93150 Clasp Disassembly

[gfxbt]

Just out of curiosity, can you disassemble a 93150 bracelet clasp? The inner pieces of the clasp (don't know the technical term) are stamped "ROLEX" and one obviously has a date indicator. My clasp was polished by a previous owner, and the coronet is pretty worn down. Do I really need to find a used clasp in good condition with the right date indicator? Or can I simply find a nice looking clasp, then swap out some of the pieces so that it still "has" the right date indicator? The reason I ask is that I really like having a "numbers matching" watch (for you car guys out there). I don't plan on selling the watch, so it really only matters that I know that right date indicator is there (I know, a little overboard, but once again, I come from the car world where there is just something special about knowing your car is numbers matching). Anyone have experience with this? It looks to me like the relevant portion of the clasp is assembled with rivets as opposed to pins, which I'm thinking means that it really isn't possible without damaging the clasp. Thanks!

[Tools]

Well, I'm a little baffled why it is important to you to have a "matching date" on one blade when you would know that the rest of the clasp was from some other time...

In any event, the clasp is riveted together and so the rivets can be punched out and new rivets hammered in place.. You have to have either a rivet machine or enough talent to do the job but it isn't difficult..

[joe100]

As it sits, it's original and functional. Why would you change it? Finding a bracelet for a donor with the correct date stamp and it will cost a LOT. Several hundred dollars and even if you can find a clasp by itself it won't be worth it.

The simple route would be to replace the bracelet entire with a similar date stamp. Remember the case, bracelet, and movement were all made at different times and assembled at different times. The odds of all 3 being made at the same time are remote. So as it stands the numbers are already jumbled

[gfxbt]

Thanks for the input. I know everything was made at a different time and assembled at a different time, I just wouldn't want a clasp with a date stamp that is several years off.

As for the one blade having the correct date stamp but not matching the rest of the clasp, I see it as rebuilding a correct carburetor with a new carburetor kit - the carburetor numbers match, but some of the internals may be new. But again, it is just kind of something that I want that is really irrelevant and I know no one will ever know but me. What can I say, we all have our own quirks haha.

The point is this - if it is likely impossible to find (i.e., finding someone who has a clasp for a watch that is no longer working/destroyed/etc. from the right approximate time period) AND I can't put the correct date stamped blade in a different clasp, then I am going to take my clasp off to keep it as nice as possible and use a non-correct date stamped clasp. If it seems like some day (months, years, whatever) I can find one with the right date stamp OR I can swap the blades I'm going to wear it as is and when I eventually find a new clasp that looks nice buy it and swap the blades (or not swap them if I can get the correct clasp).

Long story short, it sounds like it can be done if you have a rivet gun. Anyone out there actually done it? If so, what kind of success did you have/any special tips or instructions?

[NKflyer]

Originally Posted by gfxbt

Long story short, it sounds like it can be done if you have a rivet gun.

A rivet gun?? Please step away from the toolbox before someone (or your poor watch) gets hurt!

I think if you ask around your town, you will be able to find a jeweler or watchmaker to cobble this project together for you. They have special wire and a jeweler's hammer for making rivets. If you simply must DIY, some supply houses also sell a 3-piece pin with a hollow tube and two end pieces that you tap into place.

[Billywiz]

I thought I was obsessive...dont know why youd want to do this?

[gfxbt]

Originally Posted by NKflyer

A rivet gun?? Please step away from the toolbox before someone (or your poor watch) gets hurt!

haha - I'm used to working on project bigger projects. In retrospect you're right, a "rivet gun" might be a bit aggressive for a watch. I guess I will need some new tools if I pursue this . . . I'll keep you posted if I go for it, although with a lack of positive feedback, probably not worth it.

[Tools]

Originally Posted by gfxbt

haha - I'm used to working on project bigger projects. In retrospect you're right, a "rivet gun" might be a bit aggressive for a watch. I guess I will need some new tools if I pursue this . . . I'll keep you posted if I go for it, although with a lack of positive feedback, probably not worth it.

It shouldn't be a matter of positive feedback.. It should be a matter of what part of the watch hobby/enthusiast that you enjoy..

I wouldn't have an issues with disassembling a broken clasp and welding cracks and breaks, replacing rivets, or hammering out dents - that's something that I enjoy doing.

Others don't want to do more than punch the "buy it now" button on their computer.. Either way you are enjoying a centuries old pastime !! (well, except change foot messenger for computer)

If there is a chance that you might mess it up completely though, you should have a good backup plan..