Buckle vs folding clasp

[key88sf]

Hi all - I'm about to purchase a Cellini 5241/6, and I have the option of getting the traditional belt-buckle style fastener, or the platinum "folding clasp" (extra $2k).

Besides price, is the folding clasp inferior in any way? e.g. -- will it break more easily, or come off if I happen to hit my arm against something compared to the traditional buckle?

Any input on the pro/cons of each of these would be great! Thanks :)

[tkc324]

Not sure how sturdy the folding clasp will be, I am sure more experts will chime in soon. But, as far as I know, the folding clasp tend to stretch out the leather less.

[jctrolex]

The folding clasp will cause less wear to the leather strap but with 2K you can buy enough leather straps to last for 30+ years given a leather strap typically lasts 2 -3 years depending on how you take care of it. Besides you can buy a nice non-Rolex strap (like a Hirsch) and use the same buckle for probably 1/4 of the price of the Rolex strap and will give you more choices if you want to change up the look; a non-Rolex strap for the folding clasp may be a little harder to come by.

[FeelingTheBlues]

The buckle is probably much better if you don't want to spend much more on the watch (as stated, you can buy other leather bands if yours get too used) but I think there's something special in a clasp and if I had the budget I would probably spoil myself a little bit with it.

[kilyung]

Folding clasps are a smart way to reduce the risk of dropping your watch.

[George Ab]

As stated previously a folding clasp will reduce risk of dropping and wear on the strap. Buckles are a hassle comparatively. Folding clasp is the way to go, but for $2K..... ouch.

[jctrolex]

Originally Posted by kilyung

Folding clasps are a smart way to reduce the risk of dropping your watch.

I have watches on both buckles and clasps never dropped either one ever. It is less hassle to put one on with folding clasp though

[dddrees]

Originally Posted by George Ab

As stated previously a folding clasp will reduce risk of dropping and wear on the strap. Buckles are a hassle comparatively. Folding clasp is the way to go, but for $2K..... ouch.

X2

The folding clasp is also easier to work with in my opinion.

[nim]

definitely folding clasp

[R.J.]

The life of a leather strap with buckle is about a year. With folding clasp it's four to five years.

[Leandro]

I had the same dilema when I wanted to replace the bracelet by a leather strap for a Speedmaster. I finally went for the traditional buckle because the price. I found out that there is a relative advantage with this option: you can easily tighten or loosen the strap according to the apparent changes in your wrist size over the day.

[Adam K.]

Being a fan of minimalism, I like simple tang (or "Ardillon" if you prefer) buckles to deployants. The latter are fancier and do reduce the risk of dropping, but I like the notably flatter profile of tang buckles, and I think they are more classical--to say nothing of more secure once they are done up. Worried about dropping? Slow down a second, or just sit down to do your watch up. It'll take what...all of 10 seconds?

Deployants can be rather weak in engagement (have seen this on AP deployants more than once) and the blades can poke and be uncomfortable against the wrist, too. Price has been mentioned already, so there's no need to go there.



If I want something that folds, it'll be connected to a metal bracelet.

[slcbbrown]

Originally Posted by kilyung

Folding clasps are a smart way to reduce the risk of dropping your watch.

I use both buckle and deployant on vrious watches. The biggest reasons I use the deployants is to reduce the chance of dropping the watch and ease of wearing. 2k for a deployant is pretty amazing, and, for me, not the place to put my money.

[R.J.]

I was quoted a price of $3200. to $4000. for a Patek deployment clasp. Went to a local jewellers and paid $30. to have a gold plated deployment clasp put on. It looks and works great. Probably sacrilege to some but I'd rather save and put the money towards a new watch.

[slcbbrown]

Originally Posted by R.J.

I was quoted a price of $3200. to $4000. for a Patek deployment clasp. Went to a local jewellers and paid $30. to have a gold plated deployment clasp put on. It looks and works great. Probably sacrilege to some but I'd rather save and put the money towards a new watch.

For $50, or so, you can get a nice deployant from Bob Davis that is very nice quality.

[The Archer]

I have quit wearing buckles on leather straps. The straps seem to last longer with a clasp.

[key88sf]

I decided to go with the buckle, mainly (besides price) because it allows for size adjustment in case I get fatter and also doesn't have the pinching risk :)