Oysterquartz 17000 bracelet removal

[Pete_mcC]

I’m having to send my Oysterquartz off to have the bracelet repaired as a couple of internal pins have died meaning the links move in ways they shouldn’t..

The repairer prefers bracelet only (guessing less stressful shipping, fewer expensive watches in the workshop etc), but how to remove the bracelet?

I’m assuming it’s just a standard friction pin attachment but has anyone any experience of removing a 17000 integrated bracelet, is it simple or no?

Thanks!

(Photos of the watch and OQ links doing what OQ links shouldn’t..)

[JustinK]

It should be one solid pin connecting the lugs to the bracelet. You should be able to push the pin out on one side and then pull it out with a pliers from the other side. Just be careful when you push on the pin not to scratch the case. They can be difficult to move depending on how worn and dirty they are.

[zapokee]

I've never been able to remove my OQ bracelet (17000). The lughole pins just don't move. Luckily I don't need to remove it because you can't wear these on leather.

Personally I'd take it to Rolex and just get them to replace the broken part. They still provide links for these 17000 bracelets. I got an extra link at the AD a few years ago. $100 with fitting included.

Then you'll know everything is legit.

[Pete_mcC]

Originally Posted by JustinK

You should be able to push the pin out on one side and then pull it out with a pliers from the other side. Just be careful when you push on the pin not to scratch the case.

Many thanks Justin!

Originally Posted by zapokee

They still provide links for these 17000 bracelets. I got an extra link at the AD a few years ago. $100 with fitting included.

Thank! Tried that already, they only provide additional removable links not the fixed mid-bracelet links. They would only provide me with a whole new bracelet for this issue at a huge cost, and it would be a 17000b bracelet not a 17000 one…and I have to try to keep this original!

[zapokee]

Originally Posted by Pete_McC

Thank! Tried that already, they only provide additional removable links not the fixed mid-bracelet links. They would only provide me with a whole new bracelet for this issue at a huge cost, and it would be a 17000b bracelet not a 17000 one…and I have to try to keep this original!

Oh, right. The new link they provided me with was indeed a removable one.

How much did they quote you for a whole new bracelet, out of interest? I'm guessing that if one link is 100 bucks, a full 12-link bracelet with clasp would be around 1,500.

[GTS Dean]

A very few watchmakers can separate and replace the knurled link pins for a like-new fit. But, it requires some purpose-made link pullers to do so. You can search bracelet repair threads for an idea of what's involved.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ov3JerkpoVQ

[Pete_mcC]

Originally Posted by GTS Dean

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ov3JerkpoVQ

That was a fun watch. The guys I’m using are specialists in oyster repairs so should be good, but I agree it’s not something you can do at home with pliers and a knife

[Pete_mcC]

Originally Posted by zapokee

How much did they quote you for a whole new bracelet

It was a little while back but you’re about on the money, think it was 1650