I finally learned to appreciate the flip lock clasp

[jshepard]

Between Omega and Rolex, I've always thought Omega had a better clasp mainly because of the button-release mechanism. I've always thought it was superior because it was "high tech" compared to the primitive design of the Flip-Lock clasp. However, today at work I had my Speedmaster on bracelet and I almost dropped it when the clasp disengaged when one of the buttons hit the gurney I was lifting. Good thing I noticed it dangling from my wrist before I let go of the gurney handle. I guess "high tech" isn't always an advantage over a simple design. My flip lock has never disengaged on me accidentally. Looks like my Speedy is going back to my non-OEM leather strap on tang buckle for a bit.

[gr33n]

This old flip lock, when you look at it seriously, is a real marvel. The degree of adjustment, the fact that everything is bombproof and would work under a ton of sand, lightness, aesthetics, i much prefer the "old" fliplock over the new one.

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by gr33n

This old flip lock, when you look at it seriously, is a real marvel. The degree of adjustment, the fact that everything is bombproof and would work under a ton of sand, lightness, aesthetics, i much prefer the "old" fliplock over the new one.

I like it better too, although I believe it's called an Oysterlock if it's not on a Submariner or Sea-Dweller.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

I like it better too, although I believe it's called an Oysterlock if it's not on a Submariner or Sea-Dweller.

That's correct and being more technical with more moving parts is not always better like on the new clasps.Its like today some have a fixation that heavier more complicated is always better but afraid this in not always the case.Been wearing and often abusing my watches with the flip lock clasp for 30 plus years never had a clasp fail or one open yet.

[lapince]

Don't like very much the old oyster clasps, for me it's what stopped me many years from getting a sub, when they released the new system I went looking for one immediately, the quality is way better and practically no risk of it opening by itself, I have on my Cartier Santos Dumont more or less the same kind of clasps as on older subs, it's really not the same quality...

[HogwldFLTR]

KISS is the operating principle and the old clasp is a perfect deign. High tech isn't always an improvement imho. It's all fun and games until there is a loose screw and there are plenty around here.

[anothernewphone]

Any mention of the fliplock clasp will quickly enter a "new vs old" discussion, where people say the old clasp is better than the new ones because it's simple and won't break like the new ones. I haven't anyone posting that their Glidelock clasp failed on them, just the occasional screw backing out.

[tkerrmd]

have both, old is good new is better

[donq]

The issue I've run in to with the Omega clasp is that it will open with a firm tug regardless of the buttons being pressed. Give it a quick yank and its open. It's happened to me on a few occasions, such as a motorcycle accident and just horsing around wrestling.

My Rolex flip-lock has never done this...

Add to that the lack of fine adjustment on the Omega and I'll take a "tuna can" anytime.

[subtona]

...and the angels sang

[angriffnole]

Originally Posted by padi56

That's correct and being more technical with more moving parts is not always better like on the new clasps.Its like today some have a fixation that heavier more complicated is always better but afraid this in not always the case.Been wearing and often abusing my watches with the flip lock clasp for 30 plus years never had a clasp fail or one open yet.

Thats the first thing I had to learn when I started looking for my first Rolex years ago. Every watch I had Seiko, Citizen and others, were much heavier. At first I thought the Rolex felt a little cheap. But then I learned and realized that lighter actually meant built better, for Rolex anyway. It took me a long time to get used to the weight thing.

[cop414]

I love my Seamaster but it is the only clasp that I've had come open on me. The omega spring kind of lost its tension and the clasp came undone. I was able to do a very quick fix on it by slightly stretching it back with a dental pick but still it did happen.

[JP Chestnut]

Originally Posted by padi56

That's correct and being more technical with more moving parts is not always better like on the new clasps.

It's true. The new ones are lovely, novel, and held together by a tiny bit of wielding/solder. They're also hugely expensive to replace.

[FTX I]

The clasp spring is the problem.

[datejusting]

Originally Posted by gr33n

This old flip lock, when you look at it seriously, is a real marvel. The degree of adjustment, the fact that everything is bombproof and would work under a ton of sand, lightness, aesthetics, i much prefer the "old" fliplock over the new one.

I agree with you 100%!