Hello all, I have recently purchased a Portofino Chronograph on a stainless steel mesh bracelet - very beautiful watch. However I've noticed a problem with the clasp of the bracelet. When I make sudden movements or clap my hands the clasp opens. I showed this problem to the authorized dealer and they replaced the clasp for me. The new clasp that I received is a little more stiff however it still opens if I clap my hands for a bit.
Has anyone else noticed this issue with your mesh bracelets? I can't believe this is normal? Thank you,
I don't have a Milanese bracelet but deployant clasps can open if subject to shocks. If you have had two bracelets with the same issue then it is most likely due to the design.
I have always been reluctant to get involved in over-enthusiastic and prolonged clapping when wearing mechanical watches because of potential shock to the movement. This becomes more of an issue at the end of an opera when wearing evening dress with a Portofino or Portuguesier. Perhaps that's why it used to be considered to be very bad form to wear a wrist watch with evening dress. Pocket watches are just about acceptable. In recent years, opera audiences have started to stamp their feet to show their appreciation while protecting their watches.
I taught myself to clap in a watch friendly way: moving my hands without moving my wrists. There is some loss of volume, I compensate by shouting "Bravo!" once in a while.
Hallo I had the same problem. When was visiting the iwc factory I have a watchmaker asked what to do with this. He showed me the solution as they do it by the clasp hand gently bending anything. And Yes, the problem was solved.
One more reason for IWC to go the double-pusher-opening clasp system - for the Aquatimer rubber straps too (instead of the pin buckle). This double-pusher-opening clasp system should be clap-proof too - tested on the steel bracelet a thousand times.
I purchased my watch a little over 2 years ago, and have had the same problem. I've taken the watch into IWC 4 times over the past 2 years, and given that I've probably worn this watch less than 50 times since buying it, I am sure that this isn't normal. Unfortunately, the customer service here isn't as forthcoming as in the country you are in, despite me asking them to send the bracelet for a replacement, I've been assured that mine is a one-off case and therefore wouldn't qualify for a replacement. IWC should have built a better clasp for this beautiful watch, no point in buying something so beautiful to have it sit in my drawer to remind me of the mistake I made 2 years ago ...
NOEL! Hi, if you're still an active member, can you share a video of what you're talking about ? I'm not sure if the gentleman at the IWC factory showed you how to fix this issue at home or showed you the "right" way of opening and closing the clasp so it doesn't become loose so quickly.
