Clasp not staying closed

[josterman]

I have a GMT Master II that I purchased new in 1995. I've been having problems with the bracelet clasp for a few years – it won't stay securely closed. As a new member I can't post photos so I'll try to describe it:

The large part of the clasp comes together and clicks into itself (or the bracelet?) seemingly fine. The small part of the clasp that swings closed to secure the large part closes...but not securely. At any given moment of the day, the small part is half open. Not completely disengaged, but halfway. I wear my watch snug, and if I increase my wrist radius by bending my wrist to a 90 degree angle, the entire clasp, large and small sections, pops open and the entire watch could slide off my wrist.

I've had it "fixed" while a counter person at an authorized dealer worked with it for five minutes. It seemed to address it temporarily but the problem returned after a few weeks.

Is the correct move to buy a new bracelet? A new clasp? Stop wearing my watch so snug?

Thanks!

[Dsmith1974]

When I’ve had similar problems with 5 digit clasps I usually find a careful look at what’s not quite right followed by bending the hidden part of the long clasp (when it’s open) with your fingers (like you’d bend a paper clip) does the job.

This will shorten (or lengthen) the reach and bring the mating points back into the sweet spot where they firmly click shut.


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[Dsmith1974]

Originally Posted by Dsmith1974

When I’ve had similar problems with 5 digit clasps I usually find a careful look at what’s not quite right followed by bending the hidden part of the long clasp (when it’s open) with your fingers (like you’d bend a paper clip) does the job.

This will shorten (or lengthen) the reach and bring the mating points back into the sweet spot where they firmly click shut.


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If that doesn’t do it then I’d look at a new clasp if you can get one on its own. As a rule of thumb you don’t want it so snug that you get a lasting imprint or dead skin even when worn overnight but not so loose that the watch sits on your wrist bone while walking around as the bracelet ‘stretches’ quicker.


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[SearChart]

Bending the blades is usually a good fix.

[strafer_kid]

Originally Posted by SearChart

Bending the blades is usually a good fix.

Usually does the trick but just take it gradually.

[SearChart]

Originally Posted by strafer_kid

Usually does the trick but just take it gradually.

True, don't bend it like a mad lad

[Tools]

Slightly bending a single blade of the deployant will bring the attaching part of the clasp closer to the edge for a more secure "click". If you bend both blades you will not do anything as you end up with the clicking edges at the same point.

The flip simply needs to be squeezed together so it is tighter... These things are all friction fit pieces, not precision devices.

[K_L]

Originally Posted by Tools

Slightly bending a single blade of the deployant will bring the attaching part of the clasp closer to the edge for a more secure "click". If you bend both blades you will not do anything as you end up with the clicking edges at the same point.

The flip simply needs to be squeezed together so it is tighter... These things are all friction fit pieces, not precision devices.

Whew! Thank you! I was trying to loosen the bracelet because it fits real tight so I slightly bent both blades [I guess] & the result was it no longer locked--ugh. So I followed your instruction of slightly bending the one blade & it worked! Thank you very much!!

[Camel]

Originally Posted by SearChart

True, don't bend it like a mad lad

[Xky]

That was a satisfying read! Shame there aren’t a few photos to explain and point out exactly what to bend.


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[Calatrava r]

Originally Posted by Xky

That was a satisfying read! Shame there aren’t a few photos to explain and point out exactly what to bend.


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I think the blades are the sides of the folding piece. Bending them inwards would make the part snugger.

[Tools]

Originally Posted by xky

that was a satisfying read! Shame there aren’t a few photos to explain and point out exactly what to bend.

Works for the "tuna can" flat blades and the later billet blades

clasp-tighten-2.jpg

[Xky]

Originally Posted by Tools

Works for the "tuna can" flat blades and the later billet blades

Attachment 1402744

Wow! What great photo! I’m sure that’ll help many others, Thank you.


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[canneverdecide]

Originally Posted by Tools

Works for the "tuna can" flat blades and the later billet blades

Attachment 1402744

sorry for reviving, but this saved me serious $$$ and time! thank you

[slus]

On the short clasps tuna can clasp with longer blades, I've found it best to bend both blades to the contour of the wrist, then just the single blade closest to the clasp just a touch more to engage a solid click. My wife's wrist is so small that any non fliplock clasp will pop right off with the slightest movement unless I do both of those things. Looked like the SA was going to have a heart attack when I did it at the dealer though (it was already paid for)

[ltmgeller]

Welcome to the forum. Send it out RSC for service. It'll come back good as new and under warranty.