The Rolex Forums   The Rolex Watch

ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX


Go Back   Rolex Forums - Rolex Forum > Rolex & Tudor Watch Topics > Rolex Reference Library

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 27 January 2010, 10:48 AM   #1
Tools
TRF Moderator & 2024 SUBMARINER Patron
 
Tools's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2007
Real Name: Larry
Location: Mojave Desert
Watch: GMT's
Posts: 43,457
Bracelet Removal, Touch-up, Replacement..

A lot of members seem to be interested in taking off their bracelet...and others about touching up the bracelet..

So, I thought I would combine the two.

Some of my watches get pretty beat up...especially if I'm out in the rocks or engaged in an active pastime...or, just over time..

Let's begin.. First, you need a place that has some room and is comfortable...this shouldn't be done on a couch in front of the tube... you could lose some parts..
Workspace.jpg

The basic tool is a spring-bar tool such as the Bergeon 6111. Here it is at the bottom along with another standard spring-bar tool. You can see that the 6111 has narrow forks. These narrow forks are needed to fit in the narrow slot of the Rolex Bracelet:
BarTools.jpg
Close-up
BarTools2.jpg

The first step is to remove the spring-bar from the clasp. Using the pin-punch end of the spring bar tool this is easily accomplished. A toothpick can also be used:
PinTool.jpg
Here you can see how the spring-bar tool is inserted into the slot to capture the flange and pressing inward, compress the spring bar:
BarTool3.jpg

I recommend this "pinch technique" where the end-link is held between the thumb and forefinger while exerting some outward pressure to keep the spring-bar pivot from slipping back into the hole:
Pinch.jpg

Once apart, we can see that we have the two spring-bars, the one for the clasp, and two bracelet halves. The outside half gets most of the abuse as is readily noticed:
RawBrclt1.jpg

We will use a green Scotch Brite pad for the touch up and to re-align the grain. About 20 strokes along the length while holding one end, then another 2o after rotating the bracelet and holding the other end. This helps ensure some uniformity and complete coverage:
RawBrclt2.jpg

Once we have it touched up to our satisfaction, the watch can be reassembled and given a warm soapy wash.. then it's ready for the box until called upon again:
FinshBrclt.jpg



.... Bracelet Installation Procedures......

Some have asked for tips on installing the bracelet back onto the watch head. I am using a different watch here. This watch has through lug holes and no slot in the end-link for a tool to fit. The procedure is the same for either style.

First, another tool is needed. I will use a case-back knife, but any flat blade will do the job..even a popsicle stick:
Install1.jpg

You may choose to tape the lugs to avoid scratches. Here I am using masking tape, but any durable tape will do, although I do not recommend "Scotch" tape as it easily shreds:
Install2.jpg

Install the spring-bar into the end-link and lay the link with the ends of the spring resting on the back of the lugs:
Install3.jpg

I recommend the same pinch procedure used for the removal here, but for photography, I show pressing down on the end-link and using the flat blade of the tool to compress the spring-bar end until it can be pushed between the lugs:
Install5.jpg

Once both ends are between the lugs, you can maneuver the end-link around a bit until you hear both pivots snap into the holes. ON through hole lugs, you can verify visually to ensure the pivot is visible in the hole:
Install6.jpg

If you choose not to tape, or did get an accidental scratch on the back of the lug, it is easily taken care of:
Install7.jpg

This is one of the best uses of the nylon fiber pens that are available at most watch part/tool Vendors:
Install8.jpg

Once you have these minor touch-ups done, your watch is ready for many more months of use before it's necessary again..

FinshBrclt2.jpg

Here is a handy chart to use with the part number and screw-slot size for the various Rolex bracelets.

rolex bracelet size.jpg
__________________
(Chill ... It's just a watch Forum.....)
NAWCC Member

Last edited by Tools; 15 April 2021 at 01:18 AM.. Reason: Add Bracelet Installation
Tools is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 27 January 2010, 10:55 AM   #2
clubsta
"TRF" Member
 
clubsta's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Real Name: John
Location: New York
Watch: Rolex
Posts: 223
Great Job, looks fantastic!
clubsta is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 27 January 2010, 10:56 AM   #3
kyle L
"TRF" Member
 
kyle L's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: USA
Watch: Rolex Explorer I
Posts: 10,278
Really great job Larry. Would you have any tips on the caseback?
kyle L is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 27 January 2010, 10:59 AM   #4
Tools
TRF Moderator & 2024 SUBMARINER Patron
 
Tools's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2007
Real Name: Larry
Location: Mojave Desert
Watch: GMT's
Posts: 43,457
Quote:
Originally Posted by kyle L View Post
Really great job Larry. Would you have any tips on the caseback?
Yes... Lay the case back flat on a flat surface with some 120 grit paper... slide it across the flat surface with the already established grain..

