How to Repair a Vintage Rolex Fliplock Clasp: Step-by-Step Guide

Is the Fliplock safety mechanism on your vintage Rolex bracelet loose, broken, or missing its hinge pin? A damaged Fliplock clasp can make your watch difficult to secure and may compromise the safety of your bracelet.

Fortunately, certain types of vintage Rolex Fliplock clasp damage can be repaired using a replacement hinge tube, friction pins, and washers—without replacing the entire clasp assembly.

In this step-by-step guide, we'll explain how to repair a vintage Rolex Fliplock clasp using a replacement repair kit, including the tools required, installation procedure, and important precautions to ensure the safety mechanism continues to function correctly.

This repair is particularly relevant to owners of vintage Rolex Submariner and other professional models equipped with traditional Fliplock safety clasps.

This video covers the repair procedure for the fliplock part on Rolex or Tudor oyster fliplock clasp. The instructions are applicable for the following bracelets and clasp references: 93150, 9315, 78790, 78390

Link to fliplock repair kits here

What Is a Rolex Fliplock Clasp?

The Rolex Fliplock is a folding safety mechanism found on various Rolex professional watch bracelets, particularly vintage Submariner models.

Unlike a basic fold-over clasp, a Fliplock clasp incorporates an additional hinged safety lock that folds over the main clasp.

This secondary locking mechanism helps prevent accidental opening during everyday wear.

On certain vintage Fliplock designs, the safety lock is attached to the clasp assembly through a small hinge mechanism consisting of a hollow tube and retaining pins.

Over time, these small components can wear, loosen, become damaged, or go missing.

When this happens, the Fliplock may no longer articulate correctly or remain attached securely.

Common Signs Your Rolex Fliplock Needs Repair

A damaged Fliplock mechanism may exhibit several symptoms:

• The safety lock has become detached from the clasp.
• One or both hinge pins are missing.
• The Fliplock hinge feels excessively loose.
• The safety lock moves unevenly or binds.
• The hinge tube has become damaged or displaced.
• The Fliplock no longer opens and closes smoothly.

In some cases, these problems can be resolved by replacing the hinge components rather than purchasing a complete replacement clasp.

Which Rolex Bracelets Use Fliplock Clasps?

Vintage Rolex Fliplock safety clasps are commonly associated with professional Oyster bracelets, including configurations used on the Rolex Submariner.

Examples include certain versions of the:

• Rolex Oyster 9315: Vintage folded-link Oyster bracelet.
• Rolex Oyster 93150: Solid-link Oyster bracelet commonly associated with vintage Submariner models.
• Rolex Oyster 93153: Two-tone Oyster bracelet used on certain vintage professional models.

However, clasp designs and hinge dimensions can vary by bracelet reference and production period.

Important: Not every Rolex Fliplock clasp uses identical hinge components. Before purchasing a repair kit, confirm that the tube, friction pins, and washers are compatible with your specific clasp design.

This tutorial focuses on vintage Fliplock mechanisms that use a hollow hinge tube secured by two friction pins.

It is not intended for modern Rolex Glidelock mechanisms or other clasp designs with different hinge assemblies.

Tools and Materials Needed for Rolex Fliplock Repair

Before beginning, prepare the following tools and replacement components.

Rolex Fliplock Repair Kit

A typical repair kit for the mechanism demonstrated in this tutorial includes:

Component	Quantity	Purpose
Hollow hinge tube	1	Forms the central hinge connection
Friction pins	2	Secure the hinge tube at both ends
Small washers	2	Provide spacing between the moving components

Required Tools

You'll also need:

• Pin punch: Used to gently open or align the clasp's hinge ears.
• Small jeweler's hammer: Used to seat the friction pins.
• Fine-point tweezers: Used to position the small washers and pins.
• Watchmaker's anvil or hard, flat surface: Provides support while installing the pins.

A clean, well-lit workspace is strongly recommended.

Because the repair involves very small components, consider working over a tray or protective mat to prevent losing the pins or washers.

Use a suitable support block or anvil when hammering, and protect visible clasp surfaces from scratches.

Step-by-Step: How to Repair a Rolex Fliplock Clasp

Step 1: Prepare the Clasp and Inspect the Hinge Ears

Begin by examining the hinge area of your vintage Rolex Fliplock clasp.

Locate the small openings or hinge ears where the replacement tube will pass through the mechanism.

These openings must be properly aligned to accommodate the new hinge tube.

Using a pin punch, carefully check the alignment and gently correct any minor deformation that prevents the tube from passing through.

Apply only minimal pressure.

Important: Do not aggressively bend or spread the clasp ears. Vintage clasp metal can be weakened by previous repairs, wear, or repeated bending.

The objective is simply to ensure that the replacement tube can pass through the hinge assembly without forcing the components.

If the hinge ears are cracked, severely distorted, or require significant reshaping, professional repair is recommended.

