Rolex Seadweller Flip Lock detachment

[rog_litton]

I own a Rolex Seadweller late 90's model. Just had it serviced in August 2022 by Rolex UK, so it is still within the 2 year service guarantee.

Just before Christmas 2023, I noticed that the flip lock on the clasp had detached on one side. The pin that usually holds it to the clasp has disappeared. Images attached.

Is this something that can be replaced by Rolex, and if so, do you know how much this would cost. Wondering if they are only going to be able to replace/sell me the whole clasp and not repair what looks like a replacement pin.

Thanks

[whatsthetime?]

Originally Posted by rog_litton

The pin that usually holds it to the clasp has disappeared.

You can clearly see the end of the pin where the flip lock attaches.

[rog_litton]

Sorry, meant the end of the pin. So it may be a question of removing the entire pin and replacing?

[Pepperjack]

The safety clasp is held in with a riveted pin. If the holes aren't too worn, likely just a new pin will be riveted in place. The holes on the safety clasp are sometimes too worn to reuse, in which case the safety clasp will need replacement.

[whatsthetime?]

Looks to me as if the entire pin shifted downward (loose crimp) being you can only see the step-down of the pin at the top where the flip lock would attach--whereas you can see the entire pin iat the bottom with the flip lock hole attached to the step-down in the pin.

[subtona]

I believe that part of the clasp is held on by a rivet.


Could go to an independent and see what they can do. It is a secondary clasp and not critical (but nice) to the watch security.

Rolex solution I expect will be to replace the clasp.











…if not the entire bracelet, if not the most of the watch.

[CTech]

There are many suppliers of replacement pins for the fliplock clasp pivot and a good watchmaker should be able to source the correct one for your bracelet.

They generally are a central tube with two reduced diameter end plugs that are a slight interference fit into the tube, so replacing the pin with a simple rivet isn't the way to go.

They look like this but it is important to get the right one for the bracelet as some of the dimensions differ between bracelet models:

[Pepperjack]

Originally Posted by CTech

replacing the pin with a simple rivet isn't the way to go.

The part you have pictured is pretty good, especially for a DIY fix; I've used those plenty on non-Rolex repairs. Just to be clear, though, the Rolex safety is held in place by a simple riveted pin. I don't recommend doing that yourself unless you have experience peening.

[CTech]

This looks like a genuine Rolex part with a pin. Is this how they come with one end already formed so you just have to peen over one end?

[Pepperjack]

Originally Posted by CTech

This looks like a genuine Rolex part with a pin. Is this how they come with one end already formed so you just have to peen over one end?

Yep, that's how they arrive. The pins are also available in packs of 5 if that's all you need. Sometimes the hole in the fliplock is worn enough that the rivet head can pass right through it;.

[CTech]

Thanks, good to know there are better options available than the 3-piece replacement set.