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Roly25 · 22 July 2019, 11:39 AM

I'm the proud owner of a couple of Rolex 5 digit models and I was wondering how reliable are the clasps from the 90s and 00s? Mine are in good shape so far, but do people have experience with them actually failing once they get too old?

GB-man · 22 July 2019, 11:41 AM

My experience and guess is that your wrist is more likely to fail than the clasp. Is there a specific area of concern for you? Let me rephrase..do you dive with them?

Roly25 · 22 July 2019, 11:45 AM

No concern just curious. I have a 2006 14060M and a 1996 16710 Pepsi. Both are desk divers. Actually I just had Michael Young redo my Pepsi bracelet and he did an amazing job!

I was thinking about the wear and tear the claps face and didn't know if they were also prone to failure. I know without proper care/cleanings the bands can stretch. As in my 90s Pepsi before MY restored it.

donq · 22 July 2019, 11:52 AM

Mine are 20, 35 and 41 years old and seem to be doing just fine...

GB-man · 22 July 2019, 11:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roly25

No concern just curious. I have a 2006 14060M and a 1996 16710 Pepsi. Both are desk divers. Actually I just had Michael Young redo my Pepsi bracelet and he did an amazing job!

I was thinking about the wear and tear the claps face and didn't know if they were also prone to failure. I know without proper care/cleanings the bands can stretch. As in my 90s Pepsi before MY restored it.

Sounds like you are on top of it. Lets hear what the other gents have to say

ras47 · 22 July 2019, 01:16 PM

2000 (P-serial) 16710 BLRO with the original oyster bracelet. Clasp is still strong and tight.

Onikage · 22 July 2019, 02:15 PM

I think the updates were more to shut Omega fanboys up than to improve durability/lessen failiure rate.

faimag · 22 July 2019, 02:53 PM

They are durable enough given that you can find them in 4 digit watches from the 1960-1970s as well :)

Monte Cristo · 22 July 2019, 05:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by faimag

They are durable enough given that you can find them in 4 digit watches from the 1960-1970s as well :)

So true

Andad · 22 July 2019, 05:41 PM

My ‘71 DJ clasp is working just fine.

Onequik135i · 22 July 2019, 09:28 PM

P 16710 & Z Anniversary Sub, no issues here. Both lock into place as if like new.

beshannon · 22 July 2019, 09:31 PM

Never had any problems with mine and neither does my son who has the watch now, a 15 year old 14060M

Chester01 · 22 July 2019, 10:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roly25

I'm the proud owner of a couple of Rolex 5 digit models and I was wondering how reliable are the clasps from the 90s and 00s? Mine are in good shape so far, but do people have experience with them actually failing once they get too old?

20 years in with my 16610. Worn in conditions 90% of folks in here would have run screaming for their gshocks or seikos and no issue. The 5 digit bracelet is every bit as strong as the new version, period. The heavier links used in the new bracelets add heft which people associate with luxury but add no functional utility just added bulk. The pins that hold the bracelet together are the same in both versions and also the weak point in both not the clasp.

77T · 22 July 2019, 11:20 PM

The clasps for 5 digit models have a single wear & tear item worth mentioning. But before going into that, there is a difference in tuna clasps vs. the sports models with a fold over keeper.

The tuna clasp has blades that can become mis-shapened and make the “click” a loose one. Then it can come open if caught on something. The sports clasps don’t have that issue of course.

The wear & tear item is the thin riveted pin holding the blades together and the similar ones in either end of the clasp. They last 20+ years with normal use. But if you’re buying vintage 4 or 5-digit models, it’s worth an inspection before using one in daily wear.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

Pacha · 23 July 2019, 12:13 AM

A couple of years ago I had the clasp on a 93160 fail, the steel around the end pin hole enlarged and the pin fell out. This was after more then 30 years of almost daily use! I had a spare 93160A I’d picked up new at a local AD many years ago for around $450 and now use that. The 93160 went to MY and now looks and works like new.

mjclark32 · 23 July 2019, 12:17 AM

I’ve been beating the crap out of my M serial 16610 for over 8 years now and it’s working perfectly

jimcameron · 23 July 2019, 12:56 AM

16800 bought in July, 1985, clasp and bracelet as good as new.

sensui · 23 July 2019, 06:03 PM

People talk about these being ratty/flimsy......from experience and seeing them over many references for decades......they are built like tanks.