Step 2: Install the First Friction Pin into the Hollow Tube

Take the replacement hollow hinge tube and one of the two friction pins supplied with your repair kit.

Insert the first friction pin into one end of the hollow tube.

Position the assembly on your anvil or another suitable hard, flat surface.

Using a small jeweler's hammer, gently tap the friction pin into the tube.

Apply light, controlled taps rather than heavy blows.

Continue until the pin is seated securely.

The friction pin should remain firmly attached to the tube without damaging or deforming the tube opening.

Expert Tip: Avoid striking the tube directly with excessive force. The hinge tube is a small precision component that can become distorted if improperly supported.

Step 3: Insert the Hinge Tube into the Fliplock Mechanism

With the first friction pin installed, begin inserting the hollow tube through the Fliplock hinge assembly.

Carefully align the tube with the openings in the safety lock.

Slide the tube through the appropriate hinge opening until it reaches the position where the first washer must be installed.

The tube should move through the aligned openings without requiring significant force.

If resistance is encountered, stop and verify the alignment before proceeding.

Forcing the tube through misaligned components may damage the clasp.

Step 4: Install the First Washer

Take one of the small washers included in the repair kit.

Using fine-point tweezers, carefully position the washer over the hollow tube on the inside of the Fliplock mechanism.

The washer acts as a spacer between adjacent hinge components.

Correct washer placement helps maintain the appropriate clearance for the Fliplock to move freely.

Make sure the washer sits flat and is properly aligned with the hinge tube.

Do not omit the washer if it is required by your particular repair kit and clasp configuration.

Step 5: Position the Short-Tube Half Link

Next, locate the short-tube half link that connects to the Fliplock hinge assembly.

Position the half link between the appropriate sections of the clasp.

Align its tube opening with the hollow hinge tube and the surrounding Fliplock components.

Carefully advance the hinge tube through the half link.

The tube should now pass through the aligned hinge assembly, connecting the Fliplock safety mechanism and the short-tube half link.

Check that the components remain properly positioned.

The half link should sit naturally within the assembly without twisting or placing excessive pressure on the hinge.

Expert Tip: Proper alignment is essential. If the half link is not correctly positioned, the Fliplock may bind or fail to articulate smoothly after installation.

Step 6: Install the Second Washer

Once the hinge tube has passed through the complete assembly, locate its exposed end.

Using tweezers, carefully slide the second washer onto the tube on the outside of the Fliplock mechanism, in the position demonstrated in the tutorial.

Ensure that the washer is seated correctly.

At this stage, both washers should be properly positioned, and the hinge tube should pass through the complete assembly.

Before installing the final friction pin, verify that the Fliplock and half link remain correctly aligned.

Step 7: Secure the Second Friction Pin

Take the remaining friction pin from your repair kit.

Using fine-point tweezers, carefully position the pin at the exposed opening of the hollow hinge tube.

Support the opposite side of the assembly on your anvil or suitable hard surface.

Using your jeweler's hammer, gently tap the second friction pin into place.

Work slowly and use controlled, light taps.

The objective is to secure the pin firmly inside the hollow tube without compressing the hinge assembly excessively.

This is one of the most important steps in the repair.

If the second pin is driven too far or the assembly is compressed too tightly, the Fliplock may lose its ability to pivot freely.

Step 8: Check the Fliplock's Articulation

After installing the second friction pin, carefully move the Fliplock safety mechanism through its normal range of motion.

The safety lock should pivot smoothly without excessive resistance.

Check that:

• Both friction pins are securely seated.
• The hollow tube remains properly positioned.
• Both washers are correctly installed.
• The half link is properly aligned.
• The Fliplock opens and closes without binding.
• The hinge has no excessive side-to-side movement.

A properly repaired Fliplock should feel secure while retaining enough clearance to articulate naturally.

Do not continue hammering once the hinge is secure and moving correctly.

Overtightening can damage the hinge components or interfere with the Fliplock's operation.

Step 9: Test the Complete Clasp Assembly

With the hinge repair complete, test the entire clasp.

Close the main folding clasp and engage the Fliplock safety mechanism.

Open and close the safety lock several times.

Verify that it moves smoothly, closes correctly, and remains securely attached to the bracelet.

Inspect both ends of the hinge to confirm that neither friction pin is backing out.

If the Fliplock binds, feels unusually loose, or does not engage correctly, stop and inspect the assembly.

Do not wear the watch until the clasp operates securely.

Common Mistakes When Repairing a Rolex Fliplock

Although the repair is relatively straightforward, several mistakes can damage the clasp or prevent the mechanism from functioning properly.

1. Using Excessive Hammer Force

The friction pins and hollow tube are small precision components.

Heavy hammer strikes can deform the tube, damage the pins, or distort the clasp.

Use light, controlled taps throughout the installation.

