Putting Some Muscle on My Kermit - My 16610LV Bracelet Upgrade

[Toomanyms]

will this upgrade work on a16570 exp ii holes case

[Louies]

Originally Posted by kauebm

The bergeon tool that inspired the tool used by the OP is ref. 6825, but there is a nice alternative also by Bergeon, inspired by the Rolex tool, which is the Bergeon 7825. I own this last one and it works great.

Here are some pics:

Bergeon 6825


Bergeon 7825


You can find both at Otto Frei:

http://www.ofrei.com/page252.html

Thanks for the link.

[Qinhan]

Originally Posted by Toomanyms

will this upgrade work on a16570 exp ii holes case

Never tried but I would guess no. As far as I know, apart from the 116610, the only five series watch that the bracelet will only work on is the 16610, which is a no holes case.

[Qinhan]

Originally Posted by nch209

Sacrilege!

Joking. I love modding; but get ready for the haters to preach no changes!

Speaking of modding, I also have a black bezel insert and ring for my sub too, but I like the green so much I've never even tried it out.

[No SUBctitute]

I agree with you. I love the new bracelet and clasp. In fact, I would love to get a GMT and put a glidelock clasp on it. Where did you buy the bracelet and how much did it cost?

So, the watch is not original any longer, right? I assume that Rolex still has older style bracelets to put on older subs. If you sent the watch in for service, would Rolex refuse to service it unless you allowed them to bring it back to original spec?

[jw0n]

Thank you for sharing. I'd considered the Kermit before, but could not deal with the hollow links. Your light mod puts it right back on the list of wants!

[Qinhan]

Originally Posted by No SUBctitute

I agree with you. I love the new bracelet and clasp. In fact, I would love to get a GMT and put a glidelock clasp on it. Where did you buy the bracelet and how much did it cost?

So, the watch is not original any longer, right? I assume that Rolex still has older style bracelets to put on older subs. If you sent the watch in for service, would Rolex refuse to service it unless you allowed them to bring it back to original spec?

I won't say how much I paid but gave a ball park figure for a bracelet on the previous page.

With this mod the watch is no longer original but, seriously, who cares? If I need it to be original I take five minutes and swap the original bracelet back. I've no idea whether Rolex would service it with the newer bracelet or not. Personally, I only ever use an independent watchmaker that I trust to service my watches as when you give your watch to Rolex you sacrifice too much control over the servicing process. Ironically, my Rolex watches are too important to trust to Rolex.

[Qinhan]

Originally Posted by tifosi

You may have just ended up with the perfect Rolex Sub!
The endlink fit would bug me, but on the whole, awesome upgrade.

This photo shows the slight mismatch between glidelock bracelet endlink and the 16610LV case. There is absolutely zero movement in the connection but, due to the larger case size of the 116610, there is an approx. 1mm overhang on the underside. As I mentioned, this doesn't effect the comfort of the bracelet and you don't even notice it.

[Glidelock]

Originally Posted by brettpaul

Looks BEAUTIFUL mate!! I took the cheap route and just purchased the 1/2 link and Glidelock for my 16610LV - had a solid bracelet already being a random serial model!!

Can you tell me exactly which tools you have for your watch - they look amazing and I've been wanting to get some high-quality ones for a while!! Specific manufacturer and tool number would be most appreciated!

Originally Posted by OpusXIII

TOOLS! Watch looks great. Can someone (anyone) tell me where one can acquire the tools pictured within this thread? I'd love to acquire them somewhere. Appreciate any info anyone can provide. Thank you.

Both of those tools shown in the OP are sold by the same eBay seller out of China. Just go to eBay and search Bergeon 6825 and his improved knockoffs with the 1mm forks will come up around $98 or so! Also, he is the only one I know that has successfully marketed a Rolex 2100 replacement screwdrivers: a true 1.7 mm Hollow Ground tip! I believe the listing number for that item is: 252323427252

[henry333]

Wow I totally agree with you. The old style case with the new style bracelet is the best of both worlds. The old style case wears so much better then the new thicker style.
Best mod ! Very expensive but very good.

[blcblc]

Nice!!

[ROLEXUS]

I believe the tool used by the OP is this:

http://www.esslinger.com/horofix-wat...ers-band-tool/

I purchased same one a few years back and it is fantastic, comes with two sizes of tips, no need to file them down.

[opaline460]

best of the both worlds!

[pampam]

It may look better with the black bezel.

[rollee1]

Originally Posted by Qinhan

This photo shows the slight mismatch between glidelock bracelet endlink and the 16610LV case. There is absolutely zero movement in the connection but, due to the larger case size of the 116610, there is an approx. 1mm overhang on the underside. As I mentioned, this doesn't effect the comfort of the bracelet and you don't even notice it.

Thank you for posting this detail, do you find the over hang rear end link pose the possibility of scratching the watch case?


The tool esslinger comes with a set of 1mm fork does not need filing, the price is excellent compared to Bergeon 6825, which needs filing to fit.
Thanks to Glidelock for you post, that's an excellent price and must buy.

Brettpaul also has a good solution by just changing out the Glidelock clasp, you got lucky with a solid link bracelet to begin with. Perhaps that's the 16610LV I should aim for?

[ryanyoustra]

Awesome work, OP. The glidelock is worth every penny you paid, enjoy.

[RichM]

Excellent

[joli160]

Well done

[Gaijin]

That is awesome!

[Qinhan]

Originally Posted by rollee1

Thank you for posting this detail, do you find the over hang rear end link pose the possibility of scratching the watch case?

No, it's all good. As I mentioned, there's no movement in the endlinks so no scratching against the case.

Originally Posted by pampam

It may look better with the black bezel.

I'm going to have to disagree with you there. The green bezel insert is stunning and one of the things I love about this watch.

[ilovewatchestoo]

Awesome thanks for taking pics along the way and sharing them.

[BDL]

I hate photobucket, I want to see these photos so bad.