Bracelets: Air King vs. Yacht-Master

[rolexjim]

As some of you may know, I purchased a new Yacht-Master 40 yesterday and I'm absolutely loving it. It's a dream for me for sure.

I did notice, however, that the deployment clasp looked to be a bit, sorry, "cheap" for a Rolex, as compared to my Air King. I thought to myself the Air King clasp was much sturdier. So, I pulled it out and compared the two and the difference is, to me, startling. Where the Air King is very thick and robust, the Yacht-Master seems flimsy and weak by comparison.

I took a photo to show the two side by side. You can get a good idea from the picture, even if the quality isn't that great. Also, if you hold each bracelet by the clasp and gently give them a twisting motion, the Air King doesn't budge, where the Yacht-Master does.

This quality difference does not extend to the bracelets themselves, as they are both beautiful and equally rugged in feel. I am only referring to the clasps.

Look closely at the picture.

Wondering if anyone else has noticed a difference such as this between different Rolex watches?

[rolexjim]

For some reason I cannot get my picture to link.....back to square one.

[Watchgeek5000]

Is your yachtmaster a 5 digit reference compared to a 6 digit reference airking? If so, there is your answer.

[rolexjim]

Originally Posted by Watchgeek5000

Is your yachtmaster a 5 digit reference compared to a 6 digit reference airking? If so, there is your answer.

Yes sir. What is the relevance? Help me out!

[Watchgeek5000]

Originally Posted by rolexjim

Yes sir. What is the relevance? Help me out!

5 digit reference models had the cheaper old style clasp versus the 6 digit clasps produced in house by Rolex. Unfortunately Yachtmaster were very late in going into the 6 digit reference and receiving the upgraded clasp. I had a G serial number yachtmaster one time with the older clasp.

[rolexjim]

Originally Posted by Watchgeek5000

5 digit reference models had the cheaper old style clasp versus the 6 digit clasps produced in house by Rolex. Unfortunately Yachtmaster were very late in going into the 6 digit reference and receiving the upgraded clasp. I had a G serial number yachtmaster one time with the older clasp.

Thank you for the information. The difference between the two is startling.

[Watchgeek5000]

Originally Posted by rolexjim

Thank you for the information. The difference between the two is startling.

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=416670

[joli160]

Originally Posted by rolexjim

Yes sir. What is the relevance? Help me out!

6 digit comes with newer sturdier feeling clasp. The flimsy clasp, as you call it, is as strong as the newer one and has been around for a mighty long time without problems.
The feeling is worth something imho, so i bought for my 5 digit YM a new clasp

[rolexjim]

Originally Posted by joli160

6 digit comes with newer sturdier feeling clasp. The flimsy clasp, as you call it, is as strong as the newer one and has been around for a mighty long time without problems.
The feeling is worth something imho, so i bought for my 5 digit YM a new clasp

I'll have to take your word on that. It certainly does not seem to be nearly as heavy. It will probably be just fine and I would have never known had I not had my Air King as a "reference".....pun intended!

[Watchgeek5000]

Unfortunately I'm on my iPad now and can't upload pictures to the forum otherwise I would post pictures of the two different clasps on the Yachtmasters. A quick Google search should explain the differences.

[rolexjim]

Thanks. I'll google it myself.
For some reason I cannot get my pictures to link today. No problem though, I'll try again later.

[rolexjim]

Some much to learn.....