A Rant on Pins and Sleeves

[fbx]

I just bought a 5270/1r. It has the finest bracelet I’ve ever seen. The bracelet’s integration into the case is amazing. The quality of finishing is beautiful - each link is meticulously sculpted and polished. Even the inside is finished masterfully. It’s truly a work of art.

When it comes time to size it, I’m supposed to get out a hammer and bang on my 200k watch? WTF?!?!? I suppose I could use a vice contraption available from Bergeon, but really? When the seasons change and I want to add/remove a link, I’m supposed to go get out my hammer?

This pin/sleeve system is one of the dumbest engineering solutions I’ve ever seen. Why not just use a screw like a normal person? Totally baffling.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[mrmoto88]

Couldn’t agree more! Coming from Rolex/Omega/Breitling where links unscrew and there’s micro-adjust, to this was a wake up call! Luckily for me the Nautilus bracelet has a 1.5 link option to make a perfect fit, hope there’s something like that for yours!


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[RoscoPico]

it's a very good point. really makes me wonder. and is one of the things that has kept me on the sidelines.
i consider myself an educated consumer and i don't see the value at current price points (aside from resale value, which doesn't apply to me)

but man that is a beautiful watch though

[fbx]

Gratuitous wrist shots



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[PPcollector]

All I can say is this is reminiscent of replaceable batteries that used to exist in cell phones and then Apple comes out with a non-replaceable battery cell phone and everyone was rioting. Now...majority of cell phones do not have replaceable batteries.

Patek probably feels if you need to make any adjustments then better to have an expert trained AD change or adjust that for you. Besides, most ADs will change/adjust the strap or bracelet for free anyways. They always look after their customers and doesn’t hurt to drop in and let them know how much you would love a Nautilus or Aqua...haha

[kneedeep]

Couldn't agree more. Dumb design and shockingly disappointing from a brand killing ADs who could provide that after sale service. "They" can't possibly care. Your watch is very beautiful.

[fsprow]

I’ve never had a problem here. I prefer the pins to screws. With a cheap plastic bracelet holder and a small punch and hammer, no problem. Plus, I don’t need to worry about using Loctite on the threads. Takes five minutes total.

[taylorhall]

I get the sentiment.

There was a comment on here earlier that supposedly PP believes the revert back from screws to pins on the 5712/1A bracelet was due to screws being displaced out of the bracelet over time. They found that pins are more secure.

The counterpoint is that Rolex uses screws successfully and to my knowledge there hasn’t been issues...

Beautiful watch BTW


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[fbx]

Originally Posted by kneedeep

Couldn't agree more. Dumb design and shockingly disappointing from a brand killing ADs who could provide that after sale service. "They" can't possibly care. Your watch is very beautiful.

exactly! I wouldn't even trust an AD sales associate to bang on my watch with a hammer. thank you for the kind words

[Keldw]

One of these and 3 minutes of your time, and you’re good to go. I resized many Patek bracelets with pins, and it’s as easy as getting a screwdriver out to take off/add a link on a Rolex bracelet.

To be honest I prefer pins over screws. I have never seen a pin loosening, but I’ve seen many screws On Rolex bracelets unscrew, unless they’ve been secured with loctite.

No need for hammer, even though of course that’s entirely possible to use.

And a huge congrats on your new watch of course. Wear it in good health




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[srvrf]

Actually with a really good tool, I don't mind the pins and tubes at all. While I have used a pin tool like Keldw's post, I really prefer my Bergeon 6819. I can remove a link from my 5167/1A in a few seconds with it. It isn't cheap, but it really works well and it really pops the pins out quickly.

https://www.esslinger.com/bergeon-68...over-inserter/

[dimag333]

Literal lol

steve

[scurfa]

You have to be careful of the pin and collar system as after around four years they could have worn, loads of Omega owners have experienced this, I hope they get replaced at service, I sell a bracelet for my watches that uses the pin and collar system and have been called a cheap skate for not using screws, my bracelets are £58.

[azizu]

When the season changes and its time to resize your watch, you can visit your AD and have them do that for you. PP ADs will do it as a complimentary service to thier customers