Thinking about trading up... is it worth it ?

[DAC2]

OK so i have a plat. day date but its got the old style bracelet before the
current redesign. i know that Rolex has changed the clasp to a more substantial one than the one on my earlier model bracelet.

what i have been trying to decide is.... is it worth trading up for another plat. day date with
the newer more solid clasp or should i just stick with what i have.

I REALLY would like that more solid clasp because there have been times
where the old clasp has unexpectedly opened on me and the watch nearly came off my wrist.

the trade up wont be cheap because it involves watches after the new clasp came in in 2003. mine is a 2000. i am just not sure i want to spend the
money on it... but i AM thinking about it.

I wear my watch everyday.... and i am always conscious about the clasp opening up unexpectedly.

would like to know what you think ?

Thanks

[DAC2]

Not sure i posted this right.

[214270Explorer]

If you do not want to buy another new watch, perhaps consider reversing the bracelet so the clasp faces the opposite direction. That way it will not catch and pop open. (Or shouldn't. I assume catching on things is what is popping it open?) If it popping open on its own, it needs a slight 'bending mechanical adjustment' that your local Rolex AD can perform. Proper adjustment will obviate the popping-open situation.

[FTX I]

Originally Posted by DAC2

I REALLY would like that more solid clasp because there have been times
where the old clasp has unexpectedly opened on me and the watch nearly came off my wrist.

.......

I wear my watch everyday.... and i am always conscious about the clasp opening up unexpectedly.

would like to know what you think ?

Thanks

Reason enough to go ahead and do it IMO

[MisterG12]

I have an 18038 and purchased this tool. Works as advertised. No more popping open unexpectedly.

https://www.esslinger.com/watch-clas...xoCIyYQAvD_BwE


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[DAC2]

Originally Posted by 214270Explorer

If you do not want to buy another new watch, perhaps consider reversing the bracelet so the clasp faces the opposite direction. That way it will not catch and pop open. (Or shouldn't. I assume catching on things is what is popping it open?) If it popping open on its own, it needs a slight 'bending mechanical adjustment' that your local Rolex AD can perform. Proper adjustment will obviate the popping-open situation.

no its not catching on anything. THATS the problem. If i move my wrist
a bit too quick it can open. any sharp movement of my forearm can nudge
the bracelet to open.

I am always instinctively pushing at the clasp to make sure its tight in there.
maybe the AD can nudge it a bit so that doesn't happen. i can give it a try.

maybe better to do that first and see how it works.... but i am doubtful really.
I think i need that new clasp... but maybe not. I'll take it to the AD and find out.

[DAC2]

Originally Posted by MisterG12

I have an 18038 and purchased this tool. Works as advertised. No more popping open unexpectedly.

https://www.esslinger.com/watch-clas...xoCIyYQAvD_BwE


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well thats interesting. thanks for the link.
So? you dont have any trouble anymore with unexpected openings?

[Calatrava r]

Wouldn't you have to go 40mm? You have 36mm. I did not see where 36 mm Pt DD is still offered when I looked a while back.

[WatchtraderNY]

Originally Posted by FTX I

Reason enough to go ahead and do it IMO

Agreed!


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[Benzsiam]

I am sure the problem about the clasp should be able to fix by experience watch repair shop.

If you are still happy with that watch, keep it but if you really want a new model, just save more money and acquire from ADs and sell yours later.

[DAC2]

Originally Posted by Calatrava r

Wouldn't you have to go 40mm? You have 36mm. I did not see where 36 mm Pt DD is still offered when I looked a while back.

No i would not have to go up to a 40mm. The 36 in platinum is no longer made but they DID make it with the new style president clasp starting in 2004.

They didnt discontinue the 36mm plat till about 5 years ago i think. Still.... i like the glacier blue color of the dial which has since been replaced with the ice blue color... PLUS... I like the bezel of the 36mm. not a big fan of the 'pie plate' style bezel.

i have not seen the 40mm in person but i would like to at some point.
but you cannot get the 40mm with that glacier blue dial... only ice blue... which really is a different shade of blue.

Maybe if i was to see the watch in person then i would be able to tell
if i liked it. I have talked with a local AD and he said he would ring me up when one came in i could actually look at.

i'll run the watch over to the AD and see what they can do about the clasp.
if they cant sort it out.... then i will think more about getting another 36mm plat. ( pre-owned) with that new clasp.

[MisterG12]

Originally Posted by DAC2

well thats interesting. thanks for the link.
So? you dont have any trouble anymore with unexpected openings?

No sir. Have not had to adjust it again for a long time. Well worth the price.


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[Rado63]

I would suggest you find out if there is an AD near you that provides authorized service. 1. Ask them if they can help you adjust the clasp. 2. Could you update the clasp? Updating may be far less expensive than a new watch. You didn't exactly say you want a DD40. So if you like your watch just pursue a remedy for the clasp.

[DAC2]

Originally Posted by MisterG12

No sir. Have not had to adjust it again for a long time. Well worth the price.


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Thats good to know. I worry about the bracelet coming undone
and the watch falling off my wrist. it almost seems impossible with the weight of solid platinum links that the old style clasp can hold tight.

My first plat had the hollow links.... i didnt seem to have any trouble with that... but the solid links are heavier.... which is maybe why Rolex designed the new clasp in the first place. Especially for people that like to add diamonds.... with even MORE weight. lol

I'll see what the AD has to say about it.

[Zuger]

I would do it for the peace of mind

[DAC2]

Originally Posted by Rado63

I would suggest you find out if there is an AD near you that provides authorized service. 1. Ask them if they can help you adjust the clasp. 2. Could you update the clasp? Updating may be far less expensive than a new watch. You didn't exactly say you want a DD40. So if you like your watch just pursue a remedy for the clasp.

ALREADY done. lol clasp CANNOT be added to the old style bracelet.
Talked directly to Rolex about that weeks ago. Its actually a new bracelet with
links a bit wider so you cannot add that clasp to the old style bracelet.

I do have a local AD i am working with who has an excellent in
house repair guy.

i am not lusting after a 40mm because i am not so crazy about the ice blue dial color or the bezel. At least i THINK i am not interested. lol

That could change if i ever see the watch in person. I just love the subtle blueish green of the glacier blue dial that came on the 36mm.