Someplace I have an article about removing an engraving from the back that shows the technique (probably in the Amateur Watchmaker Corner)...
__________________
(Chill ... It's just a watch Forum.....)
NAWCC Member
Tools is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 27 January 2010, 10:59 AM   #5
swissautopro
"TRF" Member
 
swissautopro's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2008
Real Name: Mike
Location: South Carolina
Watch: 3.3M 1655 Mk I
Posts: 2,384
Another great thread, Larry!
__________________
"A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, and poverty will come upon you like a bandit, and scarcity like an armed man." Proverbs 24

"It is better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than open your mouth and remove all doubt." Unknown

"Better to be a nobody and yet have a servant than pretend to be somebody and have no food." Proverbs 12
swissautopro is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 27 January 2010, 11:03 AM   #6
CPTL
"TRF" Member
 
CPTL's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Real Name: Kevin
Location: Texas on my mind
Watch: Sub Date; SS/WG DJ
Posts: 2,445
Shocking that it's that easy. Great work, and great thread. Now I can remove the bubble wrap from my wrist.
__________________

16610 Submariner Date; D Serial
16234 DateJust SS with WG Fluted Bezel & Jubillee, White Roman Dial; F Serial
16570 Explorer II White Dial; M Serial

And Hers: 78240 Mid-Size DateJust SS with Domed Bezel & Oyster, White Roman; D Serial
CPTL is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 27 January 2010, 11:06 AM   #7
Speed
"TRF" Member
 
Speed's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: USA
Posts: 19,706
Larry,

Great tutorial as always.

I know this was prompted by recent inquiries...I PROMISE to refer folks to this link going forward on any bracelet questions I may see on TRF.

Much appreciated.
Speed is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 27 January 2010, 11:12 AM   #8
TSW
"TRF" Member
 
TSW's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Real Name: TSW
Location: Le Brassus
Watch: Rolex & AP's
Posts: 27,449
Great job Larry!!
__________________

AP Owners Club
IG @swiss.watch.connection
TSW is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 27 January 2010, 11:17 AM   #9
Tools
TRF Moderator & 2024 SUBMARINER Patron
 
Tools's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2007
Real Name: Larry
Location: Mojave Desert
Watch: GMT's
Posts: 43,457
Quote:
Originally Posted by Speed View Post
Larry,

Great tutorial as always.

I know this was prompted by recent inquiries...I PROMISE to refer folks to this link going forward on any bracelet questions I may see on TRF.

Much appreciated.
No hidden agenda..

Sometimes I rely on you guys (and the new guys) to provide the inspiration for a timely article, or the resurrection of an old one...
__________________
(Chill ... It's just a watch Forum.....)
NAWCC Member
Tools is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 27 January 2010, 11:54 AM   #10
karmatp
"TRF" Member
 
karmatp's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Real Name: Trevor
Location: Arizona
Posts: 5,740
Another great tutorial Larry, you rule.
__________________
My grails:
karmatp is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 27 January 2010, 12:08 PM   #11
subgmt
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Near CA
Watch: Rado
Posts: 104
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tools View Post
Yes... Lay the case back flat on a flat surface with some 120 grit paper... slide it across the flat surface with the already established grain..

Someplace I have an article about removing an engraving from the back that shows the technique (probably in the Amateur Watchmaker Corner)...
Hi Larry,

Great article. The back case cover has a glossy rim and sometimes it is difficult to polish without protecting the glossy rim. Sometimes deeper scratch happens at the edge rim of the case back near the polished rim. so it is difficult but any way thanks for the good tutorial on polishing bracelets. It always help.

Ace.
subgmt is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 27 January 2010, 12:28 PM   #12
JBat
"TRF" Member
 
JBat's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Real Name: John
Location: Washington
Watch: 16710, 16610, DJ
Posts: 7,329
Great tutorial, Larry. I've been wanting to do this very thing. Once I get the right Bergeon tool I'll give it a go.
JBat is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 27 January 2010, 09:41 PM   #13
walds11
"TRF" Member
 
walds11's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Real Name: Adam
Location: Philly ‘burbs
Posts: 5,656
Larry, great tutorial.

