Re-installing a permanent link.

[G-Web]

Hi Everyone,

I recently acquired a nice 16550 on a 78360 bracelet.
The previous owner had a permanent link removed from the 6 o'clock side of the bracelet. I would like to put it back in.

The permanent link is included and does not appear to be damaged.

Before attempting to put it back in, is there anything I should know? Can I press it back together myself with the help of a small vise? If so, is there a certain type of Loctite I should use? Or is this something best left to a watchmaker?

Thanks for your help,
-GW

[G-Web]

Any insights?
I imagine it's a simple task, but I'd love some tips from the pros if possible.

Thanks,
-GW

[michigan.watches]

I think you'd be better off adding a sizing link if you need it to be longer.

[handsfull]

Technically...you cannot reuse the link. That said, JB weld dabbed into the splined shafts and then press (with vise preferably) the link together....would work/be solid although not ideal.

[THC]

Wow, how/why was it removed in the first place, I wonder.... Seems to me the previous owner should have just removed a link that was indeed removable..

[77T]

You can't reattach it without removing the cap from the last perm link where you'd be adding it back. So you'd actually need to re-press 2 links. And that removal is fraught with danger for average bracelet skills like undoing screws.

I'd keep the perm link you have there and do as Michigan said.


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[G-Web]

Thanks for the input gents, I appreciate it.
The previous owner had the link removed by Michael Young in order to center the clasp on his wrist.

It turns out I don't need to remove another permanent link in order to re-install this one; it goes right in through the center of the last permanent link when I remove the screw-in links.

I'm going to give the JB Weld a shot and I'll keep an eye on it for any potential separation.

Thanks again,
-GW

[Tools]

Originally Posted by G-Web

. . .
I'm going to give the JB Weld a shot and I'll keep an eye on it for any potential separation.

Thanks again,
-GW

I would use regular loc-tite. If you use JB or epoxy or anything else you will never be able to get it apart should you decide to replace it in the future..

It ain't rocket science... they were just pressed together to begin with.

[G-Web]

10-4 Larry. That's what I was hoping to hear to begin with.
Cheers,
-GW