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ajh77 · 8 January 2025, 03:40 AM

So, I got all the correct tools to remove the bracelet on my vintage 18238 including the premium spring bar removal tool from Esslinger. However, I got the bracelet off and put it back on and thought it was secure and when. I went to put on the bracelet and secured it on my wrist the spring bar separated from the case. So, I tried to put it back on again and same thing happened. The watch didn’t fall on the cement floor thank god. Worried I brought the watch to a Rolex AD and they told me the bracelet wasn’t quite secured to the case so they put it on correctly.

I am scared to remove the bracelet again and try and put it back onto the case.

Any tips for me to follow when I put the bracelet back on the case in the future?
I did listen for clicks of the spring bars going back into position, etc.
I really thought the bracelet was secure in the case the two times I tried myself to put the bracelet back on.

Thank you.

KY.. · 8 January 2025, 04:01 AM

No knock but sometimes it’s better to let the car mechanic change the tire/wheel…
You always make sure the wheel or bracelet is securely installed…

racerx · 8 January 2025, 04:11 AM

Anytime I remove a bracelet and then put it back on, I always tug on it where it attaches to the case to make sure it’s securely attached.

TimeLord2 · 8 January 2025, 05:09 AM

The spring bars should snap into the hole with an audible click but as racerx mentioned a little tug on it to make sure it's secure is a good thing.

On another note, once the spring bar has been compressed enough to fit between the lugs try and rotate the end link around a bit because it may have been in one of the holes but not both. Try experimenting on one side only and connect the bracelet to the head of the watch a few times to get the feel for it and listen for teh click before you attach the other side. Also, you might want to place a piece of tape on the underside of the lugs as you fit the spring bars so you dont mar the case.

TuRo · 8 January 2025, 05:50 AM

Deleted-forgot non lug hole

0nly5iv3Digits · 8 January 2025, 08:43 AM

Must remember to check whether the springbar ends enter into/securely seat within the springbar holes... I don't blame you for being put off after an experience like that. It isn't rocket science but an easy mistake to the uninitiated. Just be careful next time. Doubt you'll have issues going forward.

Tools · 8 January 2025, 09:16 AM

sounds like the spring bar is simply not engaged in the holes.

Sometimes you need to fiddle and push them towards the case to get them to lock in.

miamiclay · 9 January 2025, 03:17 AM

It’s probably also worthwhile to give the spring bars themselves a good cleaning, ideally with an ultrasonic cleaner. It doesn’t take much gunk in those tiny telescoping spring bars to make them stop sliding freely.

Dan S · 9 January 2025, 05:01 AM

Why do you need to remove the bracelet?

ajh77 · 9 January 2025, 10:47 AM

To clean the bracelet in the ultrasonic.

crowncollection · 9 January 2025, 09:51 PM

You need to listen for the sound then check by tugging with a slight twist.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

ajh77 · 10 January 2025, 02:37 AM

Thank you everyone. I didn’t tug with a slight twist the two other times I tried to re-attach the bracelet. I will do that next time to make sure it is secure.

8 January 2025, 03:40 AM	#1
ajh77 "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: N/A Posts: 148	Advice on removing vintage 18238 Bracelet So, I got all the correct tools to remove the bracelet on my vintage 18238 including the premium spring bar removal tool from Esslinger. However, I got the bracelet off and put it back on and thought it was secure and when. I went to put on the bracelet and secured it on my wrist the spring bar separated from the case. So, I tried to put it back on again and same thing happened. The watch didn’t fall on the cement floor thank god. Worried I brought the watch to a Rolex AD and they told me the bracelet wasn’t quite secured to the case so they put it on correctly. I am scared to remove the bracelet again and try and put it back onto the case. Any tips for me to follow when I put the bracelet back on the case in the future? I did listen for clicks of the spring bars going back into position, etc. I really thought the bracelet was secure in the case the two times I tried myself to put the bracelet back on. Thank you. Last edited by ajh77; 8 January 2025 at 03:43 AM.. Reason: Added text

