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bonsai-man · 26 March 2012, 10:08 PM

I bought a black Sub C 6 months ago from my local AD. When I put the watch on in the morning the bracelet links are all moving freely, in the evening when I take it off usually at least one link has locked up. At its worst 2 or 3 links are locked up. I usually hold the 2 links and bend and it unlocks with a bit a snap. It has been like this from new, I usually have my watches quite tight on the wrist but I have tried loosening it, but it still happens. I also thought it would loosen in time but it seems to be getting worse. It seems to only happen when I wear the watch for an hour or so. If I leave the watch in the box for a few weeks it does not happen. I assume from that it is not a lubrication problem. I was not expecting this to happen to a new Rolex and I am tempted to return it to the AD but I am not sure what they can do. Has anyone else had this or got any thoughts.

Many Thanks.

Oyster Junkie · 26 March 2012, 10:18 PM

Check to make sure all of the protective stickers are removed from the clasp and bracelet. they tend to hide and do the things you described.

bonsai-man · 26 March 2012, 10:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oyster Junkie

Check to make sure all of the protective stickers are removed from the clasp and bracelet. they tend to hide and do the things you described.

I know what you mean, I just found another tiny sticker on the clasp but it is not that. It seems to be the where the pins go through, the joint just seizes up solid. I am concerned that one day (probably the day after the warranty expires) it will seize permanantly.

padi56 · 26 March 2012, 11:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bonsai-man

I know what you mean, I just found another tiny sticker on the clasp but it is not that. It seems to be the where the pins go through, the joint just seizes up solid. I am concerned that one day (probably the day after the warranty expires) it will seize permanantly.

And check all screws are tight and screwed right in that could be your problem

azguy · 26 March 2012, 11:43 PM

Head back to the AD and have them take a look at it. That's the reason you spent some extra coin for that great watch, the AD service and experience

P2725TMB · 27 March 2012, 12:20 AM

I agree, it most certainly should not do that. Take it back to the dealer from where you bought it and get them to sort it out - it should be their's/Rolex's problem, not yours.

WhatTheDeuce · 27 March 2012, 04:06 AM

Did you have the bracelet sized? Maybe there is some loctite where it shouldn't be?

gwalker · 27 March 2012, 04:08 AM

Have you really cleaned the watch? Sounds like a dirt/grit issue unless you've put loctite on the pins. Try really moving the links around for a few minutes under water in the sink. I really just think it could be dirty.

George Ab · 27 March 2012, 04:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WhatTheDeuce

Did you have the bracelet sized? Maybe there is some loctite where it shouldn't be?

Nailed it.

Based on the symptoms your watchmaker got a tad over zealous applying loctite. Loctite is used to keep the screws from loosenign up. If too much loctite is used it will get on screw shaft, disallowing the link to move freely around the link.

Take it back, he/she will remove screws, remove excess loctite and reinstall. This is not a design issue, but a maintenance issue. Easy fix.

Congrats on your watch!

hitman23 · 27 March 2012, 04:52 AM

agree about the loctite. had the same issue taken care of this morning at the RSC. now the links are moving smoothly.

bonsai-man · 27 March 2012, 10:02 AM

Thanks for the replies, I was expecting others to have had this issue. From these replies something is definitely wrong. I can confirm it is not dirt or grit as it started about 2 days from new, and the watch was shipped direct from Rolex to the AD. I was there when the box was first opened. I peeled all the films off myself and the watch was pristine. In its short 6 month life my watch has been treated better than my wife. Also it can't be loctite as my watch was never resized and loctite sets after a few minutes. This has been going on for 6 months. I should clarify all the links move smoothly and freely normally. None of the joints are stiff or loose and every link glides like silk, the bracelet feels amazing and worth every penny. If I only wear the watch for a hour all the joints stay silky smooth and loose. The problem only happens when the watch is worn for more than 3 hours. It even happens to the permanent links. It's seem like when the bracelet is stretched for more than a few hours the links stick together. I bend the randomly affected joint with very firm pressure it makes a snap sound as it releases and glides like silk again. The bracelet is usually very floppy with a smooth action and feels gorgeous. I don't have the tools or feel confident enough to dismantle the bracelet and agree I shouldn't have to. I plan to return to the AD and show them, hopefully Rolex will fix it under warranty. Thanks again guys, I'll let you know how I get on.

Megalobyte · 27 March 2012, 10:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bonsai-man

In its short 6 month life my watch has been treated better than my wife.

But, how well do you treat her? :)

MortgageGuy · 27 March 2012, 11:29 AM

Agreed I would put $$$ on the fact that this is too much loctite

handsfull · 27 March 2012, 11:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bonsai-man

It even happens to the permanent links. It's seem like when the bracelet is stretched for more than a few hours the links stick together. I bend the randomly affected joint with very firm pressure it makes a snap sound as it releases and glides like silk again.

