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Clasp problem/help wanted/calling all band clasp experts.

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Clasp problem/help wanted/calling all band clasp experts.

Post02 May 2007, 05:14

Hi. all



In fairness to progress in securing and clasping a Band in the last 20-? years it is that time the Synchronar gets upgraded in that regard.

The watch and band are as solid as a brick,so why have this flimsy moody 70,s type clasp?Well it really boils down to keeping it real original,the original design that is.A classic original Riehl Synchronar will always have the trademark slot in the backside of the outer housing SS case.However to the credit of YMIH member and a few others, it is about time to change the clasp design.If someone wants the original clasp it will always be available.At this time no improvement or "change of clasp" will come with a watch.So to avoid folks finding a specialist to interchange the clasp in fear they might loose it off their wrist , I am offering a Band/strap/bracelet specialist a job. PM will be accepted.

There are enough areas we all know the Synchronar could use some help,mkt, production,merging,etc but this is one of them that will solve the clasp problem.TIP;To be honest I always just forced/bent the (ears?) back on the clasp along a wooden table edge to make a better connection(as taught by RWR) that made it difficult to spring open on it's own for several months or more,then again some go forever if you never bend anypart of clasp and be gentle.Not always easy to do when you want to take it off quick to finnish tightening something under a car. Taking a shot at finding a band expert here. Thanks for reading.[/b]
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re: Clasp problem/help wanted/calling all band clasp experts

Post02 May 2007, 23:40

My vote is for a strap or clasp that uses side buttons for release. How about a nice leather band with a Synchronar? 8)
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re: Clasp problem/help wanted/calling all band clasp experts

Post03 May 2007, 00:15

If it is a strap then it implies a leather strip and would be good for a kit module or some that have been revived where you know you have to be delicate and keep it and the watch away from water.I realize some call it a strap even if it is metal and also bracelet is used to desribe the same device that holds the watch to our wrist.I want to keep the Original style band for the RWR LE but offer the option to upgrade to a Stainless Steel clasping mechanism that will not open(even accidently) without being prompted by the wearer.This would be a direct service to the customer.They send the band in and get it back with the new type clasp and the original spare to keep.Nothing in it for me,just want to recomend someone who specializes in this service.Not sure what the fee would be on top of the cost of the clasp.
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re: Clasp problem/help wanted/calling all band clasp experts

Post03 May 2007, 14:12

Howard:
Here is a link to a very good description of each type of clasp or buckle. http://www.ewatches.com/Information/Clasps.html#7

One of the problems with most of the hidden button, deployments clasps is that they are fairly short, so your band generally loses 1/4" to 1/2/" in length. From what I've seen the Synchronars just had a standard issue "Duchess"(brand") band...hardly something to base originallity on, since a band like that isn't expected to last more than 4-5 years of everyday use.
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re: Clasp problem/help wanted/calling all band clasp experts

Post03 May 2007, 16:18

Funny thats the same link I found last night.It would be the double locking foldover to switch to.There is nothing standard about these bands.They are extremely durable and far outlast all of the(hong Kong) economy bands used on the SW models in the 80,s.Very few watches were ever returned as a result of the band itself failing.We heard from one member here that has used the band for 14 years without a problem.These are New out of box from a source my father found about 5 years ago.I don't think they can be found anywhere anymore and since all they need is a modern clasp nothing is needed on switching to a different band.If the new clasp is shorter then I would have to add a link to the band,easy to do on the Duchess.
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re: Clasp problem/help wanted/calling all band clasp experts

Post03 May 2007, 20:56

The brand stamped in the clasp of my band (still working after 14 years) is Hadley USA. And, like I said in a different post, other than the pins that hold the band to the case, I haven't had any problems. :)

I should point out that, though my experiences with my Synchronar agree with the claims of longevity and durability, I'm also considerate with it being a custom made piece of electronics. For instance, in winter when I'm wearing long-sleeves, I set my watch under my desk lamp with a 60watt incandescent bulb, about two feet away, to keep it charged. I figured that one out about 12 years ago. I participate in many dirty and/or hazardous activities (automotive maintenance, medieval combat, etc.) and I don't wear my watch when I'm engaged in such activities expressly to avoid the risk of damage. I also don't wear it to bed unless I'm camping. Not to get lost in the details of when I don't wear it but, suffice it to say, I have worn it everyday all these years and will continue to do so. 8)
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re: Clasp problem/help wanted/calling all band clasp experts

Post03 May 2007, 21:39

Yes Hadley USA was the original.Your clasp stamped Hadley USA Stainless Steel is from before they merged with Duchess.Your clasp should also be stamped with Pat # 3,690,064 and # 3,726,083.These pattents are significant to the value of holding on to the original clasp.


