Spring bar removal....issue

[rumrunner]

Well, I just brought my Explorer II into a highly regarded local dealer (not AD) for a springbar replacement since one recently fell apart when I was cleaning the bracelet.

Tech installs wrong springbars, using those made for lug-hole case on my no-lug hole case. Dealer said that they will have to be drilled out to be removed, as there is no flange to grab onto to compress the ends.

Any thoughts regarding drilling - is this is the only way to remove the wrong springbars?

Not the end of the world, this stuff happens.

[subtona]

i think you could work them out with traditional proper size tool or two on 1 side, 1 to hold the purchase/progress of the other.

patience is key.

they dont go in very far and may possibly not even be seated very well to begin with as i think the lughole style sprinbars are a bit fatter.

[iazrollie]

I would NOT let the AD drill a hole in my Rolex.

[Cc1966]

Is he referring to drill out the springbar sections at the endlink orifices where a springbar removal tool is normally introduced? If so, that may be the only recourse to get them out now.

[rumrunner]

Originally Posted by Cc1966

Is he referring to drill out the springbar sections at the endlink orifices where a springbar removal tool is normally introduced? If so, that may be the only recourse to get them out now.

Yes, I was not clear - he is going to drill out the end of the springbar to allow for some sort of access/purchase for a removal tool to pry them out. Sort of creative destruction I guess.

There is no swinging room to wiggle them out per the other posts. They fit snugly against the inside of the lug - not a gnat's arse of space.

[rumrunner]

Originally Posted by iazrollie

I would NOT let the AD drill a hole in my Rolex.

Yup, me neither....

[rumrunner]

Originally Posted by subtona

i think you could work them out with traditional proper size tool or two on 1 side, 1 to hold the purchase/progress of the other.

patience is key.

they dont go in very far and may possibly not even be seated very well to begin with as i think the lughole style sprinbars are a bit fatter.

They tried - they're in there, firmly seated. I think he is being cautious, which I can understand. Does not want to screw up the case in anyway.

Thanks for the idea!

[iazrollie]

Originally Posted by subtona

i think you could work them out with traditional proper size tool or two on 1 side, 1 to hold the purchase/progress of the other.

patience is key.

they dont go in very far and may possibly not even be seated very well to begin with as i think the lughole style sprinbars are a bit fatter.

Hey gus, maybe the OP will have lug holes like in your signature. :ROFL:

[rumrunner]

You know, thinking about getting a drill started on a smooth, round object - that isn't easily accomplished....this should be interesting to see resolved.

Anyone think that contractors and service providers need to be hand-held more and more these days? Or is just me?

[rumrunner]

Originally Posted by iazrollie

Hey gus, maybe the OP will have lug holes like in your signature. :ROFL:

Hell, I'm thinking of starting a new trend - MAXI lug holes....!

[subtona]

Originally Posted by rumrunner

They tried - they're in there, firmly seated. I think he is being cautious, which I can understand. Does not want to screw up the case in anyway.

Thanks for the idea!

i would not quit til i got them out that way, if you could carefully score the springbars and use a sharp enough springbar tool, i am confident it would work… i routinely open locked doors this way, it is a very similar situation… the tool needs to be sharp to get that necessary friction, with the case supported (in plastic) at the lugs, give the tool a light tap to seat it.

•fyi, your not trying to get behind the springbars, your trying to bite onto the cylindrical part


using a drill press with a fine bit and the watch case securely mounted, you could drill each of the spring bars… of course if the ends are wedged in the holes that would be another dilemma.

if you don't want to mess with it, i understand, i would start (im sure you have) documenting your conversations with the AD because there may be quite a mess to clean up at the end

best of luck.


ps reach out to jocke, he seems to like to tinker, he may have even encountered this before.

[subtona]

Originally Posted by iazrollie

Hey gus, maybe the OP will have lug holes like in your signature. :ROFL:

Originally Posted by rumrunner

Hell, I'm thinking of starting a new trend - MAXI lug holes....!

sign me up

[rumrunner]

Originally Posted by subtona

i would not quit til i got them out that way, if you could carefully score the springbars and use a sharp enough springbar tool, i am confident it would work… i routinely open locked doors this way, it is a very similar situation… the tool needs to be sharp to get that necessary friction, with the case supported (in plastic) at the lugs, give the tool a light tap to seat it.

using a drill press with a fine bit and the watch case securely mounted, you could drill each of the spring bars… of course if the ends are wedged in the holes that would be another dilemma.

if you don't want to mess with it, i understand, i would start (im sure you have) documenting your conversations with the AD because there may be quite a mess to clean up at the end

best of luck.


ps reach out to jocke, he seems to like to tinker, he may have even encountered this before.