8 January 2025, 04:01 AM	#2
KY.. "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2021 Real Name: Keith Location: California Watch: 60s to 90s Posts: 1,409	No knock but sometimes it’s better to let the car mechanic change the tire/wheel… You always make sure the wheel or bracelet is securely installed… __________________ Just an admirer/enthusiast of vintage Rolex/Heuer/Zenith/Breitling/Hamilton watches since the 80’s… Ex—https://imgur.com/FnO9FRy—https://imgur.com/INllK4U— ”I Do Love The Details, But I Can Choose If I Accept The Flaws…”

8 January 2025, 05:50 AM	#5
TuRo "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2022 Real Name: Paul Location: Cantabrigia - G.B Watch: ing the detectives Posts: 2,942	Deleted-forgot non lug hole __________________ In Birmingham, they love the governor (boo, boo, boo!) Now we all did what we could do Now Watergate does not bother me, uh-uh Does your conscience bother you? Tell the truth ! Sweet Home Alabama -Lynyrd Skynyrd

8 January 2025, 08:43 AM	#6
0nly5iv3Digits "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: EARTH Watch: What is "watch"? Posts: 1,616	Must remember to check whether the springbar ends enter into/securely seat within the springbar holes... I don't blame you for being put off after an experience like that. It isn't rocket science but an easy mistake to the uninitiated. Just be careful next time. Doubt you'll have issues going forward. __________________ “UNpolished or I’m not interested” 😎 2FA Enabled

8 January 2025, 09:16 AM	#7
Tools TRF Moderator & 2025 Patron Join Date: May 2007 Real Name: Larry Location: Mojave Desert Watch: GMT's Posts: 43,628	sounds like the spring bar is simply not engaged in the holes. Sometimes you need to fiddle and push them towards the case to get them to lock in. __________________ (Chill ... It's just a watch Forum.....) NAWCC Member

8 January 2025, 04:11 AM	#3
racerx "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: SC Watch: GMT Master II Posts: 288	Anytime I remove a bracelet and then put it back on, I always tug on it where it attaches to the case to make sure it’s securely attached.

8 January 2025, 05:09 AM	#4
TimeLord2 2025 Pledge Member Join Date: Jan 2019 Location: Valencia, CA Watch: GMT Master 1675/3 Posts: 2,211	The spring bars should snap into the hole with an audible click but as racerx mentioned a little tug on it to make sure it's secure is a good thing. On another note, once the spring bar has been compressed enough to fit between the lugs try and rotate the end link around a bit because it may have been in one of the holes but not both. Try experimenting on one side only and connect the bracelet to the head of the watch a few times to get the feel for it and listen for teh click before you attach the other side. Also, you might want to place a piece of tape on the underside of the lugs as you fit the spring bars so you dont mar the case.

9 January 2025, 03:17 AM	#8
miamiclay 2025 Pledge Member Join Date: Apr 2019 Location: 33139/95460 Posts: 1,436	It’s probably also worthwhile to give the spring bars themselves a good cleaning, ideally with an ultrasonic cleaner. It doesn’t take much gunk in those tiny telescoping spring bars to make them stop sliding freely.

9 January 2025, 05:01 AM	#9
Dan S 2025 Pledge Member Join Date: Oct 2018 Location: Colorado, USA Posts: 6,538	Why do you need to remove the bracelet? __________________ @oldwatchdan on IG

9 January 2025, 10:47 AM	#10
ajh77 "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: N/A Posts: 148	To clean the bracelet in the ultrasonic.

9 January 2025, 09:51 PM	#11
crowncollection "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Real Name: David Location: australia Posts: 20,246	You need to listen for the sound then check by tugging with a slight twist. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk __________________ watches many

10 January 2025, 02:37 AM	#12
ajh77 "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: N/A Posts: 148	Thank you everyone. I didn’t tug with a slight twist the two other times I tried to re-attach the bracelet. I will do that next time to make sure it is secure.

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