Tudor Folded Link Bracelet

[azguy]

So, I see that my Tudor bracelet has no removable links Is the only adjustment via the clasp

Thanks guys

[Dan Pierce]

Nope, the folded links are unfolded, link[s] removed, and then folded back. Preferable from someone who knows what they are doing.
dP

[JimSnyder]

Dan is right. It's easy to mess them up if it's not done correctly.

[larryccf]

you unfold the links down by the clasp to remove em

but you have to be careful when refolding the link remaining. I had a watchmaker here (at a rolex AD) adjust my tudor 79090, and he got a little "aggressive" when refolding the link remaining on the bracelet and left a slight dent on the outside surface.

looking at it afterwards, it really needs pliers with curved jaws and maybe plastic lined to clamp the open link back down.

fwiw

[springer]

The center link is normally removed for adjustments. It is done very carefully so it does not bend.

[azguy]

Thank you guys, I'm not sure I feel comfortable removing a link

[jatco]

...Same here..
..I know this is an old post, but it answers my question. I've lost some weight and my 79190 could use a link removed. Maxed out the adjustments on the clasp..
Thx for the info..and heads-up..

[John in MA]

Easiest way to DIY is to not fold all of one side out to remove the link. Best to do a bit on BOTH sides. This way you don't over flex the link which leads to the crease. Keep going on each side until you have enough to remove the link and then press both back together at the same time.

[jatco]

Have you done it..??
I don't think I would attempt it..not having the proper tools etc. It's a pretty tight fold there. Where would you start prying and with what tool..? A mini flat head screw driver..??
Looks complicated..imo and risky for damaging the link(s).!!!

[05carbondrz]

I have read using a credit card to unfold them works good.I have never done it,Just relaying info.

[jatco]

Originally Posted by 05carbondrz

I have read using a credit card to unfold them works good.I have never done it,Just relaying info.

..Uh, kinda doubt it. Even tho a CC is Stiff, I don't think it could bend SS...and to get it in between the 'bend'

[05carbondrz]

post #3:http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=437005

[jatco]

Originally Posted by 05carbondrz

post #3:http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=437005

..Thanks...
I was searching for such posts, but I guess I wasnt using the correct 'phrasiology'....
I might give it a go...!!

[05carbondrz]

No problem,Just trying to help

[jatco]

Originally Posted by 05carbondrz

No problem,Just trying to help

..and you did.. !

[jatco]

Originally Posted by John in MA

Easiest way to DIY is to not fold all of one side out to remove the link. Best to do a bit on BOTH sides. This way you don't over flex the link which leads to the crease. Keep going on each side until you have enough to remove the link and then press both back together at the same time.

Thank you for that important step...It makes a difference. ...!
I might redo it, as the link did crease a bit, tho not very noticeable unless scrutinized....

[John in MA]

Originally Posted by jatco

Thank you for that important step...It makes a difference. ...!
I might redo it, as the link did crease a bit, tho not very noticeable unless scrutinized....

Glad it worked out. To get into the seam I use a trimmed down plastic spackling spreader. From the images in the other post it appears you bent one side too much before going to the other side. Next time do a little at a time on both sides and eventually you'll be able to get the link out with minimal distortion.

To try and remove some of that "fold" as seen in your pic, rotate the bracelet so that side of the link is sitting "vertical" resting on the bottom link (picture in your head an E without the middle line"). Using a plastic mallet gently tap on that side of the center link. What will happen is the center link will "bow" a bit and sit proud of the outer links. Once that is done, supporting the outer links so the folded center isn't touching the work surface, put gentle force on the link to flatten it again which will in turn spread out the folded portion a bit. Then gently tap each side a little at a time and at the same time doing the same to the unfolded side to remove the small deformation.

TL:DR?

Cliffnotes?

Actually read what I posted above.

Hope it helps.

[jatco]

Got it John..and yes, your 'tutorial' is of great help. Read it more than once.. ..and should have, before I started...
.
Oddly enough, I took a look at the other side of the bracelet and link, near the clasp and it too, has a bit of a distortion from the past/previous owner I presume..or maybe by my hitting it somehow...
It is after all, a 17 +/- year old watch...with 2 owners..!
.
Here's a couple of better shots of the removed link. I may work with that, to see if I can smooth out the fold..before working the link on the watch.
.
You can see the distortion in Pic 1 + 2 with the 2 'nibs' opposite each on the inside,
.
Pic 3 shows the minimum 'spread' of the folded sides to clear those 2 nibs and rotate the fold out of the link..
..(Better pics with the Samsung...)
.
Thank you again for your great information...
Kudos

[05carbondrz]

So what Tool did You end up using to spread the Link open?

[jatco]

...In this other post, http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=437005 , one side of the fold was partially exposed, lifted a tad, so I was able to get the spine/back of a knife, flat, inside across the fold. The other fold was tight, but the blade got it started with a lift, then I used the back of the knife again...! Similar with the pics above..!

[05carbondrz]

Thanks,I did not check the other Link.I appreciate You taking the Time to Photograph your experience.

[jatco]

..Anytime 05..
Hopefully this and all the other info provide by others, may help others.
If my watch was new, like the OP's in the other post, I probably would have my watchmaker do it..!!

[Edge]

Originally Posted by John in MA

To try and remove some of that "fold" as seen in your pic, rotate the bracelet so that side of the link is sitting "vertical" resting on the bottom link (picture in your head an E without the middle line"). Using a plastic mallet gently tap on that side of the center link. What will happen is the center link will "bow" a bit and sit proud of the outer links. Once that is done, supporting the outer links so the folded center isn't touching the work surface, put gentle force on the link to flatten it again which will in turn spread out the folded portion a bit. Then gently tap each side a little at a time and at the same time doing the same to the unfolded side to remove the small deformation.

I would love to see photos of this process. Struggling to picture in my head and I want to remove deformations in 2 links of my 9315.

E

[Cobar65]

I cringe anytime I buy a watch with a FL or riveted bracelet and pray it fits. Back when these bracelets were relatively inexpensive, I didn’t pay much attention to removing links; I actually got pretty good at it. Nowadays, when a bracelet is worth a few thousand quid, it makes you think hard about doing the job yourself: scary business, mate.


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