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Rolexsub16610 · 2 April 2011, 02:49 AM

Hi, new member here.
Some friend of mine said rolex use spot welding on their super jubilees and new oyster bracelets? To be precise, spot welds are used to hook up the new clasps ( glidelock and easylink) and the bracelet. Is this true? If so, can you provide some photos showing the spot welds? Thanks

Rabanjr · 2 April 2011, 02:58 AM

It is true for the GMTII C.

Rolexsub16610 · 2 April 2011, 03:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rabanjr

It is true for the GMTII C.

Thanks. Well i am surprised. Why didn't rolex make them machined just like the old classics? Is spot welding more solid? Or cheaper to make? Or what?
I always thought spot welding is not very technologically advanced, or i could be wrong? Can anyone enlighten me?

Tools · 2 April 2011, 03:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rolexsub16610

Thanks. Well i am surprised. Why didn't rolex make them machined just like the old classics? Is spot welding more solid? Or cheaper to make? Or what?
I always thought spot welding is not very technologically advanced, or i could be wrong? Can anyone enlighten me?

It sounds like your "friends" are using spot welded clasps as implying that this would be somehow inferior to some other brand.....

If you look at the diagram, you will see that the engineering of this advanced clasp requires many different parts that must be joined to make a solid and functional piece.. "Spot welding" is a generic term for the joining of two pieces of metal and is a well known manufacturing technique..

Name: GMT%20IIc%20Clasp.jpg
Views: 499
Size: 80.7 KB

Name: GMT%20IIc%20Clasp.jpg
Views: 499
Size: 80.7 KB

Rolexsub16610 · 2 April 2011, 03:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tools

It sounds like your "friends" are using spot welded clasps as implying that this would be somehow inferior to some other brand.....

If you look at the diagram, you will see that the engineering of this advanced clasp requires many different parts that must be joined to make a solid and functional piece.. "Spot welding" is a generic term for the joining of two pieces of metal and is a well known manufacturing technique..

Attachment 197217

Thanks so much tools. Pls don't get me wrong. No one is saying it's Inferior using spot welding. What i am saying is, given how advanced and how many moving parts the new clasp is made from. Why did rolex choose to go for spot welding instead of machined ? As you can see from the diagram, The new advanced easylink clasp is spot welded to the bracelet just above number 4 there. Since rolex used so much resource to develops and manufacture the new clasp, perhaps they could have went the extra step and consolidate the clasp and the bracelet using a more sophisticated method?

Danand · 2 April 2011, 04:37 AM

Since when is that an easy link? And how would you machine a piece like that? How incredibly expensive would that be? Or would you cast a piece to be machine finished?
Seems the Engineering of it works very nicely as is so what is the problem?

Michael M. · 2 April 2011, 04:40 AM

Cool diagram!

Medtech · 2 April 2011, 04:41 AM

When the Sub-C first came out we saw maybe 1 or 2 postings about failures at a weld spot. I think it was where piece #1 joins the lug holes of piece #6. Anyway, they were isolated issues and I'm sure they have been addressed by Rolex by now.

ArcticMoose · 2 April 2011, 04:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Danand

How incredibly expensive would that be?

I think it is a valid question, considering Rolex says stuff like: "Is any measure too extreme for enduring beauty?"

That said, I have yet to see photo evidence of one of the shattered bezels or broken spot welds people keep griping about.

Jocke · 2 April 2011, 04:46 AM

I have some welding spots on my one, but I can't blame Rolex for that.

Danand · 2 April 2011, 04:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jocke

I have some welding spots on my one, but I can't blame Rolex for that.

And that is a very exclusive and special anti reflective treatment on the crystal!

Medtech · 2 April 2011, 04:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jocke

I have some welding spots on my one, but I can't blame Rolex for that.

Hey, that's the BEFORE shot, you should show the AFTER shot as well.

1675-David · 2 April 2011, 04:53 AM

Jocke you weld with Rolex on??

Thats bad...

