Need some advice please. This GMT has been worn every day for the last 30 years and the clasp has snapped. What are the options for getting these embossed hinged parts replaced? The watch belongs to a friend of mine and although it shows it’s age, he will not part with it (despite me offering increasing amounts) and he wants it to remain unadulterated and original. He doesn’t particularly want to send it to Rolex if possible. Can anyone point me/him in the right direction? Thanks.
If a piece of the clasp has come off, rather than a snapped pin, it's a tough one. I would say there is zero chance Rolex would be interested in doing anything apart from selling you a new one. (I tried them once with a clasp that was slightly 'sprained' and they weren't interested.)
Seth is your man, I would suggest, although I would suspect the broken part needs to be replaced. I can't see how it could be repaired.
Last edited by David_D; 13th February 2019 at 11:50.
Originally Posted by David_D
Yes its sheared right off so it needs total replacement. In an ideal world, with a 30 year old part!😳
Good luck with the repair!
Would love to see a few pictures of the watch too! I love hearing of watches gaining history with their owners and after 30 years of daily wear I bet there is some memories in that!
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Whilst I understand the sentiment behind keeping originality, replacing this item with a second hand part is flawed logic. This failed bcause the metal reached the end of its fatigue life, who’s to say a replacement if similar age won’t suffer the same fate? A second hand replacement won’t be cheap, or easy to find, there’s a risk of throwing good money after bad.
It might be worth ringing around a few Rolex accredited indy repairers, they will be more flexible than Rolex SC, and someone might have a spare. If the bracelet’s OK a replacement clasp assembly would do the trick, but I don’t know if these are supplied separately.
Seth may be able to help and advise, he specialises in restoring bracelets etc.
Has the pin holder been lost? If not, could be brazed by a skilled person.
I have the very same problem with my late fathers watch. The clasp has snapped in the same place as the OPs.
He bought the watch in 1942 when he was on naval service in Cape Town. The watch is a 32mm Mondia and is almost certainly without any value, so I could chicken out and just buy a strap. However he wore it every day, without fail, up until his death in 1973 so I feel duty bound to keep it original.
It is bashed to bits because he wore it when working as a toolmaker so it is never going to look pristine.
I once wore it for 3 days about 15 years or so ago and I was surprised to find it accurate to within a few seconds a day.
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