Let's Take Out A Link

[Tools]

Here is an older refresher from the archives.

It seems like more and more, folks need to take a link or two out of their Rolex bracelet..... So, let's do it....

I'll use my several
years old Explorer II for this, but any Rolex is about the same.

First we need to gather up a few tools...
Link1.jpg

I think we have too many....Probably only a decent screwdriver and a toothpick for this job, or a proper pin/punch pusher.

First lets take the bracelet out of the clasp and make it easier to work with:
We can use either a punch, like the one pictured, or a toothpick. I'll use the toothpick and push the pin out of the hole where the yellow one is pointing:
Link2.jpg

With the pin pushed, we can lean the bracelet pin end to the outside of the clasp and, holding our finger over it so it won't fly across the room, pull it clear of the clasp and out of the bracelet tube:
Link3.jpg

With the bracelet where we can work on it easily, we need to choose the right screwdriver. Here we have a 1.2mm, 1.4mm and a 1.6mm blade precision screwdriver selection. Some insist on a hollow ground screwdriver, but if you are not heavy handed, any will work
Link4.jpg

It's pretty clear that the 1.2 is too small, but the 1.4 might do in a pinch, however, the 1.6 is perfect and has a more sturdy handle. For this a sturdy, properly fitting tool, is a safeguard against slipping or damage:
Link5.jpg

It is not difficult to unscrew the pins. ensure you are holding everything square. Hold the bracelet firmly in one hand and slowly turn the screwdriver and the pin should unscrew nicely. If you are careful and take your time you should not have to force anything. If it doesn't unscrew with a reasonable amount of torque, you may need to use a hot soldering iron or butane torch at the thread end for a few seconds to break the loctite.
Link6.jpg

With the pin out you can see the loctite used on the threaded end and also some residue in the threaded hole:
Link7.jpg

Keep in mind that this is not a blind hole, so any residue inside that is disturbed may push through and is likely to impact the screws ability to seat properly. Personally I don't think you need to do anything, but if you choose to use loctite on the threads, use the proper watchmakers type (Loctite 221 or 222), and clean both male and female threads thoroughly. Acetone is the cleaning agent for Loc-tite
Link8.jpg

Repeat this for as many Links as you need to remove and reverse the procedure to re-install the pins. They should screw back in easily, without force, and when you are done there should not be any tell-tale marks:
Link9.jpg

To re-install the clasp pin, insert it in the tube and lay it with the bottom end in the desired hole. this gives you a protruding pin against the clasp that can be pressed down with the screwdriver or any stiff non-metallic blade if scratches are a concern. Once you have the pin compressed and inside the clasp, you can slide it around a bit to seat it in the proper hole:
Link10.jpg

And, we're ready to give the watch a wash and rubdown with a good lint-free cloth and nobody will ever know about it's recent operation:
Link11pg.jpg

[Michael1968]

Precise operation

[waterking]

Excellent! Thanks!

[Mystro]

I love doing stuff like this.

[LA_LEC]

Excellently executed operation!

[drrd]

Thanks for this.

[Carguy87]

Thanks for sharing the knowledge!

[Seddyspaghetti]

Thanks for sharing

[Harry-57]

[D.P.G.]

Which side should you remove one link from 12 o'clock or 6 o'clock?

[zengineer]

Originally Posted by D.P.G.

Which side should you remove one link from 12 o'clock or 6 o'clock?

Center the watch on top and the clasp where you want on the bottom and take it from which ever side is most loose. It depends on your wrist shape. I always end up taking more from the 6 o'clock side.

Sent from my SM-T830 using Tapatalk

[Tools]

Originally Posted by D.P.G.

Which side should you remove one link from 12 o'clock or 6 o'clock?

Generally, if you are going to take out only one, the 6 oclock side would be the best choice.

The 6 side should almost always be shorter than the 12 side for best comfort and practical use.

[campfire]

Awesome. Thanks for sharing.

[Porkbelli]

Thank you. It was very informative with pictures.

[jb335]

Great post!


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[fskywalker]

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[Easy E]

Great post, thanks.

[OG1982]

Great post and very informative.

It always amazes me how many people take their watch to an AD for sizing. I suppose it's a confidence thing but it really is a simple procedure.

[alund]

Thanks, nice post

[uhren917]

Thank you Larry! Always enjoy the technical posts!

I have been taking my time and experimenting with small amounts of acetone and hot water to break the presence of loctite if any in lieu of heat as to avoid potential possible discoloration of the bracelet.

[rum77]

Interesting post thanks for sharing

[TheodoreMiller1]

Thanks for giving us Amazing info.

[underpar]

I have a lightbulb that needs to be changed. Any chance you could cover that procedure next? Thank you!

[Avs Fan]

Thank You for refreshing this!

[Daveclock]

Can you do a thread for putting a link back in too??

[tarmatimes]

Interesting thanks for this