Resizing Rolex yourself?

[bluestreak]

This is when the “relationship” with the AD can work for you, LOL. I get the AD do do all this type of stuff for free. That being said, other than breaking the Loctite, it’s not bad. But I’d still prefer to have someone do it that has done it hundreds or thousands of times.

[Innocenti]

I normally do it while driving my tractor

[dpt.calvin]

Originally Posted by bluestreak

This is when the “relationship” with the AD can work for you, LOL. I get the AD do do all this type of stuff for free. That being said, other than breaking the Loctite, it’s not bad. But I’d still prefer to have someone do it that has done it hundreds or thousands of times.

Never heard of any AD charging anyone to resize a (Rolex) bracelet, purchased from them or not.

[bluestreak]

Originally Posted by dpt.calvin

Never heard of any AD charging anyone to resize a (Rolex) bracelet, purchased from them or not.

Mostly tongue in cheek


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[JoseR]

Like stated above have the right tools and take your time. My first time removing a link the screw didn't want to budge and I didn't want to force it. I read that heating the screw would loosen it up. I used my cigar torch lighter on the screw for a couple seconds. Tried again and came out nice and easy. Just have patience, because you don't want to scratch up the screw head, case lugs or bracelet.

[JasoninDenver]

Like everyone has said, easy job.

However, I have run into difficulties on breaking the loctite on a couple of pieces. I have actually found it helpful to use a small soldering iron touched lightly to the female end for a few seconds. This reduces the chances of the crew driver slipping under too much force and then marring the bracelet.

[OrangeSport]

Don't do it!

People told me it was easy. I don't know if I had the wrong g size hammer or what but this is the outcome when I tried tonsize my brand new MG!

Gutted is an understatemet..

[zengineer]

Originally Posted by underpar

I didn't think there was anyone here that didn't size their own bracelet.

Are you kidding? I mean I size my own but I also work on my own cars, cut my own grass and know how to sweat a copper pipe joint.

I am quite sure many here couldn't change a tire, much less take a screwdriver to anything.

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[214270Explorer]

I started doing my own after the sales rep damaged my Sky-Dweller and tried to hide it.
Needless to say he got what he had coming to him over it.

No one will take as much care with your watch as YOU. And if you do damage it - at least it will be livable because wasn't by some unethical ham-fisted sales moron.

[shaunylw]

I prefer to size my own Rolex. I'll size it at the AD in front of them if I have to, but I dont really want anyone else sizing my watches. If its an AP or a Patek, that seems more complicated, I wouldn't mind the AD doing that.

[alphadweller]

Going forward, I'll only let the AD size the bracelet if they have a watchmaker on site who does they job. Why? Because they know what they're doing and have the correct screwdriver. Otherwise, I'll insist on sizing it myself. I don't want SAs putting nasty scratches on the links and damaging screws.

[Feb_29]

Originally Posted by JoseR

I used my cigar torch lighter on the screw for a couple seconds. Tried again and came out nice and easy. Just have patience, because you don't want to scratch up the screw head, case lugs or bracelet.

Originally Posted by JasoninDenver

However, I have run into difficulties on breaking the loctite on a couple of pieces. I have actually found it helpful to use a small soldering iron touched lightly to the female end for a few seconds. This reduces the chances of the crew driver slipping under too much force and then marring the bracelet.

I use hair dryer to heat up screws and it's safer.

[Watch Maniac]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

I usually have a few beers before I get started.

Haha, that's the proper way to do it!

[JoseR]

To each his own. The watch is SS, and it wasn't a problem for me to use the torch lighter. It's not like I was lighting up a cigar where you have to torch the foot pretty good to get it to burned properly.just a few seconds and done, no damage. Plus, I don't have a hair dryer; never have.

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[ArtNouveau]

I’m a wimp. I have adjusted my Seikos, Panerai, and many others myself but I let my AD size my Rolex. Only a couple of people there do it and I’ve never had anything scratched including taking an Oysterlex on and off.

[JoseR]

Originally Posted by dpt.calvin

Never heard of any AD charging anyone to resize a (Rolex) bracelet, purchased from them or not.

True. I purchased both of my Rolex from B&M greys and went to the local AD for sizing both times. Never been in the store and walk in asked about sizing my watch. I was asked if I purchased it from them. I said no, they took a look at it and before you know it it was sized. I ask, how much, he said no charge it's a Rolex and even was gifted a bottle of water.

[garyk]

Originally Posted by dpt.calvin

Magnifiers?

That’s so weird, I have a magnifier headset but I’ve never seen that one before?! Now that I know what it is, they look pretty good to me.

[Driver8]

I'm always of the opinion that no one else is ever going to be as careful with your watch as you are.

Get the right tools, and do it yourself: it's by far the safest option IMO.

[LSU-MOOSE]

I do also. MUST HAVE THE CORRECT TOOLS!!! If you use the wrong tool failure is almost guaranteed.

[Harry-57]

Good tools of the correct size, good light, good magnification, time and patience. It doesn't cost a fortune and it's an easy skill set to acquire. If in doubt, watch some videos.

Rolex Oyster bracelets (the only Rolex bracelets I have owned so far) are simple to adjust. Other brands can present challenges, but nothing that can't be overcome with a bit of reading and watching.

[TheWatchmen]

Let me reiterate what others have said: Yes! You too can unscrew a screw using a screwdriver and do it all by yourself, with no one else’s help.

Make sure you let us all know how it turns out and whether you were able to wear your watch.

[russ86]

I used to do it myself but lately I started to go to my AD to do that

[RJRJRJ]

As stated already, it's just a screw, albeit on a tiny scale. For an oyster bracelet, get a 1.6mm hollow ground screwdriver. You want hollow ground because the screw's channel is so shallow, that a regular flathead slips out very easily. Blue painters tape to protect anything if you're worried, and you'll be fine.

[amanbra]

https://www.esslinger.com/horofix-ge...djusting-tool/

get this, very easy as long as you have the right tool

[waynorth]

Just picked up a Sub and changed the bracelet at least five times before it fit right. Buy the correct tool and take your time. Not difficult...

[dpt.calvin]

Waiting for this to come back in stock.

https://www.esslinger.com/horofix-sc...tips-included/

[amanbra]

Originally Posted by dpt.calvin

Waiting for this to come back in stock.

https://www.esslinger.com/horofix-sc...tips-included/

Yep that one works well as well, I prefer the one I linked because it has the spring bar tool on it as well. It fits in for the bracelet micro adjustment. I have no other tool that fits that tiny gap.

[dpt.calvin]

Originally Posted by amanbra

Yep that one works well as well, I prefer the one I linked because it has the spring bar tool on it as well. It fits in for the bracelet micro adjustment. I have no other tool that fits that tiny gap.

I have a pin for the micro adjustment on the clasp. For spring bars, I use the Nam Hing tool.

[EEpro]

Originally Posted by dpt.calvin

Waiting for this to come back in stock.

https://www.esslinger.com/horofix-sc...tips-included/

https://www.esslinger.com/horofix-pr...g-screwdriver/

This one works really well and has different sizes that fit perfectly with no room for movement on both oyster and jubilee.

All 3 tips are the correct shape to prevent link screw damage even when cracking the thread lock.

[rwk246]

Hollow ground 1.7mm screwdriver is correct, at least for oyster bracelets. A standard slotted screwdriver tip will almost certainly tear up the screw head, and risk scratching the link when it jumps out of the slot. Esslinger sells this, I believe Horotec brand.