Is My Rolex Watch Clasp an Oysterclasp or Oysterlock?

.Rolex Owner's Guide.
When making a Rolex purchase, it is always important to familiarize yourself with the specific details of the reference you are interested in. With so many working parts, some details can be overlooked, even after you take the watch home. The difference between the Oysterclasp and Oysterlock is subtle, but it is important that you know which one you have in case it ever needs to be replaced or you purchase a strap that incorporates the clasp.

Rolex Oysterlock Clasp on Oyster Bracelet (photo: Rolex)
The photo above shows a brushed Oyster bracelet with polished center links fitted with an Oysterlock clasp. You can see the snap-fit lever with the Rolex crown logo opened to expose the folding blades. When snapped shut, the crown is used to open the clasp. When the clasp is locked, you can see a small piece of the clasp cover exposed between the crown and the links.
Rolex Oysterclasp Clasp on Oyster Bracelet (photo: Rolex)
The Oysterclasp, shown above on a brushed Oyster bracelet, is a more simplified clasp. The crown logo is imprinted on the clasp cover, not on the lever. On this clasp there is no space between the lever and the bracelet like on the Oysterlock. This is the easiest way to tell the difference between this and the Oysterlock - that and the position of the crown logo.

Rolex also offers a Crownclasp option which conceals the clasp below the bracelet, with only the crown logo visible between links. You can check out all of the bracelet options and the clasps that go along with them in my previous post on Rolex bracelet options. If you're curious about the difference between the Glidelock and Fliplock extension systems, check out my post on that.

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Rolex Oysterclasp, Crownclasp and Oysterlock Clasps

.Tech.
The clasp of a wristwatch is meant to provide both security and comfort to the wearer. Having an expensive or rare timepiece slip off one's wrist is a nightmare and can often lead to irreparable damage. Rolex currently offers three clasp options on their wristwatches: Oysterclasp, Crownclasp and Oysterlock. 

Photo of Rolex oysterlock clasp on oyster bracelet
Rolex Oysterlock Clasp (photo: Rolex)
The Oysterclasp is the simplest of the clasp options, consisting of a folding clasp and a small lever that secures the clasp. The Oysterlock, shown in the photo above, was introduced in 2005 on the GMT-Master II model. This clasp features 15 micro technical components patented by Rolex for a secure clasp. It snaps shut, allowing the wearer to easily fasten and unlock it. The watchmaker added a crown design detail to the clasp that provides a small lip that can be gripped to open or close it.

The Crownclasp is the most inconspicuous of the clasp options, with a folding blade concealed by the bracelet, revealing only a crown shaped lever used to open and close the clasp. This clasp appears on the Jubilee bracelet as well as the President bracelet shown below in platinum.

Photo of a Rolex Crownclasp on a platinum president bracelet
Rolex Crownclasp on a President Bracelet (photo: Rolex)
Aside from the movement inside, the clasp of a wristwatch sees the most action. The opening and closing of the clasp on a daily basis wears on it and that wear could lead to an accidental opening later in the life of the timepiece. It is of utmost importance that watchmakers pay attention to this important detail. Perhaps Rolex places their crown logo on their clasps to let us know they are indeed paying attention.

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