Swiss rivet bracelet tool¿?

[Rolessor82]

Hi everyone,

Does anyone know what tool (w/pic) is used to take off links on swiss rivets from the 60s?
Thank you!

Have a great weekend y'all

[springer]

I believe the tool was a grinder that was used to remove the head of the rivet which allowed the link to be removed. A new rivet was used to put the link back on to the bracelet.

Of course now, it is nearly impossible to find replacement rivets. The best solution that I have found, and one that my watchmaker uses is to open up the middle section of the link to completely remove a link.

Removing links takes finesse and practice to properly remove them without bending or kinking the center link section. It is not for the novice unless he is very mechanically inclined.

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by springer

Removing links takes finesse and practice to properly remove them without bending or kinking the center link section. It is not for the novice unless he is very mechanically inclined.

For me, the hardest part is avoiding putting a kink into the front of the link as I unfold the back. When that happens, if the kink is noticeable enough, I remove the whole link and re-shape it. I find it nerve-racking and not fun.

[Rolessor82]

Damn. Looks pretty hard.

That's what I thought my friends. But wanted to be sure . I'd hope I was thinking the wrong solution but it is what it is. Not for me then. I will surely damage the link.

Thanks guys

Have a great weekend!