I am confused by the description....the links stick together.....? What random joint are you referring to?

STDevil · 27 March 2012, 11:51 AM

X "x" on the Loctite...my AD got a little happy with the Loctite and ended up replacing the clasp because the link froze to the screw and would not come off...

bonsai-man · 28 March 2012, 02:50 AM

I thought it was clear, but I will try again,

All 12 links have had the issue at sometime during the last 6 months, but not all at the same time. Usually only one or two joints get stuck at any one time at the point where the pin or screw passes through the links. It happens randomly to different links each time in "random" combinations. ALL 12 LINKS are affected.

The joints in question are the screws and unremovable pins that join all the links together allowing the links to pivot freely, allowing the steel of the bracelet to wrap around the wrist.

As I explained before the only way it can be loctite is if Rolex use loctite and the loctite they use never sets and they use it on ALL of the 12 links in the bracelet. My AD NEVER used loctite on my watch and it has NOT been resized ever it was brand new and fits perfectly.

None of the links are gummed up, dirty or have any resistance on the joints they all move freely and with a silky smooth action.

Regarding the loctite idea, it may be that Rolex use some other compound that stays tacky (does not set) and this is causing the issue. I do wear my watch tight, not so tight as to cut off blood circulation but tight enough to leave a lovely white Rolex impression on my wrist which usually is still visable half an hour after I take it off.

Megalobyte · 28 March 2012, 03:02 AM

Id try letting it soak in a bowl of warm soapy water for a few hours, periodically moving the bracelet and links. Don't think it'll hurt, could dissolve something in the bracelet.

Avixe · 28 March 2012, 03:51 AM

I also brought a new Sub C Date 2 months ago from an AD in the UK, this watch was in short supply, my local AD located my watch at a branch of the same chain in another part of the country and .
I inspected the watch carefully, paid for it and then the salesperson took the watch to the rear of the shop to resize it, she said two links needed to be removed, when she returned one link had been removed and the slip lock clasp adjusted right up, the watch was quite comfortable and I left the shop. Within an hour or so the watch was lose on my wrist, I returned to the AD and another link was removed allowing me Adjustment on the slip lock, this link removal took some time.
One day latter on the Sunday the AD now being closed I noticed that the bracelet was seized on 3 of the removable links, all the pin heads were damaged and on one the pin head was turning with the link – pin seized inside the link.
I live near the Rolex UK service centre and on the Monday took my new watch and Guarantee card to them, 3 hours later I got a phone call from them to pick it up – they were not happy, they had replaced 3 pins, a link and broke the clasp in the process.
I swear the chap at the Rolex desk thought I had done it which I had not, it totally ruined the experience of purchasing my first new Rolex.

26 March 2012, 10:08 PM	#1
bonsai-man "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: UK Posts: 728	Sub C bracelet links keep locking up and will not move I bought a black Sub C 6 months ago from my local AD. When I put the watch on in the morning the bracelet links are all moving freely, in the evening when I take it off usually at least one link has locked up. At its worst 2 or 3 links are locked up. I usually hold the 2 links and bend and it unlocks with a bit a snap. It has been like this from new, I usually have my watches quite tight on the wrist but I have tried loosening it, but it still happens. I also thought it would loosen in time but it seems to be getting worse. It seems to only happen when I wear the watch for an hour or so. If I leave the watch in the box for a few weeks it does not happen. I assume from that it is not a lubrication problem. I was not expecting this to happen to a new Rolex and I am tempted to return it to the AD but I am not sure what they can do. Has anyone else had this or got any thoughts. Many Thanks.

27 March 2012, 11:29 AM	#13
MortgageGuy "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Real Name: Adam Location: Orlando, Florida Watch: Me Posts: 9,935	Agreed I would put $$$ on the fact that this is too much loctite __________________ The richest people in the world look for and build NETWORKS, Everyone else looks for work... Robert Kiyosaki

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26 March 2012, 10:18 PM	#2
Oyster Junkie Banned Join Date: Oct 2011 Real Name: Barry Location: Yosemite Nat.Park Watch: Idiot Savant Posts: 731	Check to make sure all of the protective stickers are removed from the clasp and bracelet. they tend to hide and do the things you described.

26 March 2012, 11:43 PM	#5
azguy Banned Join Date: Sep 2011 Real Name: ------- Location: ------- Watch: --------- Posts: 12,609	Head back to the AD and have them take a look at it. That's the reason you spent some extra coin for that great watch, the AD service and experience

27 March 2012, 12:20 AM	#6
P2725TMB 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: UK Watch: AP, Rolex, Omega Posts: 1,362	I agree, it most certainly should not do that. Take it back to the dealer from where you bought it and get them to sort it out - it should be their's/Rolex's problem, not yours.

