automatico Posted June 9, 2012 Report Share Posted June 9, 2012 There are a few things that give replica clasps away... 1...goofy coronets 2...too many or not enough adjustment holes (DJ with 6 holes etc) 3...no rivet on the f/l end where the bracelet connects to the clasp cap on sporty models 4...wrong stampings on the blades 5...ratty springbars 6...no indentions on the end of the clasp cap on vintage sporty models (the little dent on each side that holds the bracelet under the clasp cap) etc, etc... I posted a while back about drilling holes out on a clasp cap and using a steel springbar with 1.2mm ends rounded and polished to look like a rivet. This works pretty well and is quick and simple. Today I modified a pair of strap notching pliers to make the indentions at the end of the clasp cap to hold the bracelet in place...cheapo notching pliers like are used to cut 'Gucci notches' in leather straps etc. The center (cutter) blade on the pliers is cut at the wrong angle to make indentions and is too thick so I reshaped the angle of the center blade and thinned it down by grinding it evenly on both sides. After the center blade is thinned down, the outer jaws will have enough clearance with the center blade so it will not cut the side of the clasp cap. What you end up with is a pair of pliers that will make a respectable indention in the side of the clasp and hold the bracelet in place at the same time. I practiced on an old clasp cap until I got the hang of it and it turned out pretty good. Total time to modify the $10 pliers was about one hour. I do not know when the indentions were discontinued on genuine clasps but the clasp on my beat up 93150 bracelet has them but it is an old model. Here are a couple 93150 clasps with the indentions: eBay item 320921706000 and 330738373830 I looked through my stash of replica bracelets/clasps and the only clasp caps that I have with indentions came from 'Paul' 6 or 8 years ago on oddball clasp caps with 'sideways coronets' and a couple regular f/l clasps on 'red' submariners. I do not see the indentions today on anything much at all but they are one more detail that is fairly easy to duplicate. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jkay Posted June 9, 2012 Report Share Posted June 9, 2012 The PureTime vintage project Submariner clasp has these indents. I own one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Original Scope Posted June 9, 2012 Report Share Posted June 9, 2012 Always love your posts Auto. Thanks for the tips. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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