Question Regarding Modern Rolex Clasps

[stark1]

Pre-pandemic, I always found my rhythm to be one watch per day, never multiple. This was easy enough to do since I spent most of the day in the office. However, since I started working from home early 2020, I developed a habit of changing watches a bunch of times on any given day. Within this new rotation are my modern Rolex sports watches with second to none clasp action. I agree with all those that say Rolex bracelets and clasps are best in the business.

Anyway, here's the question. Given the more use I'm putting into these clasps daily - putting them on, taking off, on, off, etc. - has anyone found that the clasps on modern Rolexes get looser over time? By looser, I suppose I mean less "click" action, less tension.

I'm a person that wears his watches and don't keep any in the safe, or anything like that. However, this one thing has nagged at me now that I've developed this habit of switching watches constantly.

[Turpentine]

no. you're good

[Gab27]

The wear should be absolutely minimal. Rolex clasps are brilliantly designed and they clearly are made for decades of daily use, IMO.

I wash my watch once a day when I do a good hand washing, and I take the watch off when I sleep. I also often adjust the Glidelock system when doing stuff outdoors that causes my wrist to swell. In the time I have had the watch, nothing about the clasp system has changed. From what I can tell, the friction points on the clasp are all spring loaded, which will unquestionably reduce wear.

Further, the Breitling I wore for 10 years straight has a clasp that is vastly inferior to that of Rolex and has a lot more friction involved. After 10 years of being put on every day, and being taken off and put back on a few times throughout the day, that clasp is still performing flawlessly.

[Dirt]

I've been taking mine of and on as required throughout the day on my daily wearer (2011 black) 116660 for 11 years now and I can't really distinguish any appreciable difference in feel over that time, even when comparing it to my other(occassional wear 2016 JC) 116660 which has always seemed ever so slightly/fractionally stiffer from new anyway.

I suppose the issue for my watches is limited to the fold over Flip lock safety catch which is strictly a "friction fit" if that's what you are mostly referring to?
The main deployant part that incorporates the Glidelock is rather sophisticated and it's locking/release mechanism basically transcends what is generally out there so I assume that's not necessarily the subject of your enquiry?

In summary, it's not perceptible if it is an issue

[stark1]

Originally Posted by Dirt

I've been taking mine of and on as required throughout the day on my daily wearer (2011 black) 116660 for 11 years now and I can't really distinguish any appreciable difference in feel over that time, even when comparing it to my other(occassional wear 2016 JC) 116660 which has always seemed ever so slightly/fractionally stiffer from new anyway.

I suppose the issue for my watches is limited to the fold over Flip lock safety catch which is strictly a "friction fit" if that's what you are mostly referring to?
The main deployant part that incorporates the Glidelock is rather sophisticated and it's locking/release mechanism basically transcends what is generally out there so I assume that's not necessarily the subject of your enquiry?

In summary, it's not perceptible if it is an issue

Thanks for weighing in and providing your perspective. To address your question regarding which component I was exactly referring to (the actual clasp or the swing arm safety lock), my questioning concerned both. The swing arm safety lock in particular is tension only and I assume over a number of years of use might become looser. Though, to your point, might not be to a perceptible degree.

I've owned 3 modern Rolex sports watches (2 of which I still own). The clasp and safety lock both produce the most satisfying clicks on the Explorer 1. Although the other 2 references are new and definitely solid performers, just not quite the same as the Exp1 in terms of clickiness.

[stark1]

Originally Posted by Gab27

The wear should be absolutely minimal. Rolex clasps are brilliantly designed and they clearly are made for decades of daily use, IMO.

I wash my watch once a day when I do a good hand washing, and I take the watch off when I sleep. I also often adjust the Glidelock system when doing stuff outdoors that causes my wrist to swell. In the time I have had the watch, nothing about the clasp system has changed. From what I can tell, the friction points on the clasp are all spring loaded, which will unquestionably reduce wear.

Further, the Breitling I wore for 10 years straight has a clasp that is vastly inferior to that of Rolex and has a lot more friction involved. After 10 years of being put on every day, and being taken off and put back on a few times throughout the day, that clasp is still performing flawlessly.

Going off brand, I've also worn an Omega Aqua Terra for 10 years now and haven't ever worried about the clasp. It's still as good as day one from what I can tell. It's just OCD that's making me second guess my Rolexes... Thanks for the feedback.

[brandrea]

About all I notice is that the squeaky bracelet goes away

[Meyrin]

Originally posted by stark1:
Anyway, here's the question. Given the more use I'm putting into these clasps daily - putting them on, taking off, on, off, etc. - has anyone found that the clasps on modern Rolexes get looser over time? By looser, I suppose I mean less "click" action, less tension.

No, you´ve nothing to worry about! And if you do have the feeling that you´re losing "click" action and clasp tension then any competent watchmaker/jeweller can adjust the clasp in a matter of seconds. Just for reference: the stamped clasp on my 1996 Submariner is still "clicky" and taut after more than 26 years of daily wear, and that means probably ca. 20,000 clasp operations!

[Mendota]

I think I saw a video once where they show the Rolex clasp testing area and you can see the machine literally opening and closing the clasp going "click, click, click..." hundreds of times in rapid succession. Their engineers have designed the clasps to withstand literally whatever we can throw at it.

[LC23]

your fine dude. watches are meant to be worn.

[stark1]

Originally Posted by LC23

your fine dude. watches are meant to be worn.

To be clear, I'm of the mind that one should definitely wear and enjoy their watches. Life is too short to do otherwise. It literally took me months to post this thread as I second guessed myself and felt self conscious of what was being asked. However, the OCD side got to me the other day, so I figured why not? In the end, the feedback here helps so I'm glad I asked!

[stark1]

Originally Posted by Mendota

I think I saw a video once where they show the Rolex clasp testing area and you can see the machine literally opening and closing the clasp going "click, click, click..." hundreds of times in rapid succession. Their engineers have designed the clasps to withstand literally whatever we can throw at it.

I literally look forward to hearing the click action of my Exp1 before putting it on. Beats all other clasps I have for whatever reason, Rolex or otherwise. Sounds like the video you're describing would be music to my ears.

[JasoninDenver]

I will wear out my fingers before I wear out the clasp by constantly taking it on and off.

[StanGMT]

I've been clasping and unclasping the Jubilee bracelet on my 1967 GMT every day for 55 years. The bracelet itself is well-worn and stretched, but the clasp just keeps on working.

Stan.

[alphadweller]

I haven't noticed less click on my YM 116622 which is the piece I've worn the most by far in the past 7 1/2 years. Built to last, it will outlive me and then some.

[fskywalker]

Originally Posted by LC23

your fine dude. watches are meant to be worn.

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