27 March 2012, 04:06 AM	#7
WhatTheDeuce "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Real Name: Kyung Location: Anywhere? Watch: cha want... Posts: 4,488	Did you have the bracelet sized? Maybe there is some loctite where it shouldn't be?

27 March 2012, 04:08 AM	#8
gwalker "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Real Name: Gunter Location: AL/NJ Watch: DSSD; 116610LN Posts: 5,509	Have you really cleaned the watch? Sounds like a dirt/grit issue unless you've put loctite on the pins. Try really moving the links around for a few minutes under water in the sink. I really just think it could be dirty.

27 March 2012, 04:52 AM	#10
hitman23 "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: ny Posts: 765	agree about the loctite. had the same issue taken care of this morning at the RSC. now the links are moving smoothly.

27 March 2012, 10:02 AM	#11
bonsai-man "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: UK Posts: 728	Thanks for the replies, I was expecting others to have had this issue. From these replies something is definitely wrong. I can confirm it is not dirt or grit as it started about 2 days from new, and the watch was shipped direct from Rolex to the AD. I was there when the box was first opened. I peeled all the films off myself and the watch was pristine. In its short 6 month life my watch has been treated better than my wife. Also it can't be loctite as my watch was never resized and loctite sets after a few minutes. This has been going on for 6 months. I should clarify all the links move smoothly and freely normally. None of the joints are stiff or loose and every link glides like silk, the bracelet feels amazing and worth every penny. If I only wear the watch for a hour all the joints stay silky smooth and loose. The problem only happens when the watch is worn for more than 3 hours. It even happens to the permanent links. It's seem like when the bracelet is stretched for more than a few hours the links stick together. I bend the randomly affected joint with very firm pressure it makes a snap sound as it releases and glides like silk again. The bracelet is usually very floppy with a smooth action and feels gorgeous. I don't have the tools or feel confident enough to dismantle the bracelet and agree I shouldn't have to. I plan to return to the AD and show them, hopefully Rolex will fix it under warranty. Thanks again guys, I'll let you know how I get on.

27 March 2012, 11:51 AM	#15
STDevil "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Seattle Posts: 82	X "x" on the Loctite...my AD got a little happy with the Loctite and ended up replacing the clasp because the link froze to the screw and would not come off...

28 March 2012, 02:50 AM	#16
bonsai-man "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: UK Posts: 728	I thought it was clear, but I will try again, All 12 links have had the issue at sometime during the last 6 months, but not all at the same time. Usually only one or two joints get stuck at any one time at the point where the pin or screw passes through the links. It happens randomly to different links each time in "random" combinations. ALL 12 LINKS are affected. The joints in question are the screws and unremovable pins that join all the links together allowing the links to pivot freely, allowing the steel of the bracelet to wrap around the wrist. As I explained before the only way it can be loctite is if Rolex use loctite and the loctite they use never sets and they use it on ALL of the 12 links in the bracelet. My AD NEVER used loctite on my watch and it has NOT been resized ever it was brand new and fits perfectly. None of the links are gummed up, dirty or have any resistance on the joints they all move freely and with a silky smooth action. Regarding the loctite idea, it may be that Rolex use some other compound that stays tacky (does not set) and this is causing the issue. I do wear my watch tight, not so tight as to cut off blood circulation but tight enough to leave a lovely white Rolex impression on my wrist which usually is still visable half an hour after I take it off.

28 March 2012, 03:02 AM	#17
Megalobyte "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Real Name: Ari Location: Florida Watch: ...me go broke Posts: 2,428	Id try letting it soak in a bowl of warm soapy water for a few hours, periodically moving the bracelet and links. Don't think it'll hurt, could dissolve something in the bracelet.

28 March 2012, 03:51 AM	#18
Avixe "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: UK Posts: 2	I also brought a new Sub C Date 2 months ago from an AD in the UK, this watch was in short supply, my local AD located my watch at a branch of the same chain in another part of the country and . I inspected the watch carefully, paid for it and then the salesperson took the watch to the rear of the shop to resize it, she said two links needed to be removed, when she returned one link had been removed and the slip lock clasp adjusted right up, the watch was quite comfortable and I left the shop. Within an hour or so the watch was lose on my wrist, I returned to the AD and another link was removed allowing me Adjustment on the slip lock, this link removal took some time. One day latter on the Sunday the AD now being closed I noticed that the bracelet was seized on 3 of the removable links, all the pin heads were damaged and on one the pin head was turning with the link – pin seized inside the link. I live near the Rolex UK service centre and on the Monday took my new watch and Guarantee card to them, 3 hours later I got a phone call from them to pick it up – they were not happy, they had replaced 3 pins, a link and broke the clasp in the process. I swear the chap at the Rolex desk thought I had done it which I had not, it totally ruined the experience of purchasing my first new Rolex.

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