GeoGio Greece · 2 April 2011, 05:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jocke

I have some welding spots on my one, but I can't blame Rolex for that.

Jocke,

It is well known that Rolex SA follows closely this forum to monitor the trends of the market.

After seeing your technique on the weld spots and the appreciation they had from all forum members, the Rolex CEO gave the new model Production Vice President the order ” Design a spot welded watch”

This is the true story behind this achievement.

Jocke · 2 April 2011, 05:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1675-David

Jocke you weld with Rolex on??

Thats bad...

Someone have to do it.

Jocke · 2 April 2011, 05:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Medtech

Hey, that's the BEFORE shot, you should show the AFTER shot as well.

Here you have how it looks at my home a regular Sunday.

Cleaning my beater

GeoGio Greece · 2 April 2011, 05:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jocke

Here you have how it looks at my home a regular Sunday.

Cleaning my beater

Ebruner · 2 April 2011, 05:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Medtech

When the Sub-C first came out we saw maybe 1 or 2 postings about failures at a weld spot. I think it was where piece #1 joins the lug holes of piece #6. Anyway, they were isolated issues and I'm sure they have been addressed by Rolex by now.

Actually it was when the GMT2C can out that there was a buzz about broken welds. I seem to remember MAYBE 2 or 3 verifiable cases. The noise seems to have dies down a bit now. All current Rolex clasps, except the SUB without date, have welded pieces on one side of the clasp.

-Eddie

SPARTAN2161 · 2 April 2011, 05:58 AM

JOCKE!!!! omg those photos made me sick. but awesome cleaning job! looks new again! that was a lot of dirt in there.

CashGap · 2 April 2011, 06:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jocke

Here you have how it looks at my home a regular Sunday.

Cleaning my beater

Jocke, do you recommend the EMMI-5 cleaner? Seems well-made and reasonably priced...

Thanks

Rolexsub16610 · 2 April 2011, 01:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Danand

Since when is that an easy link? And how would you machine a piece like that? How incredibly expensive would that be? Or would you cast a piece to be machine finished?
Seems the Engineering of it works very nicely as is so what is the problem?

Just calm down my friend, I've only asked ONE question, instead of answering, you asked another FIVE. That's silly.

Dweller of the Sea · 2 April 2011, 07:49 PM

There has been some problems with their spot welding

tomallen · 2 April 2011, 09:04 PM

Looking at my two Sub Cs and my GMTII C I would say that the joints are brazed. As a toolmaker by trade machining that piece from solid stock would be possible but cost prohibitive and very weak. More than likely the joints would break off during the drilling and reaming operations. I would estimate better than a 50% scrap yield. If a blank was hot forged then machined the piece will be stronger but a different material would have to be used. 904 stainless is not the easiest material to work with. I venture the long piece is cold stamped (coined) laser engraved and polished. The two small pieces are cut from bar stock the holes wire EDM in and brazed to the long piece then align reamed. If you want to question the engineering department at Rolex that produces 700,000 + mechanical marvels annually and has been doing so for a long time, over a couple of rumors of a failure at a weld joint be my guest.

tomallen · 2 April 2011, 09:11 PM

Look at the posted pictures. judging by the the condition of the clasp it looks more like abuse than a manufacturing failure.

ArcticMoose · 2 April 2011, 09:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tomallen

If you want to question the engineering department at Rolex that produces 700,000 + mechanical marvels annually and has been doing so for a long time, over a couple of rumors of a failure at a weld joint be my guest.

Rabanjr · 2 April 2011, 09:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tomallen

Look at the posted pictures. judging by the the condition of the clasp it looks more like abuse than a manufacturing failure.

Yep. I always thought that the clasp in those pictures looked beat up. And it's always the same pictures also.

Jocke · 2 April 2011, 10:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CashGap

Jocke, do you recommend the EMMI-5 cleaner? Seems well-made and reasonably priced...

Thanks

It's a great cleaner for that price, I've got mine from Germany and it works great like other german products.