Roly25 · 24 July 2019, 05:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sensui

People talk about these being ratty/flimsy......from experience and seeing them over many references for decades......they are built like tanks.

Thats exactly why I asked the question! Lol. People say the new milled clasps are much better. I agree they are an improvement especially with the glidelock. But I still feel the older clasps are battle tested over the years.

Dsmith1974 · 24 July 2019, 05:28 AM

Plenty durable.

The Libertine · 24 July 2019, 05:47 AM

No issues - whatsoever - with my 14060M or my 16710.

enjoythemusic · 24 July 2019, 06:08 AM

Wife beats the sh*t out of her circa 1990 DJ36. No problems.

Dr. Robert · 24 July 2019, 06:11 AM

Those rattly bracelets & the tinfoil clasps are quite strong, I have two 1655s that are 46 years old, worn a lot, no problems.
I will expire before they do!

vesnyder · 24 July 2019, 07:02 AM

I have the 16013 that is 36 years old and it is working fine. Just had the pins and connectors that connect the clasp to the band replaced by Michael Young - who did a great job! It could be a bit tighter (the "snap" of the clasp) but I can adjust that as needed. It is now ready for another 36 years which will most likely outlive me!

Stevec14 · 24 July 2019, 07:04 PM

I’ve never had an issue at all. I also have a folding jubilee clasp that’s as tight as a drum. No issues whatsoever.

EDL7 · 25 July 2019, 12:59 AM

They are comfy too..!

BisonHead · 25 July 2019, 01:03 AM

My 5 Digit Sub no problems at all. Just recently slightly nipped the flick over clasp as it felt a bit easy to open, but hadn't worn it in 11years so might be me being finicky .

SD never had any problems.

My DJ is tight as a button.

Gtp231 · 25 July 2019, 01:34 AM

I think that they are pretty indestructible, aside from the fact that they are rattle prone and cheap feeling. Some of the wear points I could see. I had MY do my jubilee from '71 and it came back pretty good, tho I suspect he didn't work on the buckle at all- it is misshapen and the clasp catches on the link a little.

From what I've read, the rattle was due to it being lightweight yet strong, as a tool should be; you forget you're wearing it and keep up your strength and such. I don't have much experience with the newer designs, but I would trade them for what I have now. I put an easylink on my 114270 and love it so much.

joe100 · 25 July 2019, 02:17 AM

I think sums up all arguments about Rolex durability:

daOnlyBG · 25 July 2019, 02:51 AM

No issues with my 16700's clasp.

22 July 2019, 11:39 AM	#1
Roly25 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: MY Metro Area Watch: Rolex Milgauss, Posts: 233	How durable are the five digit clasps? I'm the proud owner of a couple of Rolex 5 digit models and I was wondering how reliable are the clasps from the 90s and 00s? Mine are in good shape so far, but do people have experience with them actually failing once they get too old?