A little OT...The spring bars on my Sub 16610 Y serial appear different. It's hard to explain, but they don't have the notches on the ends like your's. Maybe due to the fact that I have a no holes case and they require a different type of spring bar?
__________________
Adam
walds11 is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 28 January 2010, 01:03 AM   #14
onkyo
Banned
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Real Name: Pav
Location: Manhattan
Posts: 11,495
Thank you Larry for these very informative tutorials.....

It will make watchmakers out of us all.
onkyo is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 28 January 2010, 02:48 AM   #15
Tools
TRF Moderator & 2024 SUBMARINER Patron
 
Tools's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2007
Real Name: Larry
Location: Mojave Desert
Watch: GMT's
Posts: 43,457
Quote:
Originally Posted by walds11 View Post
Larry, great tutorial.

A little OT...The spring bars on my Sub 16610 Y serial appear different. It's hard to explain, but they don't have the notches on the ends like your's. Maybe due to the fact that I have a no holes case and they require a different type of spring bar?
Any no holes case should have these same spring bars. Some may not have the flanges on them, but they should be double shouldered..

A Sub, or many pre 2001 cases may have "through hole lugs" cases (I believe this is what you meant). These have springbars that only have a single pivot at each end. (no shoulders). This type of springbar is removed by using the shown "pin punch" end of the tool and, using the same holding technique, the spring-bars are compressed by pushing through the lug holes. The bracelet also may not have the slot in the back either since it is not necessary .........

Here are the three type of spring bars you will encounter. Through hole case, no hole case 2mm, and no hole case 1.8mm:
__________________
(Chill ... It's just a watch Forum.....)
NAWCC Member

Last edited by Tools; 2 December 2019 at 08:07 AM..
Tools is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 28 January 2010, 03:18 AM   #16
ParisDakarBmw
Banned
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Real Name: Paul
Location: New Haven, CT
Watch: 116610 Sub-C
Posts: 6,552
This is a great thread to send these question to. Many people have an interest in maintaining their watches, and learning. We don't see too many before, and after pics. This makes me wonder if people were trying to do it, and jacked it up. I'd hate to think about people screwing up their watches because they mis understood. This thread says everything with good pics. Thanks!
ParisDakarBmw is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 28 January 2010, 04:51 AM   #17
tandrup
"TRF" Member
 
tandrup's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: USA
Watch: 14060M
Posts: 921
Larry - thanks for sharing. Great overview.
__________________
Regards,
Lars
14060M, 16570 White, 116200 Tuxedo Dial
Georg Jensen 2347
tandrup is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 28 January 2010, 05:45 AM   #18
R1@160@alltimes
"TRF" Member
 
R1@160@alltimes's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: USA
Watch: ♛
Posts: 4,408
Thanks for putting this step by step pictorial together - it sure answered some questions that I had.
__________________
R1@160@alltimes is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 28 January 2010, 05:51 AM   #19
JJ Irani
Fondly Remembered
 
JJ Irani's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2005
Real Name: JJ
Location: Auckland, NZ
Watch: ALL SOLD!!
Posts: 74,319
Quote:
Originally Posted by walds11 View Post
Thanks Larry. I don't think my spring bars have the flanges on them. They are probably the first one pictured.
Those are designed for cases that have lug-holes through the lugs.

JJ
__________________
Words fail me in expressing my utmost thanks to ALL of you for this wonderful support during my hour of need!!

I firmly believe that my time on planet earth is NOT yet up!! I shall fight this to the very end.......and WIN!!
JJ Irani is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 28 January 2010, 07:08 AM   #20
robsteve
"TRF" Member
 
robsteve's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Canada
Posts: 776
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tools View Post
A lot of members seem to be interested in taking off their bracelet...and others about touching up the bracelet..



I noticed that quite a few of the bracelet pictures I see show wear on the shiny ends of the links. What causes this. The Oyster bracelet on my 20 year old 15010 only shows theses marks on the last links that rub the clasp. This is a watch I have worn almost daily for twenty years and shows lots of marks on the case and bezel, but the polished sides of the strap still look good, with only minor scratches.

Robert

Last edited by Tools; 30 November 2017 at 06:11 AM..
robsteve is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 28 January 2010, 07:13 AM   #21
walds11
"TRF" Member
 
walds11's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Real Name: Adam
Location: Philly ‘burbs
Posts: 5,656
Thanks JJ. I have a SS Sub Date Y serial with lug holes. Everything checks out

Quote:
Originally Posted by JJ Irani View Post
Those are designed for cases that have lug-holes through the lugs.