Thanks - good ideas all. I believe the issue is there is nothing to grab, or slide - the main outer casing of the springbar is taking up the full 20mm of inside space between the lugs, so they have to use a drill to cut them. There is no play side-to-side with the installed springbars.

Not really documenting my convo - this guy is stand up, and highly reputable. I'm not going to put his feet to the fire at this point.

[rumrunner]

Never a dull moment here - always in awe of the ultra-specific knowledge of the members as well. Many thanks to all that have provided their insight today.

Gus: 9,000+ posts - amazing!

[subtona]

Originally Posted by rumrunner

Thanks - good ideas all. I believe the issue is there is nothing to grab, or slide - the main outer casing of the springbar is taking up the full 20mm of inside space between the lugs, so they have to use a drill to cut them. There is no play side-to-side with the installed springbars.

Not really documenting my convo - this guy is stand up, and highly reputable. I'm not going to put his feet to the fire at this point.

wow, now i see, so the outer sleeve is butted end to end against the lugs
ok so there is 1 other resource left, prayer, so the original tech is being held in a white room far away from you watch i hope.

Originally Posted by rumrunner

Never a dull moment here - always in awe of the ultra-specific knowledge of the members as well. Many thanks to all that have provided their insight today.

Gus: 9,000+ posts - amazing!

thanks much,

[southtexas]

I bet Jocke could get them out for you. Not sure what the end result would look like (I understand he likes acetylene torches).

On a serious note, good luck. Surely they can find a way without compromising your watch.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[rumrunner]

Originally Posted by subtona

wow, now i see, so the outer sleeve is butted end to end against the lugs
ok so there is 1 other resource left, prayer, so the original tech is being held in a white room far away from you watch i hope.


thanks much,

Correct, the outer sleeve is up tight against the lug hole. I'm going to ping jocke and ask his advice....

Without giving it away, the original tech is a close relative of the dealer, I'm sure this person works on watches frequently, but nothing inside the case.....it appears to be a situation where this person just made a legit oversight in haste.

[bondtoys]

I apologize if it has been done already.

Why not contacting Rolex about the issue?
Before anyone takes a chance with a drill, I'd hope that the mothership would come up with something smart and amazing.

[cop414]

Wow this is a new one. Keep us posted... maybe post this in the tech section? Someone out there at some point must have had to deal with this? Good luck.

[rumrunner]

Freaked out now; this watch was a big purchase for me. I'm asking them to hold off until I can discuss options with his jeweler and confirm if is capable of pulling this off.

[rumrunner]

Originally Posted by bondtoys

I apologize if it has been done already.

Why not contacting Rolex about the issue?
Before anyone takes a chance with a drill, I'd hope that the mothership would come up with something smart and amazing.

Nope ,not yet. I'll ask if they can do that though. Sound thinking.

[submariner66]

I would bring it into a RSC and see what they tell you.

Obviously the bracelet is on the watch head with the wrong spring bars?

[hhcave]

Cant they just cut the spring bars in half and theyll drop out?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[hhcave]

Oh right the bracelet is on...


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[ronburgundy]

Originally Posted by hhcave

Cant they just cut the spring bars in half and theyll drop out?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

+1 Why not?

[ronburgundy]

Originally Posted by hhcave

Oh right the bracelet is on...


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Ah.

Sent from my LG-D801 using Tapatalk

[subtona]

Have you got any pics?
Is it an older hollow bracelet with SEL's or the newer solid type?

[kilyung]

Have him weld a nub (or drill a small hole) on the springbar for purchase and pull it out.

[kilyung]

Originally Posted by rumrunner

Thanks - good ideas all. I believe the issue is there is nothing to grab, or slide - the main outer casing of the springbar is taking up the full 20mm of inside space between the lugs, so they have to use a drill to cut them. There is no play side-to-side with the installed springbars.

Not really documenting my convo - this guy is stand up, and highly reputable. I'm not going to put his feet to the fire at this point.

Ah I didn't catch this part. RSC is the way to go IMO.

[Dalton1]

No way I would let them drill holes into my watch! Sounds like they need to cut through the end link to access the bar then provide you with new links at no charge. Honest mistake or not makes no difference. We're not talking about a Casio here.
Good luck.