Help with link removals - not specifically Rolex related

[scoot4nat]

H Hi everyone, Looking for a little help. I'd like to learn how to remove links and bracelets on my watches. I thought I'd practice on these spare links from my wife's Formula 1. the two links on the left are connected and the pin on the side doesn't move. There is also no screw top on it. The other two links were loose in the box and the pins that are at the top came out of them. I can't connect them without he pins falling out. The larger pins fit into the smaller ones but don't go all the way so therefore don't fit the bracelet. I'm very new to this and obviously missing something so any help would be much appreciated!

[joe100]

You have to have a pin pusher tool to do it. The small sleeves go in first, then the pin friction locks the whole thing. Not something you can do with your hands

[tylerad1]

Originally Posted by joe100

You have to have a pin pusher tool to do it. The small sleeves go in first, then the pin friction locks the whole thing. Not something you can do with your hands

Yep. Friction fit. Need a small punch-like tool

[scoot4nat]

Thanks for the response.

Is that typical of most bracelets?

I do have a pin pusher but I was a bit afraid of the force needed to re I've them

[joe100]

Typical of a lot yeah, especially omega. Quite common setup

[scoot4nat]

Is there a specific reason the larger pins have a nick out of them that isn't centred?

[Tools]

Originally Posted by scoot4nat

Is there a specific reason the larger pins have a nick out of them that isn't centred?

It is a notch. If you look at the tubes, when you seat the pin onto the tube the notch will lock into the crimped part of the tube. Their also should be an arrow on the link that shows the direction that the pins must be put in.

[handsfull]

Do NOT lose the sleeves! Easy to do too....they are sometimes hard to source. Ask me how I know. LOL

[joe100]

Originally Posted by handsfull

Do NOT lose the sleeves! Easy to do too....they are sometimes hard to source. Ask me how I know. LOL

tell me about it. I had to source some obscure ones for an Omega bracelet once. ever tried to call ofrei on the phone? they should make prisoners at Guantanamo bay call ofrei. talk about torture.

[scoot4nat]

Originally Posted by Tools

It is a notch. If you look at the tubes, when you seat the pin onto the tube the notch will lock into the crimped part of the tube. Their also should be an arrow on the link that shows the direction that the pins must be put in.

I can't see any arrows on the links at all.

[Vanessa CW21]

Originally Posted by scoot4nat

I can't see any arrows on the links at all.

They don't have arrows. Any direction will work.

Sent from my phone.

[handsfull]

Originally Posted by joe100

tell me about it. I had to source some obscure ones for an Omega bracelet once. ever tried to call ofrei on the phone? they should make prisoners at Guantanamo bay call ofrei. talk about torture.

I picked up a Grand Seiko that I knew needed sleeves because the owner gave me the heads up before purchasing. Thought it'd be no big deal...WRONG....PITA. I know some people think their great, but I'm not a fan of the pin/sleeve combo.