Resizing Rolex yourself?

[Lightsped]

In the past I have always taken my watches to a dedicated watch store for resizing. Through the window I watch them remove links or whatever and it looks so easy providing you have the tiny screw driver and are careful about not scratching the polished bits.

Question is, does anyone here resize their own watches? Anything one should know before trying, or should they always be resized at a dedicated watch store?

[henrylee]

I do it, make sure you have the right tools.

[RolexSimon]

I do my own. You do need proper tools and a loupe otherwise you'll scratch the band adjacent to the screw holes.
I use Esslinger screwdrivers, Bergeon tweezers and Loctite 222 low strength threadlock when replacing the screws. I use a 2.5 loupe for magnification.
Some people use plastic tape and place the screwdriver through the tape but i'm not that paranoid. There are several good YouTube videos on the subject.

[donq]

It’s just taking out a couple of screws and replacing them.

It’s not exactly rocket science.

[Old Expat Beast]

I usually have a few beers before I get started.

[Gab27]

Yes, it's generally pretty easy to do. The only exception is if you come to a screw with a lot of Loctite on it, in which case it is generally best to heat the area to weaken the bond.

I've read on here that a hollow ground screwdriver is preferred, but I've just used a relatively inexpensive one and it is fine. IIRC the size is 1.6mm.

[OG1982]

Yes, it's an easy job. Just make sure you have the correct size screwdriver and be very careful.

[joli160]

Yes, apply some heat with a lighter on the female part to soften the loctite which is applied by Rolex to secure them against accidental unscrewing.

Use the correct hollow ground 1.7mm screwdriver and nothing can go wrong.
When tightening remember ‘tight is tight’ .
A very tiny bit of loctite in the female part of the bracelet applied with a tooth pick will secure the pin once you are satisfied with the fit.

[DCheeta]

I always have. It’s the same as screwing and unscrewing anything else in life.

[Andad]

There are quite a few threads on removing and destroying bracelet screws.

I’m surprised you haven’t read any of them as a longtime member?

Adam is on the right track.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by donq

It’s just taking out a couple of screws and replacing them.

It’s not exactly rocket science.

Have to agree as long as you have a good screwdriver its quite a easy task.

[Rocket_Man]

There are probably 50 threads on TRF related to sizing your own bracelet.

[Marcjvr]

Originally Posted by Lightsped

In the past I have always taken my watches to a dedicated watch store for resizing. Through the window I watch them remove links or whatever and it looks so easy providing you have the tiny screw driver and are careful about not scratching the polished bits.

Question is, does anyone here resize their own watches? Anything one should know before trying, or should they always be resized at a dedicated watch store?

[underpar]

I didn't think there was anyone here that didn't size their own bracelet.

[dpt.calvin]

Easy peasy. Have an AD do it free or DIY. Never pay someone for this simple task.

[tifosi]

I resize my own bracelets. I'm super particular about fit and may adjust it a few times over the course of a day or two.

[Rushne]

If it is adding or removing a link... proper screwdriver is necessary for sure and a super easy job. Just take your time.

If it is changing the "anchor point" (3 available indents on current clasps) in the Oyster clasp, then I think you need spring bar tool and its a little tight in there.

[ltmgeller]

I used to. I'll do the micro adjustments on the clasp. Now I go to my AD and let them do it. They use the right amount of locktite on the screws.

[Feb_29]

I resize and change bracelets my self with these tools:

[rmlovett1]

As others have said….Just take your time, have proper screwdriver, tape the edges if you’re not confident & heat up links if the screws don’t come out with moderate effort. I’d practice on something you can make a mark on , mess up a screw head, etc….if possible. Once you do it couple times, you’ll never have to take it anywhere to resize.

[paxjedi]

Originally Posted by Marcjvr

This... for the past 26 years on my watch.
This... for the past 48 years on everything else.


.

[alweisenberger]

Originally Posted by Lightsped

In the past I have always taken my watches to a dedicated watch store for resizing. Through the window I watch them remove links or whatever and it looks so easy providing you have the tiny screw driver and are careful about not scratching the polished bits.

Question is, does anyone here resize their own watches? Anything one should know before trying, or should they always be resized at a dedicated watch store?

Horotec T screwdriver, 1.6 mm. The hollow ground tip is different than regular screwdrivers and helps to prevent marring the screw.

https://www.esslinger.com/new-style-...e-scewdrivers/

[rmwill]

Always. I love tinkering with them. Its very easy if you take your time and use proper quality tools.

Originally Posted by Lightsped

In the past I have always taken my watches to a dedicated watch store for resizing. Through the window I watch them remove links or whatever and it looks so easy providing you have the tiny screw driver and are careful about not scratching the polished bits.

Question is, does anyone here resize their own watches? Anything one should know before trying, or should they always be resized at a dedicated watch store?

[garyk]

Originally Posted by Feb_29

I resize and change bracelets my self with these tools:

What is that tool on the right? I hate what I’m thinking of

[dpt.calvin]

Originally Posted by garyk

What is that tool on the right? I hate what I’m thinking of

Magnifiers?

[dpt.calvin]

Originally Posted by Rushne

If it is changing the "anchor point" (3 available indents on current clasps) in the Oyster clasp, then I think you need spring bar tool and its a little tight in there.

Most sim card removal pins work well.

[CarlOver]

I have read that 1.7 screwdriver was mentioned a few times throughout various posts. Is this the necessary size?. Seems like all screwdriver set comes in 1.6 and 1.8 and skip 1.7. Found one specialty Rolex bracelet screwdriver that is 1.7.

https://www.esslinger.com/horofix-ge...djusting-tool/

For those that have adjusted the bracelet without mangling anything, what size driver did you use. Thanks in advance.

[dpt.calvin]

I've just used whatever is available (I have an arrangement of screwdrivers, but I've never used a particular one) and made sure to be careful. You're overthinking it.

[Tim Plains]

Stuff like this is s simple I'm surprised people ask. I bought Bergeon spring bar tweezers, the right sized screwdriver, and use a toothpick to place a tiny dab of purple Locktite on each bracelet screw. Having a regular set of tweezers handy also helps.

[Laszlo]

With the right tools it’s an easy task. Once you get a handle of it you can also handle pins and sleeves etc. It’s very gratifying sizing your own watches.