I should also note that your clasp is different from the Duchess USA Stainless steel clasp in that it does not contain a tab like all other foldover clasps that I know of.It relies on the two bendable tangs(forget my ears post) instead of the common single tang located on one of the fold over pieces.What I am saying here is that the clasps used prior to 1996 were actually a different type that may be constructed better.


I just want to give an inch to critisism and correct the problem.The whole mile would be to much for a band that has shown to have the best longevity of any Synchronar/Sunwatch models.Thats why other bands were discontinued 20 years ago.I remember selling a few SW type bands back then because they were lighter in weight and cheaper to buy.However I always told the person they would not last like the classic original band.
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re: Clasp problem/help wanted/calling all band clasp experts

Post04 May 2007, 01:23

Interesting, I have Hadley and the pat numbers on stainless bands and '100% Stainless Steel Hong Kong' on black bands.
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re: Clasp problem/help wanted/calling all band clasp experts

Post04 May 2007, 18:19

Yes Phil the black Synchronars had the coated Hong Kong SS band.Also it was never available on a MK 1 even though some were mislabeled and sold that way at outragious prices a few years ago.
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re: Clasp problem/help wanted/calling all band clasp experts

Post05 May 2007, 00:24

I?m losing my edge!
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re: Clasp problem/help wanted/calling all band clasp experts

Post05 May 2007, 01:09

That's a Duchess/Hadley sample band(or bracelet) that had nothing to do with Ness Time.Over the years sample bands came from manufacturers all over the World but these blue inlay bands were not used on a New watch.I have about 2 each with red,black and blue inlay.Also it is a mystery because the watch itself is a fake.Someone mounted the NESS TIME plate over the true label and serial # inside.It can only read one of two possibilities. Riehl Electronics or Ragen Semiconductor.Ness Time was a distrubutor,not a maker of the watch.

The current SS band or bracelet was labeled'classic' by RWR when he sold them and so it should not really surprise someone that it came with the classic clasp.The band became the choice and used since 1974 on the Synchronar SS model.Forgive me if the original 1972 and 1973 bands should be the ones refered to as 'Original' From now on I will only call these the classic Synchronar band.


As for original,original two different bands by Hadley were used in the Riehl Electronics and Ness days.Atleast that is what the early literature shows.
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re: Clasp problem/help wanted/calling all band clasp experts

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re: Clasp problem/help wanted/calling all band clasp experts

Post06 May 2007, 20:38

Ok, hate to be a drag, but I'm not getting this thread. Does an unmarked band, that wasn't made for a particular timepiece, and which was sold in thousands of jewelry and department stores in its day, really have anything significant to do with authenticity? Seems akin to worrying about the brand of brake pads or wiper blades on a car. Even collectable guns have one part that is a forgivable exchange from the original if done right/better- the grips(pistols) or the stock(rifle).

Comment on the "Sinclair modern" on ebay - gross, p.o.s.
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re: Clasp problem/help wanted/calling all band clasp experts

Post07 May 2007, 13:13

Your completey right Ed, but a good many collectors seem to get really anal (if I can use that word without getting banned :lol: ) about collecting, fortunately I dont think I'm there yet, and you're right about what was a generic band bought in mass.
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re: Clasp problem/help wanted/calling all band clasp experts

Post07 May 2007, 14:07

Just couldn't see a "case for collectibility" on a band that isn't at least marked on the clasp.
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re: Clasp problem/help wanted/calling all band clasp experts

Post07 May 2007, 23:40

No, you are 100% right but a collector still wants the original band that came with a watch, even if it was a generic mass produced item..... dont they?? ... I know I would.
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re: Clasp problem/help wanted/calling all band clasp experts

Post08 May 2007, 03:55

How has this become a pick on the band thread? These Stainless Steel bands are unique to the Synchronar and were specifically made for it's Lug size.They are so rare and not to be found on ANY! other watch with all the same widening pattern.There were some used as straight pieces in other watches but these bands were never available in any department store and I take it you (ED) don't have any right? Don,t worry I can send you some at a good price even though no one can find them new like this.It is just cool to have a classic clasp that reads Stainless Steel USA. From what I have been told you just don't see that on a clasp anymore besides the pattent #,s 8) Hey everyone else was going out of business and people were buying HONG KONG and JAPANESE watches whilst the Synchronar continued to improve on the inside and a sacrafice was made on the cheaper models, including the band on the black model that this thread was not about.

THESE BANDS FOR THE SS CLASSIC CAN BE RUN OVER WITH A CAR! THE CLASP PART WILL BREAK HOWEVER. :roll:
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re: Clasp problem/help wanted/calling all band clasp experts

Post08 May 2007, 15:52

Howard, I have 43 of those bands. It is not a matter of "picking on the band", I'm just at a loss as to how that band can be identified as being a "Synchronar only" product. You are incorrect about the band being an exclusive fit for the Synchronar...a less common size yes, exclusive no. It's a 20mm lug spacing... I'd agree the clasp is a p.o.s.

