Some help with a bracelet issue, Please

[Irontomkidd]

Ok Guys, the flip lock clasp on my GMT Master II has broken!

I love the GMT and am heartbroken that this happened; the bracelet is very poor quality in my opinion, so I am not surprised that this happened. I have contacted the Collector and asked about a replacement, but I would like to replace it with one of better quality.

I guess the question I am asking is

[freddy333]

I see nothing wrong with sending other collectors a (brief) email asking if they will sell you a bracelet (be sure to include the style & model number of the bracelet you want).

But you should know that rep bracelets all tend to be of relatively poor quality. If you want a bracelet of truly higher quality, you have 2 choices - an unsigned Italian-made aftermarket Milano (or similar) bracelet, which is every bit the equal of a gen Rolex ($225 for a ss Sub/Seadweller style), or a gen Rolex bracelet ($500-$1,200+ on ebay).

[Irontomkidd]

I see nothing wrong with sending other collectors a (brief) email asking if they will sell you a bracelet (be sure to include the style & model number of the bracelet you want).

But you should know that rep bracelets all tend to be of relatively poor quality. If you want a bracelet of truly higher quality, you have 2 choices - an unsigned Italian-made aftermarket Milano (or similar) bracelet, which is every bit the equal of a gen Rolex ($225 for a ss Sub/Seadweller style), or a gen Rolex bracelet ($500-$1,200+ on ebay).

Thanks Freddy! I have seen that Milano before but was unaware it was that nice. I guess the question I have to ask myself is. Can I live without the coronet?

[freddy333]

I guess another option would be to buy a set of gen clasp & end links & perform a bracelet-ectomy. But, considering the cost & relative rarity of finding the correct gen parts being sold individually, you are probably better off just going with a gen bracelet.

[Nanuq]

Is it the coronet or the fliplock that has the problem? It looks like you could repair the fliplock easily with two replacement rivet pins. If all else fails you can get those at a jewelry repair shop and bam, Robert's your uncle.

I had a pin fail there, and it was an easy repair. Here's mine:

[Irontomkidd]

I guess another option would be to buy a set of gen clasp & end links & perform a bracelet-ectomy. But, considering the cost & relative rarity of finding the correct gen parts being sold individually, you are probably better off just going with a gen bracelet.

That would be perfect, the only issue I have with my current bracelet is the clasp is crap. Well it was crap to begin with but even more so now. It is so hard for me to buy Rolex parts off the bay, because you never know when you are going to get screwed (99% of the time).

[Irontomkidd]

Is it the coronet or the fliplock that has the problem? It looks like you could repair the fliplock easily with two replacement rivet pins. If all else fails you can get those at a jewelry repair shop and bam, Robert's your uncle.

I don

[kbh]

Here's one currently for sale on RWI. Looks nice and cheap:

Sub bracelet

[Irontomkidd]

Here's one currently for sale on RWI. Looks nice and cheap:

Sub bracelet

Hey, thanks for the effort KBH that was nice. But I want an SEL bracelet.

[alligoat]

All you need is the clasp assembly- so you buy the $20 bracelet and pop the pin on one end and unscrew the last link on the clasp end and put it on your old bracelet. Simple!

[kikom3]

Have a spare one. Same clasp. Pay for shipping of your choice and it's yours.

PM me if you want it.

[Irontomkidd]

Have a spare one. Same clasp. Pay for shipping of your choice and it's yours.

PM me if you want it.

PM sent.

This place is great and the people are the best of any forum I have ever been. I hope I can pass this kindness on to someone else some day.

[Irontomkidd]

All you need is the clasp assembly- so you buy the $20 bracelet and pop the pin on one end and unscrew the last link on the clasp end and put it on your old bracelet. Simple!

You know, maybe I have had one to many tonight because I never thought of using the bracelet as parts lol. That is a great idea but it looks like my problem is solved anyway. Thanks

[Dizzy]

just take it to any place that has a watch fixer guy and get him to toss in a new pin

Like Nanuq says... easy repair

[Nanuq]

Sheesh am I late to the show or what?! I got a PM from another member asking about these riveted pins so I made a little drawing:

You can see the rivet presses into the pin. Both have rounded heads and it's a friction fit that holds them together. Just get in there under the head of the rivet with a pocketknife and pry a little, and the rivet will pop right out... and get lost in the carpet. So do it over a table with a cloth over your hands. Reassembly is the reverse of disassembly.

[Dizzy]

i assume you can get these pins from some please like wholesaleoutlet990 or the usual parts places? Ive never looked for these but i do actually need one or two to resurect a few clasps...

[ShawnBeever]

Ah, thanks for the info.

Are these the things were talking about?

http://www.cousinsuk.com/catalog/4/0/1998/3341.aspx

Sheesh am I late to the show or what?! I got a PM from another member asking about these riveted pins so I made a little drawing:

You can see the rivet presses into the pin. Both have rounded heads and it's a friction fit that holds them together. Just get in there under the head of the rivet with a pocketknife and pry a little, and the rivet will pop right out... and get lost in the carpet. So do it over a table with a cloth over your hands. Reassembly is the reverse of disassembly.

[ceocorona]

Bring up this thread from the dead.... Anyone have any additional insight on what size those friction rivets are? I picked up a gen clasp but its missing the half-link. I wanted to use my TC v3 half link and attach it to the gen clasp.

Insight appreciated!

[Ticktick]

Buy this assortment from cousinsUK mentioned above. It is not far expensive and you will find the fitting rivets and pins inside. I used this for a repair on a broken TC clasp, works just fine. It should be the 1mm size.

Edited June 13, 2013 by Ticktick

[rocky4691]

When I have a problem of this nature  I have a small jewelry story nearby that I take my watches too, not expensive and usually do the repairs while I Waite. Or you could post a GEN post I'm sure there are several members here who probably have what you need in their scrap or parts boxes who would be willing to  sell you  what you want.