JJ
__________________
Adam
walds11 is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 28 January 2010, 07:26 AM   #22
Skullring
"TRF" Member
 
Skullring's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Real Name: Phillip
Location: Alabama
Watch: Triple 6 SD
Posts: 1,720
Thanks Larry. Great post as always.
__________________
It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.
- Antoine de Saint Exupéry
Skullring is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 28 January 2010, 08:25 AM   #23
Tools
TRF Moderator & 2024 SUBMARINER Patron
 
Tools's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2007
Real Name: Larry
Location: Mojave Desert
Watch: GMT's
Posts: 43,457
Quote:
Originally Posted by robsteve View Post
I noticed that quite a few of the bracelet pictures I see show wear on the shiny ends of the links. What causes this. The Oyster bracelet on my 20 year old 15010 only shows theses marks on the last links that rub the clasp. This is a watch I have worn almost daily for twenty years and shows lots of marks on the case and bezel, but the polished sides of the strap still look good, with only minor scratches.

Robert
Most of what you see on the sides are fingerprints and body oils. When finished with wearing the watch, or your touch-up, they are easily washed and wiped away......
__________________
(Chill ... It's just a watch Forum.....)
NAWCC Member
Tools is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 28 January 2010, 08:27 AM   #24
Tools
TRF Moderator & 2024 SUBMARINER Patron
 
Tools's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2007
Real Name: Larry
Location: Mojave Desert
Watch: GMT's
Posts: 43,457
..I've added bracelet installation tips to the initial post..
__________________
(Chill ... It's just a watch Forum.....)
NAWCC Member
Tools is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 28 January 2010, 08:37 AM   #25
dkpw
"TRF" Member
 
dkpw's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Real Name: David
Location: Scotland
Watch: 16610 & 214270
Posts: 1,294
Thanks Larry for a very clear and helpful set of instructions.

The nylon fibre pen is new to me, can you explain a little more about it. Should it just be used on brushed metal work? How do you use it?

Cheers!
__________________
Sub 16610, Explorer 214270, Ω Speedy Pro & many others.

David
dkpw is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 28 January 2010, 08:46 AM   #26
robsteve
"TRF" Member
 
robsteve's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Canada
Posts: 776
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tools View Post
Most of what you see on the sides are fingerprints and body oils. When finished with wearing the watch, or your touch-up, they are easily washed and wiped away......
I was thinking it may be from wearing other jewelry on the same wrist as the watch. I have seen people wearing a nice Rolex and then a large gold chain on the same wrist.

Robert
robsteve is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 28 January 2010, 08:53 AM   #27
rfknauss
2024 ROLEX SUBMARINER 41 Pledge Member
 
rfknauss's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Real Name: Richard
Location: Macungie, PA
Watch: 5513 Sub, LV Sub
Posts: 14,496
Larry, thanks for the great step by step instructions!
__________________


"Few things in life give man as great a pleasure as wearing a Rolex!"

TRF's "AFTER DARK" Bar & NightClub Patron
rfknauss is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 28 January 2010, 03:46 PM   #28
louie
"TRF" Member
 
louie's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2008
Real Name: Lewis
Location: Earth
Watch: The Beast
Posts: 1,352
Thank you Larry!

you are AWESOME! i was just curious how to take out or put the bracelet back on to the case when i see no slot for the fork,and the "cover" seems not flipable cos i tired to peel it open Larry,your detail tutorial and photos just answer them all! Thanks man!!
__________________
" I THINK PERFECTION IS UGLY. SOMEWHERE IN THE THINGS HUMANS MAKE, I WANT TO SEE SCARS, FAILURE, DISORDER AND DISTORTION" - YOHJI YAMAMOTO
louie is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 28 January 2010, 11:02 PM   #29
Willi
Member
 
Join Date: May 2008
Real Name: Billy
Location: New York City
Watch: 16710
Posts: 54
Larry,

Very informative. You've done a super job illustrating everything, thanks for everything.
Willi is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 29 January 2010, 01:56 AM   #30
David Woo
Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: southern Calif
Posts: 632
Very nice photos, thanks Larry!
DW
David Woo is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump

Wrist Aficionado

Asset Appeal

WatchesOff5th

DavidSW Watches

Takuya Watches

My Watch LLC

OCWatches


*Banners Of The Month*
This space is provided to horological resources.





Copyright ©2004-2024, The Rolex Forums. All Rights Reserved.

ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX

Rolex is a registered trademark of ROLEX USA. The Rolex Forums is not affiliated with ROLEX USA in any way.