Advice on removing vintage 18238 Bracelet

[ajh77]

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..]

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]

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]

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]

Deleted-forgot non lug hole

[0nly5iv3Digits]

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]

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]

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]

Why do you need to remove the bracelet?

[ajh77]

To clean the bracelet in the ultrasonic.

[crowncollection]

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


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[ajh77]

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.