22 July 2019, 11:41 AM	#2
GB-man 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: USA Watch: addiction issues Posts: 37,320	My experience and guess is that your wrist is more likely to fail than the clasp. Is there a specific area of concern for you? Let me rephrase..do you dive with them? __________________

22 July 2019, 01:16 PM	#6
ras47 "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2017 Real Name: Robert Location: Northern NJ Watch: 16710 BLRO Posts: 3,064	2000 (P-serial) 16710 BLRO with the original oyster bracelet. Clasp is still strong and tight. __________________ Rolex GMT Master II BLRO 16710 Omega Speedmaster Co-Axial Chrono

22 July 2019, 02:15 PM	#7
Onikage "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: England Watch: 16710, 16628 Posts: 7,757	I think the updates were more to shut Omega fanboys up than to improve durability/lessen failiure rate. __________________ GMT II 16710 TRADITIONAL ( D- Serial #) ROLEXFANBOY P-Club Member #4

22 July 2019, 05:41 PM	#10
Andad 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Real Name: Eddie Location: Australia Watch: A few. Posts: 37,475	My ‘71 DJ clasp is working just fine. __________________ E

22 July 2019, 11:45 AM	#3
Roly25 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: MY Metro Area Watch: Rolex Milgauss, Posts: 233	No concern just curious. I have a 2006 14060M and a 1996 16710 Pepsi. Both are desk divers. Actually I just had Michael Young redo my Pepsi bracelet and he did an amazing job! I was thinking about the wear and tear the claps face and didn't know if they were also prone to failure. I know without proper care/cleanings the bands can stretch. As in my 90s Pepsi before MY restored it.

22 July 2019, 11:52 AM	#4
donq "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Dallas tx Watch: 16610,1675,16030 Posts: 1,136	Mine are 20, 35 and 41 years old and seem to be doing just fine...

22 July 2019, 02:53 PM	#8
faimag "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: US, SG, DK, GR Watch: Reverso Posts: 3,089	They are durable enough given that you can find them in 4 digit watches from the 1960-1970s as well :)

22 July 2019, 09:28 PM	#11
Onequik135i "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Tampa, Florida Watch: 116610LV Posts: 2,564	P 16710 & Z Anniversary Sub, no issues here. Both lock into place as if like new. __________________ 16750 / 116610LV / 116613LB / Ed White 321 / PAM111 / PAM170

22 July 2019, 09:31 PM	#12
beshannon "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Real Name: Brian Location: Northern Virginia Watch: One of Not Many Posts: 17,892	Never had any problems with mine and neither does my son who has the watch now, a 15 year old 14060M __________________ IWC Portugieser 7 Day, Omega Seamaster SMP300m, Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle Complete Calendar, Glashutte PanoInverse, Glashutte SeaQ Panorama Date, Omega Aqua Terra 150, Omega CK 859, Omega Speedmaster 3861 Moonwatch, Breitling Superocean Steelfish, JLC Atmos Transparent Clock

22 July 2019, 11:20 PM	#14
77T 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Real Name: PaulG Location: Georgia Posts: 41,904	The clasps for 5 digit models have a single wear & tear item worth mentioning. But before going into that, there is a difference in tuna clasps vs. the sports models with a fold over keeper. The tuna clasp has blades that can become mis-shapened and make the “click” a loose one. Then it can come open if caught on something. The sports clasps don’t have that issue of course. The wear & tear item is the thin riveted pin holding the blades together and the similar ones in either end of the clasp. They last 20+ years with normal use. But if you’re buying vintage 4 or 5-digit models, it’s worth an inspection before using one in daily wear. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro __________________ Does anyone really know what time it is?

23 July 2019, 12:13 AM	#15
Pacha "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2015 Real Name: Pacha Location: ABQ Watch: 16660,16713,16570 Posts: 240	A couple of years ago I had the clasp on a 93160 fail, the steel around the end pin hole enlarged and the pin fell out. This was after more then 30 years of almost daily use! I had a spare 93160A I’d picked up new at a local AD many years ago for around $450 and now use that. The 93160 went to MY and now looks and works like new. __________________ Would the child I once was, be proud of the man I’ve become?

23 July 2019, 12:17 AM	#16
mjclark32 "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Real Name: MJC Location: PHL USA Watch: IWC, Rolex, AP Posts: 29,232	I’ve been beating the crap out of my M serial 16610 for over 8 years now and it’s working perfectly __________________

23 July 2019, 12:56 AM	#17
jimcameron "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: ByDawns Earlylite Watch: 16800 Posts: 3,580	16800 bought in July, 1985, clasp and bracelet as good as new.

