Most interesting leak!

[sathwik]

Wow wow …. What is this? Seems to be a leaked patent application of a butterfly clasp for an oyster bracelet! Could be for the classic watches like datejust and sky dweller! Or is it for sports models? Either which way this is a game changer ! Looks like a very refined and secure design !







Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[kieselguhr]

One of the reasons I like Rolex/Tudor bracelets is the use of the flip lock clasp design. It’s simple and easy to get the fit that I like.

I’ll reserve judgment until I actually try the Rolex variant but typically i do not like butterfly clasps.

[samuel019]

Hmm

Exciting. I agree does look like a DJ or SkyD clasp.

Rolex releases might be more interesting this year than the usual cosmetic tweaks

[sathwik]

Originally Posted by samuel019

Hmm

Exciting. I agree does look like a DJ or SkyD clasp.

Rolex releases might be more interesting this year than the usual cosmetic tweaks

We don’t know if this is for 2022 models…. Nothing is known about these pictures yet


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[subtona]

Agree Looks like datejust type simple clasp design x2.

Adds twice the moving parts and springs?

[sathwik]

Perhaps this could be for the new day-date 36? We’ve seen previous day-date 36mm on oyster bracelet with hidden clasp…. This could be the newest design for it!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[inadeje]

Very interesting, thanks. A butterfly clasp would be a welcome addition to certain models.

[jamesthejeweller]

Legit

Sent from my SM-N986B using Tapatalk

[CarlOver]

Interesting. Many will like this option. Do butterfly clasps offer any adjustment if on a bracelet? With leather you could just adjust the hole that is used.

[173rdabn]

Quite interesting and rather cool.

[logo]

I don’t like it. Rolex has made do with a flip clasp for 75+ years, I don’t anticipate that changing.

[sleepydoc]

Butterfly clasps have beautiful aesthetics but the one I have (Cartier) does not have any micro adjustment. Very difficult to get a comfortable fit.

[TonyD]

The lift up center section looks like its hiding a Deep Sea style micro adjust. One can only hope. That is my only issue with most bracelets. The easy link is great but the divers adjustability spoils me.

[samuel019]

Originally Posted by sathwik

We don’t know if this is for 2022 models…. Nothing is known about these pictures yet


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Correct

Could be years. Could be never.

I was just being hopeful Rolex might release a new model with this new clasp design, if real, versus countless years of releases with just cosmetic/color/size changes.

Last truly new watch was the SkyD and if I remember correctly there leaks of patents right around the time it was released.

[samuel019]

FWIW this patent leak is far more exciting/interesting than the ones talking about new RG Sub , DD, etc

[JodyHighroller]

Looks great! If they bring out adjustability like the VC Overseas butterfly clasp that would be even better. I don’t see any on the fly adjustment in these schematics.

I highly doubt this this will replace the Oysterlock (flip lock) clasp that is associated with professional models. If anything, the oyster bracelet could make a come back on the Day-Dates and this would be the new clasp.

[logo]

Originally Posted by JodyHighroller

Looks great! If they bring out adjustability like the VC Overseas bracelet that would be even better. I don’t see any on the fly adjustment in these schematics.

I highly doubt this this will replace the Oysterlock (flip lock) clasp that is associated with professional models. If anything, the oyster bracelet could make a come back on the Day-Dates and this would be the new clasp.

I’d think if they really wanted butterfly they’d make it hidden, like most butterfly designs from AP, PP, VC etc. If it’s going to “look” like a flip lock clasp for a sport watch, as all Rolex are in essence, just keep it as such. The only design/engineering reason I can think of for a butterfly that looks like a sport-style flip clasp is if there are micro adjusts on both sides so that one side of the bracelet doesn’t become longer than the other when opened up for wearing over a dive suit.

[Chewbacca]

Good catch op.

One caveat; Rolex has thousands of ideas patented or applied for patents which rarely make it past this.

[sathwik]

It is possible to integrate easy link 5mm adjustment to both sides of this butterfly clasp. See the picture carefully, it can be integrated easily… this is really the a bold new step in many years for the brand.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[sathwik]

Originally Posted by Chewbacca

Good catch op.

One caveat; Rolex has thousands of ideas patented or applied for patents which rarely make it past this.

Agree


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[rmwill]

Very true. My employer obtains thousands of patents every year and only a tiny fraction ever get put into a product. Same with Apple.

Originally Posted by Chewbacca

Good catch op.

One caveat; Rolex has thousands of ideas patented or applied for patents which rarely make it past this.

[Chewbacca]

Originally Posted by sathwik

Agree


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Originally Posted by rmwill

Very true. My employer obtains thousands of patents every year and only a tiny fraction ever get put into a product. Same with Apple.

Companies also do this to passively warn others in their space that if you encroach, we’ll make it expensive or beat you to it, even if there’s no reason. These industrial ideas for watches are close knit. Word gets out. Lawyers get to work.

[RayRay89]

Wasn’t the Cellini prince with the same buckle?

[rmwill]

Look what Rolex attorneys did to La Californienne prior to the launch of the color dial OP's Now they are reduced to selling straps and an outsourced microbrand watch. Ouch.

https://www.jckonline.com/editorial-...californienne/

Originally Posted by Chewbacca

Companies also do this to passively warn others in their space that if you encroach, we’ll make it expensive or beat you to it, even if there’s no reason. These industrial ideas for watches are close knit. Word gets out. Lawyers get to work.

[LouG]

Truly excellent !

A new butterfly clasp for all the Rolexes never to be obtainable at your local Rolex Authorized Dealer....

[TimeAZ]

Looks extremely well engineered, like all of Rolex clasps and bracelets. I am generally not a fan of butterfly deployants but I am sure this one will take the cake in terms of quality, robustness, and execution.

Based on the figure, looks like there are micro-adjustment spots on each side. That's a great move, but it looks like you'll need a tool. Would have been nice to have double sided tool-less easy links

[dannyp]

I’d have guessed this was intended to go on a new generation of PM models on OF bands; perhaps a DD40?

[StanGMT]

Originally Posted by TimeAZ

Looks extremely well engineered, like all of Rolex clasps and bracelets. I am generally not a fan of butterfly deployants but I am sure this one will take the cake in terms of quality, robustness, and execution.

Based on the figure, looks like there are micro-adjustment spots on each side. That's a great move, but it looks like you'll need a tool. Would have been nice to have double sided tool-less easy links

As a retired consultant mechanical engineer, to my mind it looks like a case of over-design gone mad - it's a watch clasp for goodness sake! There's so much in there that can/will go wrong over, say, fifty years. My 1960s Jubilee clasp is a very basic clip action, but reliable, hard-wearing and very effective after all these years. And adjustment is easy.

Stan.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by subtona

Agree Looks like datejust type simple clasp design x2.

Adds twice the moving parts and springs?

Less is more, I agree

[ltmgeller]

I’d like to see it in person before passing judgement. I wonder how many patients they’ve filed without actually manufacturing the patented item.