NYC Bracelet removal

[dooder]

I'm sure you're all sick of nato threads, but it's getting warm out and I want to remove the oyster bracelet from my sub-c. I contemplated getting the tools to do this but I think I'm better off leaving this to a pro.

Can I just take this to any watchmaker? An AD? Any recs?

Thanks!

Oh and I want to use this emoticon for no reason:

[crew]

You can take it anyplace that does jewelry repair &/or sales. The problem is you don't know what their qualifications are. I see young people working at mall jewelry clinics where they "specialize" in replacing watch batteries. I certainly wouldn't trust them with my Rolex.
Your best bet is probably to go to a Rolex AD and ask them to do it.
However, I think you should reconsider doing it yourself. It's very easy, especially if you have lug holes, and no one will be more careful than you. Buy yourself the appropriate tool and its a 5-10 minute job.

[dooder]

That's the thing, I don't have lug holes because it's a sub-c so it appears to be a slightly tougher job. Plus I've seen mixed messages on the right tool to use on here but would be willing to give it a go.

[subtona]

RSC is a "pro"

But they have scratched my lugs removing my bracelet
(others have had same experience)

So....... I would get the tool & do it yourself.

Just get a proper tool for modern rolex.

Fyi it is considerably narrower than a standard springbar tool.

You are likely to leave some small marks on the back of the lugs, personally I'm ok with this, if I do it, not so much if the Professionals hack the crap out of it.

[Johny]

the bergeon 6111 spring bar tool with fine fork. put some masking tape on the back of the lugs to avoid scratching them.

[tinger]

Take it to RSC if you're near by.
Its free and they're prob give you a green pouch & cleaning cloth.

[DJ16234]

Originally Posted by crew

The problem is you don't know what their qualifications are. I see young people working at mall jewelry clinics where they "specialize" in replacing watch batteries. I certainly wouldn't trust them with my Rolex.
Your best bet is probably to go to a Rolex AD and ask them to do it.

I would not give them even to change batterie in my Casio :) Seen too many abused watches from "experts" that think changing batterie in watch is piece of cake.
BUT, everything depends on person that work on your watch.


OP
If you want that there is no damage on your case go to local watchmaker and tell him that you dont want to see any new schratch afther removing bracelet. I think he/she will be extra careful.

[dooder]

Originally Posted by tinger

Take it to RSC if you're near by.
Its free and they're prob give you a green pouch & cleaning cloth.

Can I just stop on in or do I need an appointment? I think I might give the tool a go and try it myself though

[handsfull]

Originally Posted by subtona

RSC is a "pro"

But they have scratched my lugs removing my bracelet
(others have had same experience)

So....... I would get the tool & do it yourself.

Just get a proper tool for modern rolex.

Fyi it is considerably narrower than a standard springbar tool.

You are likely to leave some small marks on the back of the lugs, personally I'm ok with this, if I do it, not so much if the Professionals hack the crap out of it.

+1 (strongly!). Just because its a RSC does NOT guarantee you will have good results....the only way to be sure you won't get scratched up lugs is to either do it yourself, or find a trusted local watchmaker who pays attention to detail.
Good luck.

[JP Chestnut]

Originally Posted by dooder

Can I just stop on in or do I need an appointment? I think I might give the tool a go and try it myself though

I've stopped in, in the past.

[Grey.Coupe]

The backs of lugs often get scratched when bracelets are being removed, reinstalled...

[Thatguy]

Just do it yourself. After some practice it only takes a minute. It would be annoying to me to go somewhere every time I wanted to switch out. The oyster is by far my favorite but I switch it out depending on what I am doing. Use plenty of tape the first few times and you should be ok.

[subtona]

fyi ROLEX does not actually want you to use NATO straps.

so i do not think they will assist you.

[crew]

Originally Posted by subtona

fyi ROLEX does not actually want you to use NATO straps.

so i do not think they will assist you.

This is probably true.

[ledas1]

Six months ago, I walked into "WEMPE" [corner of 5th ave. and 55th). It's an imposing rolex AD. Put my watch up so Mr. friendly at the door saw it.

Went over directly to the little old lady's work bench. She polished the acrylic cover on my antique, 36mm rolex date, watch for free. Took about 5 minutes total.

cheers

[subtona]

Originally Posted by ledas1

Six months ago, I walked into "WEMPE" [corner of 5th ave. and 55th). It's an imposing rolex AD. Put my watch up so Mr. friendly at the door saw it.

Went over directly to the little old lady's work bench. She polished the acrylic cover on my antique, 36mm rolex date, watch for free. Took about 5 minutes total.

cheers

+1
counter service at Wempe is a very pleasant experience, been in many times for minor things

[submariner66]

Tourneau slightly scratched the back of my lugs when they engraved the case back in taking bracelet off, so you'd be surprised about so called experts. Truthfully I would just learn to remove it yourself as others have said its an easy job and one you'll be proud of doing yourself.

[melons]

It's so easy to do, get the tool and do it yourself.

[crew]

Dooder,
Check out this link: http://www.ofrei.com/page252.html
I think the one you want is the BERG-6767-F
Also, here is a link on bracelet removal from the Reference Library that Tools posted: http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=111743
It's a very good tutorial.