23 July 2019, 06:03 PM	#18
sensui 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 12,437	People talk about these being ratty/flimsy......from experience and seeing them over many references for decades......they are built like tanks.

24 July 2019, 05:28 AM	#20
Dsmith1974 "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2018 Real Name: Duncan Location: London Watch: DD 40 Posts: 2,263	Plenty durable.

24 July 2019, 05:47 AM	#21
The Libertine Banned Join Date: May 2014 Real Name: Mike Location: BOS Watch: 16710;14060;214270 Posts: 6,375	No issues - whatsoever - with my 14060M or my 16710.

24 July 2019, 06:08 AM	#22
enjoythemusic 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Real Name: Steven Location: Glocal Posts: 21,007	Wife beats the sht out of her circa 1990 DJ36. No problems. __________________ __________________ ----> TAMPA Meetup In December 2024* <---- https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?p=13450519 Love timepieces and want to become a Watchmaker? Rolex has a sensational school. www.RolexWatchmakingTrainingCenter.com/ Sent from my Etch A Sketch using String Theory.

24 July 2019, 06:11 AM	#23
Dr. Robert 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Real Name: Bob Location: U.S.A. Watch: 1655 Posts: 63,970	Those rattly bracelets & the tinfoil clasps are quite strong, I have two 1655s that are 46 years old, worn a lot, no problems. I will expire before they do! __________________ Founder & Card Carrying Member of the Global Association of Retro-Grouch-Curmudgeons

24 July 2019, 07:02 AM	#24
vesnyder "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2018 Real Name: Vance Location: North Coast Watch: GMT II Posts: 1,558	I have the 16013 that is 36 years old and it is working fine. Just had the pins and connectors that connect the clasp to the band replaced by Michael Young - who did a great job! It could be a bit tighter (the "snap" of the clasp) but I can adjust that as needed. It is now ready for another 36 years which will most likely outlive me!

24 July 2019, 07:04 PM	#25
Stevec14 "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2016 Real Name: Steve Location: U.K. Watch: 321, Snoopy 3 Posts: 4,470	I’ve never had an issue at all. I also have a folding jubilee clasp that’s as tight as a drum. No issues whatsoever.

25 July 2019, 12:59 AM	#26
EDL7 "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: USA Posts: 842	They are comfy too..!

25 July 2019, 01:03 AM	#27
BisonHead "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2019 Location: UK Watch: Sub,SD,DJ,OP Posts: 1,950	My 5 Digit Sub no problems at all. Just recently slightly nipped the flick over clasp as it felt a bit easy to open, but hadn't worn it in 11years so might be me being finicky . SD never had any problems. My DJ is tight as a button.

25 July 2019, 01:34 AM	#28
Gtp231 Banned Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 15	I think that they are pretty indestructible, aside from the fact that they are rattle prone and cheap feeling. Some of the wear points I could see. I had MY do my jubilee from '71 and it came back pretty good, tho I suspect he didn't work on the buckle at all- it is misshapen and the clasp catches on the link a little. From what I've read, the rattle was due to it being lightweight yet strong, as a tool should be; you forget you're wearing it and keep up your strength and such. I don't have much experience with the newer designs, but I would trade them for what I have now. I put an easylink on my 114270 and love it so much.

25 July 2019, 02:17 AM	#29
joe100 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Real Name: Joe Location: New Mexico Watch: Explorer Posts: 12,838	I think sums up all arguments about Rolex durability: __________________ It's Espresso, not Expresso. Coffee is not a train in Italy. -TRF Member 6982-

25 July 2019, 02:51 AM	#30
daOnlyBG "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: Odorious Onion Watch: yes, it's hipster Posts: 1,587	No issues with my 16700's clasp. __________________ Here come dat boi Jerry

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