Danand · 3 April 2011, 12:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rolexsub16610

Just calm down my friend, I've only asked ONE question, instead of answering, you asked another FIVE. That's silly.

No it's too much coffee!!!!

2 April 2011, 04:46 AM	#10
Jocke 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Real Name: Jocke Location: Sweden Watch: A dozen of Rolex's Posts: 22,541	I have some welding spots on my one, but I can't blame Rolex for that. __________________ This message is written in perfect swenglish. What is best a custom Rolex or a Rolex that is stuck in custom? Buy a professional camera and you´re a professional photographer, buy a flute and you own a flute.

2 April 2011, 09:04 PM	#23
tomallen 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Real Name: Tom Location: Connecticut Watch: Rolex SubC,GMTIIC Posts: 966	Looking at my two Sub Cs and my GMTII C I would say that the joints are brazed. As a toolmaker by trade machining that piece from solid stock would be possible but cost prohibitive and very weak. More than likely the joints would break off during the drilling and reaming operations. I would estimate better than a 50% scrap yield. If a blank was hot forged then machined the piece will be stronger but a different material would have to be used. 904 stainless is not the easiest material to work with. I venture the long piece is cold stamped (coined) laser engraved and polished. The two small pieces are cut from bar stock the holes wire EDM in and brazed to the long piece then align reamed. If you want to question the engineering department at Rolex that produces 700,000 + mechanical marvels annually and has been doing so for a long time, over a couple of rumors of a failure at a weld joint be my guest. __________________ Unless you are the lead dog the scenery never changes

2 April 2011, 09:11 PM	#24
tomallen 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Real Name: Tom Location: Connecticut Watch: Rolex SubC,GMTIIC Posts: 966	Look at the posted pictures. judging by the the condition of the clasp it looks more like abuse than a manufacturing failure. __________________ Unless you are the lead dog the scenery never changes

2 April 2011, 02:49 AM	#1
Rolexsub16610 Banned Join Date: Apr 2011 Real Name: Dr. Chang Location: Sydney Watch: 16610, 16622 Posts: 34	Please clarify....spot welding on rolex clasp? Hi, new member here. Some friend of mine said rolex use spot welding on their super jubilees and new oyster bracelets? To be precise, spot welds are used to hook up the new clasps ( glidelock and easylink) and the bracelet. Is this true? If so, can you provide some photos showing the spot welds? Thanks

2 April 2011, 02:58 AM	#2
Rabanjr "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: NOVA Posts: 47	It is true for the GMTII C.

2 April 2011, 04:37 AM	#6
Danand "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Real Name: Jonathan Location: Ottawa Watch: 116610LN Posts: 1,246	Since when is that an easy link? And how would you machine a piece like that? How incredibly expensive would that be? Or would you cast a piece to be machine finished? Seems the Engineering of it works very nicely as is so what is the problem?

2 April 2011, 04:40 AM	#7
Michael M. Banned Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Newport Beach, CA Posts: 8,391	Cool diagram!

2 April 2011, 04:41 AM	#8
Medtech Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: West-siide! Watch: it buddy! Posts: 334	When the Sub-C first came out we saw maybe 1 or 2 postings about failures at a weld spot. I think it was where piece #1 joins the lug holes of piece #6. Anyway, they were isolated issues and I'm sure they have been addressed by Rolex by now.

2 April 2011, 04:53 AM	#13
1675-David "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Stockholm Posts: 6,061	Jocke you weld with Rolex on?? Thats bad...

2 April 2011, 05:58 AM	#19
SPARTAN2161 Banned Join Date: Feb 2010 Real Name: Nick H. Location: Amherst, NY Watch: me flip Posts: 1,901	JOCKE!!!! omg those photos made me sick. but awesome cleaning job! looks new again! that was a lot of dirt in there.

2 April 2011, 07:49 PM	#22
Dweller of the Sea "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: EU Watch: ing TRF Posts: 576	There has been some problems with their spot welding

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