The band with the three small links down the center are all marked "Hong Kong", the black bands are all marked "Hong Kong", the stainless ones with the rounded links and the ones with the large flat links are all marked "Hong Kong", the few Duchess bands are marked ""U.S. made,pat. pend" - only the gold plated Duchess' seem to have a patent number.

You started this thread to find a replacement clasp AND to promote the idea that the band was a collectible artifact - some of us just don't see the collectiblity of the band, particularly those bands. Some DO see a collectibilty value to the band - if it is collectible to them, it has a value. I have no problem with there being a difference of opinion. The main function of a forum, IMO, is to raise thoughtful discussion, which will always lead to some level of disagreement. :(

I'm still thinking about putting one of mine on a leather strap to loss some weight, along with one of the Titanium cases I bought off your brothers.

As I pointed out in my second response to this thread, many modern clasp designs have less room for adjustment and fill less space in the overall length of the band, so there may be some problems with retro-fitting the old bands with a new clasp. And if you retrofit the old bands with new clasps, have you ruined the collectibility?
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re: Clasp problem/help wanted/calling all band clasp experts

Post08 May 2007, 18:49

So you have 43 bands that are not the Hadley/Duchess classic USA Stainless Steel like I still offer and original owners have who bought one in the last 33 years.I think I gave you atleast 1 you should be able to find.


I started this thread to find a clasp replacement specialist that I could refer others to if they so wish to change the clasp and NOT to promote a band that was used successfully for over 30 years before ED decided to start a collection.Ed has his hands full running this site and that site,doing repair and knowing everything inside and out about 99% of all LED,s


Ed cannot find any other watch using this band.Yes there are several that look close but sorry no one was EVER able to purchase this exact band elswhere so how would you expect to find it now?
Also most of the rejected/ trade in watches Ed received did not have their original bands because the previous owner in many cases got years of service and had to replace the economy SW band before the module failed or was sent in as a trade in.


I will continue using a SS USA band that needs no promotion.If Ed want's to promote the use of Hong Kong bands he has that were discontinued 22 years ago so be it.If Ed want's to flush all my fathers and now my hard work down the toilet with his incorrect conclusions then maybe he want's people to listen to him and buy a " cheap knock off" Synchronar that has no shock or waterproof qualities or anything done by a qualified repair person.Ed needs to concentrate on playing "know it all" with what he knows about reparing other watches.Also I can't figure how he has 5-10 that work without ANY corrosion inside if he claims in an article that ALL of the ones he opened up had corrosion?
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re: Clasp problem/help wanted/calling all band clasp experts

Post08 May 2007, 20:38

It should be noted that despite the lower price the Hong Kong clasps choosen by RWR for the Black Ceramic case model and others were decent quality or they would not have been used.The Band seen here at the top left of the forum is a 1980 SS Synchronar add photo with a Hong Kong Band.For a few years that was what RTC used because they (Hadley) for a point went out of production on the classic until Duchess took over who also no longer makes them.Remember now this was also at time when light weight and permenetly sealed throw away was in.How many million Swatches was it?.Trouble is there were some quality control problems with suppliers and like any company assembly procedure human error type quality control didn't permit some to go the distance either.

There is a lot I am coming forward with about quality control issues documented over the years. Heres one,Half the 4,000 units sent to Japan came back with what RWR discovered to be dim digits as a result of an insufficient amount of epoxy used to hold down the LED die :cry: Also many of them had a good quality Japanese UASA brand nicads,over all he went back to using the West German Varta.Why exactly I still don't know the answer to.
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re: Clasp problem/help wanted/calling all band clasp experts

Post08 May 2007, 22:28

I sense the shootout at the "OK Corral" (reference movie = High Noon with Gary Cooper) is coming soon. My question who is going to be Wyatt Earp and who is going to be one of the Clanton brothers???
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re: Clasp problem/help wanted/calling all band clasp experts

Post09 May 2007, 00:14

I hope I have not offended the impartial marshall? :lol: just kidding Ed.With all due respect Ed has bought and sold more LED,s and satisfied more than I with his expert repair work to them.I just wish he could leave the Synchronar history and it,s models,failure points and legacy for me to handle since I have an obvious advantage of knowlege on them.Ed is helpful to many and is a good thing for the comeback of these things(All brands) that glow the time in figure 8 digits we now have come to collect and admire at the end of the day.


I think this topic was due for some humor. Thanks collector.Besides Ed knows a lot about Guns so that would be unfair to meet at the corral :lol:


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