taken delivery of a black and grey (James Bond?) NATO strap, looks like fun, I'll post a picture when I've fitted it.

Thanks

[fore_endy]

Well here it is, "temporary" NATO band fitted.

I think it looks quite cool.

I'm sure some will agree, and some will not...

Thanks

[fore_endy]

Sorry, there are spots of rain on the glass, and I know I need to clean my patio!

[Johny]

Originally Posted by fore_endy

Well here it is, "temporary" NATO band fitted.

I think it looks quite cool.

I'm sure some will agree, and some will not...

Thanks

that looks good with the nato. get a jeweller to repair your broken clasp.

[Mirx]

Wow, that watch does look beautiful on the NATO! Sure you wanna repair the bracelet?

[fore_endy]

Thanks Guys, I must admit I'm not in a rush to fix the old bracelet as it looks so good now!

[cop414]

The NATO looks fantastic! I'd still get the bracelet repaired though.

[SeaDweller50]

Originally Posted by fore_endy

Well here it is, "temporary" NATO band fitted.

I think it looks quite cool.

I'm sure some will agree, and some will not...

Thanks

The perfect James Bond look. Looks great.