The Achilles' Heel in older Rolex models!!

[JJ Irani]

Hi guys,

And this one goes out to all the vintage Rolex owners like Mike, Dennis, Padi, Rusi, David (Subfiend) and others.

I'm talking about the connecting hinge pin between the two clasps (see pic below). In the past, the pin was STRAIGHT, i.e. no knobs at the end (as in this pic) to prevent the pin from slipping out. Older models had this dangerous problem 'cause if the pin fell out, you could lose the watch as the bracelet would simply fall apart.

Rolex seem to have solved this problem now. But my question is have any of you guys faced this and, if so, how have you managed to "cure" the problem?

Thanks - JJ

[ginzo]

On my 1977 GMT I have replaced the oringinal with a 1986 #93150 locking clasp.

[mike]

Yes I am and thank you JJ for bringing this up!!
Indeed it is something anyone thinking about a vintage piece should be aware of.
Part of my "check list" on a vintage piece for possible purchase is an inspection of the bracelet. I have two clasps sitting in my "parts bin" with just this problem.

[JJ Irani]

Originally Posted by mike

Yes I am and thank you JJ for bringing this up!!
Indeed it is something anyone thinking about a vintage piece should be aware of.
Part of my "check list" on a vintage piece for possible purchase is an inspection of the bracelet. I have two clasps sitting in my "parts bin" with just this problem.

Thanks, Mike.

My wife almost lost her very first TT DJ (purchased in 1980) because of this very problem. The pin had like slipped out half way....and luckily she noticed it and just pushed it back in with her thumb nail.

Got it properly "pressed" at a local AD, but it was always a "doubtful" thing that left her pretty uncomfortable at most times. That's when she decided to trade-up to a more modern TT DJ in 1991 which she held on to for 13 long years. Now, of course, she has the very reliable TT YM.

JJ

[JJ Irani]

I'd really like to hear what the other vintage enthusiasts like Padi, Rusi, David and Dennis have to say about this problem.

JJ

[maverick]

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

I'd really like to hear what the other vintage enthusiasts like Padi, Rusi, David and Dennis have to say about this problem.

JJ

Hi JJ, sorry I missed your Skype this morning.
Yes, they can slip out and when I read this I looked at my 1675 and the pin was about 1/8th of an inch out. I just slipped it back in flush.
With my vintage watches I check the screws and things like that every once in a while.
That is a great tip for everyone. Thanks, JJ. =) maverick

[padi56]

Well not really a problem JJ and yes it sometimes happens but most vintage owners are fully aware and it can be rectified.But when you think how often some of these vintage bracelets were worn.And then they were worn and used, not adorned, and pampered, like many of todays modern Rolex watches,christ some today are afraid to get them wet.And as for the bracelet failure well have only heard of a very very small portion.Like everything made today its possible to break,but if properly maintained they last as long as the modern day equivalent

[mike]

Originally Posted by padi56

But when you think how often some of these vintage bracelets were worn.And then they were worn and used, not adorned, and pampered, like many of todays modern Rolex watches,christ some today are afraid to get them wet.

Well said padi!!! Back when they were tool watches!!!

[miner]

JJ
You mean like this



I am just careful but it has never let me down yet and me and this GMT have been to lots of places.

[JJ Irani]

Originally Posted by miner

JJ
You mean like this



I am just careful but it has never let me down yet and me and this GMT have been to lots of places.

Yes, yes...that's EXACTLY it!!! But how can you say that it has never let you down yet?

You do realise that you're walking on very thin ice with that silly thing capable of slipping out any damn time? I think you should get it "pressed" in properly by your local watchmaker. Just a very stupid system and how Rolex couldn't have forseen this problem even back then, I fail to understand.

As I said, Zemina almost lost her watch because of this same problem. In her case, the pin was almost HALF way out before she noticed it in the nick of time and pushed it back home with her fingernail.

Thank the Lord, Rolex have now solved this problem by incorporating bulbous ends to this pin which prevents slipping through either end.

JJ

[mailman]

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

Thank the Lord, Rolex have now solved this problem by incorporating bulbous ends to this pin which prevents slipping through either end.

JJ

So they match your rather bulbous head

[miner]

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

Yes, yes...that's EXACTLY it!!! But how can you say that it has never let you down yet?

You do realise that you're walking on very thin ice with that silly thing capable of slipping out any damn time? I think you should get it "pressed" in properly by your local watchmaker. Just a very stupid system and how Rolex couldn't have forseen this problem even back then, I fail to understand.

As I said, Zemina almost lost her watch because of this same problem. In her case, the pin was almost HALF way out before she noticed it in the nick of time and pushed it back home with her fingernail.

Thank the Lord, Rolex have now solved this problem by incorporating bulbous ends to this pin which prevents slipping through either end.

JJ

I agree with your comments on the design but with the clasp closed there's enough tension on the joint to keep the pin in place. The pin only moves when the clasp is undone. I've never had to push the pin in when wearing the watch.

But I'll certainly get it looked at next time I pass by the AD.

[RogerF]

One thing that you have too realize is that all clasps have a pin holding it together. Even the newer solid clasps found on new DJs, the Daytona, new GMT etc have a pin like the above. Actually the pin on my Daytona is smaller than the only on my SD clasp

[JJ Irani]

Originally Posted by RogerF

One thing that you have too realize is that all clasps have a pin holding it together. Even the newer solid clasps found on new DJs, the Daytona, new GMT etc have a pin like the above. Actually the pin on my Daytona is smaller than the only on my SD clasp

Agreed, Roger, but now the pins have a head at either end, so it's locked into place....no way can it slip out.

The older construction (as is evident from the pics) was stupid and oh so non-technical!!! I know what I'm saying when I say Zemina almost lost her first watch!!!

[rusi]

Hi, JJ,
Thanks for mentioning me as a vintage collector. Its thanks to you that I found my true place in a rolex forum & then things have never looked back for me.
Padi , Mike are right when they say that we use our bracelets very carefully.
My experience has never been a bad as Zeminas. I have many vintage rolexs & I wear them regularly, but I always check my bracelet mainly the spring bars,(they are more prone to wear than any other parts) and sometimes the clasp connecting hinge pins & links too.
Most of my vintage subs, expl.II have 93150s. My other bracelets 9315,7836,7206, I use very carefully.

[mike]

Originally Posted by rusi

Most of my vintage subs, expl.II have 93150s. My other bracelets 9315,7836,7206, I use very carefully.

Spot on rusi!!
It's nice to have the period correct bracelets,but for every day use the 93150 and 78360 are sweet!

My older bracelets spend most of their time in the box.