2. Forgetting the Washers

The washers help maintain the spacing between the moving hinge components.

Omitting them can affect the alignment and operation of the Fliplock.

Install both washers in their intended positions.

3. Misaligning the Half Link

The short-tube half link must align correctly with the hinge tube and Fliplock mechanism.

If the components are misaligned, the safety lock may bind or move unevenly.

Always verify alignment before installing the final friction pin.

4. Overtightening the Second Friction Pin

Driving the second pin too aggressively can compress the hinge assembly.

This may prevent the Fliplock from articulating freely.

Stop once the pin is securely seated and the hinge operates correctly.

5. Using an Incompatible Repair Kit

Vintage Rolex clasp configurations can vary.

A replacement tube or pin with incorrect dimensions may not fit securely or may interfere with hinge operation.

Confirm compatibility before installation.

Troubleshooting Rolex Fliplock Repairs

The Fliplock Is Too Tight After Repair

The hinge assembly may have been compressed excessively during installation.

Check whether the washers are correctly positioned and whether the components are binding.

Do not force the Fliplock open or closed.

If the assembly requires correction, have the hinge inspected rather than attempting repeated uncontrolled adjustments.

The Fliplock Still Feels Loose

Inspect both friction pins to ensure they are seated securely.

Also verify that the hollow tube is correctly positioned and that the replacement components match the clasp.

Excessive movement may indicate worn hinge openings or incompatible replacement parts.

The Friction Pin Will Not Stay in Place

A friction pin that repeatedly loosens may be undersized, damaged, or incompatible with the hinge tube.

Do not attempt to compensate by striking the pin harder.

The appropriate solution may be to replace the mismatched components.

The Fliplock Does Not Close Properly

Check the hinge alignment and confirm that the half link is installed correctly.

Also inspect the safety lock for deformation or damage unrelated to the hinge.

Replacing the hinge components will not necessarily correct problems with the Fliplock's locking surfaces.

Can You Repair a Rolex Fliplock Without Replacing the Entire Clasp?

In many cases, yes.

If the damage is limited to a missing, loose, or worn hinge assembly, replacing the hollow tube, friction pins, and washers may restore proper operation.

This can be particularly beneficial for vintage Rolex collectors who want to preserve their original clasp hardware.

Original vintage Rolex clasps can be valuable, and replacing an entire clasp assembly may be unnecessary when only a few small components require attention.

However, this repair does not address every type of clasp damage.

Cracked hinge ears, severely worn metal, broken locking surfaces, or substantial structural damage may require professional restoration or replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rolex Fliplock Repair

Can a broken Rolex Fliplock clasp be repaired?

Yes. Certain vintage Rolex Fliplock problems can be repaired by replacing the hinge tube, friction pins, and washers.

The appropriate repair depends on which components are damaged.

What comes in a Rolex Fliplock repair kit?

The repair kit demonstrated in this tutorial contains one hollow hinge tube, two friction pins, and two small washers.

Kit contents may vary by supplier and clasp design.

Do I need a watchmaker to repair a Rolex Fliplock?

Some mechanically experienced collectors may be comfortable performing a basic hinge repair.

However, the procedure involves small precision components and light hammering near valuable vintage hardware.

If you are unfamiliar with watch bracelet repairs, professional installation is recommended.

Why is my Rolex Fliplock safety clasp loose?

A loose Fliplock can result from worn or missing hinge pins, a damaged hinge tube, worn hinge openings, or other mechanical issues.

Identifying the source of the movement is essential before attempting a repair.

Why won't my Rolex Fliplock move after replacing the pins?

The hinge assembly may have been compressed too tightly during installation.

Incorrect washer placement or misalignment can also cause binding.

Do not force the mechanism.

Can I reuse the original Rolex Fliplock clasp?

Often, yes.

If the clasp body and safety mechanism remain structurally sound, replacing worn hinge components may allow you to retain the original clasp.

Does this repair work on a Rolex 93150 bracelet?

Certain vintage Rolex 93150 clasp configurations use Fliplock hinge mechanisms similar to the one demonstrated.

However, replacement components must be matched to the specific clasp design.

Do not assume that every 93150 clasp uses identical repair parts.

Can this repair be performed on a Tudor Fliplock clasp?

Some vintage Tudor safety clasps use similar hinge designs.

However, compatibility must be verified individually because hinge dimensions and construction can differ.

What is the purpose of the washers in a Fliplock repair kit?

The washers act as spacers within the hinge assembly.

They help maintain the clearance required for the Fliplock mechanism to pivot correctly.

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Disclaimer: Oysters Jubilee is an independent aftermarket parts supplier and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Rolex SA or Tudor. This guide is provided for educational purposes. Improper installation can damage valuable watch components or compromise clasp security. Consult a qualified watchmaker if you are uncertain about performing the repair.