uh oh...

[Big Ten Chief]

First post! Unfortunately it's a sad one.

So I bought my first rolex (non-date sub) in July. Yesterday, when i was getting out of a cab, my bag got caught on my watch and the clasp popped open. It appears fine, but there's something wrong:

you know when you put the sub on, you first pop in the thicker part of the bracelet? the next step is the little clasp that folds over and locks the bracelet shut. well, step 1 is no longer locking in. since step 2 works, my watch still functions fine. it's just bothering me knowing i spend $4,500 on a watch and it doesn't feel perfect. thoughts? i can post pictures if im not being detailed enough. forgive my lack of watch jargon.

[daunwaun]

The clasp(part one has probably been strched open. I feel sorry for you man, take it into the AD and they can definantly fix it!

[SPACE-DWELLER]

Welcome to TRF!

It appears that the two inner slightly bent plates of sheet metal have been been straightened by the accident.

You would need to RESHAPE the blade that attaches DIRECTLY (but NEVER the second blade!!) to the bracelet to fit the curve of your wrist.

When you have done that (the sheet metal is easy to reshape with your bare hands!), it should work again.

[JJ Irani]

Originally Posted by Big Ten Chief

First post! Unfortunately it's a sad one.

So I bought my first rolex (non-date sub) in July. Yesterday, when i was getting out of a cab, my bag got caught on my watch and the clasp popped open. It appears fine, but there's something wrong:

you know when you put the sub on, you first pop in the thicker part of the bracelet? the next step is the little clasp that folds over and locks the bracelet shut. well, step 1 is no longer locking in. since step 2 works, my watch still functions fine. it's just bothering me knowing i spend $4,500 on a watch and it doesn't feel perfect. thoughts? i can post pictures if im not being detailed enough. forgive my lack of watch jargon.

Welcome to TRF, Chief!!

Don't try to do anything on your own. Just take it back to the AD and he'll fix it while you wait.

Good luck - JJ

[roadcarver]

The inner part of the clasp appears to be misaligned.

[madformac]

JJ's right Chief. Take it to the AD in your area and they will sort it out pretty quickly. Its not a major problem at all and can be fixed easily. If its scratched too it should be fine for them to brush and polish out, unless there are any deep ones.

Congratulations on a fine watch too.

I'm a big fan of the No Date Sub, IMO the original and best Submariner (I've owned the Date Sub and it doesn't feel the same on the wrist). The ND Sub and Explorer II are far more comfortable to wear.

[Big Ten Chief]

wow, thanks a lot guys. that was a quick response. so they can usually do it at the AD without shipping out my baby? also, you think there will be any cost?

[Tools]

Big,
Easy fix...Don't sweat it....

Spacey is right (sort of) - of course so is JJ if you aren't up to the task..

The clasp is a friction fit and it's construction is basic geometry..

If you look at the sheet metal clamshell that fits against your wrist you will notice they are two arcs one on top of the other..

The inner arc is shorter (mathematically) than the outer arc, but both arcs are anchored at a single end; so the tighter the bend, the longer the inner piece becomes (tighter arc, shorter diameter) in relation to the outer piece (longer arc)

A slightly tighter bend in the clamshell results in a tighter fit since the inner arc is shorter but the metal pieces are the same length, so as the outer arc increases, the piece appears to shorten in relation to the other.. The clasp is attached to the outer so it moves in concert with the outer arc..

A looser fit (of the clasp) is achieved by taking out some of the arc,.

I hope that's perfectly clear now...

[Downing]

Originally Posted by Big Ten Chief

First post! Unfortunately it's a sad one.

Shew! I was prepared to read something awful had happened.

Nothing sad about this post. In fact, it just shows what a fine watch you have as it's so easily fixed.

Welcome to TRF. Next time, bring pictures!

[yachtsales]

I actually bent a link on my TT blue sub. Unfortunatly in my area (Southeaster Virginia) all of the ADs dont have a dogone qualified Rolex person on staff. They had to send it to Rolex (NO ROLEX FOR 3 WEEKS!!) Sorry, hope you get it fixed soon!