Screws coming loose

[MSL997]

Hi Team, thanks for all your posts and I enjoy reading the forums.

I recently got platona and had the AD size it about 2 weeks. I have worn it as my daily and plan to do so. I looked down at my wrist tonight and a screw is starting to work its way out. I cannot say for certain if the watchmaker used loctite as I didnt see him size it. I will of course return back and ensure he does the second time.

I am wondering how common it is for these screws to work their way out on new watches as the bracelets begin to work themselves. In 2010 I woke up to find my GV (a 2007 release but I obtained mine in 2009) stainless screw complete out on the night stand and the oyster bracelet had separated. I dont know how that would have happened.

Since then I have been fortunate to obtain hulk panda new and both color dials 116520s - I purchased those 2 grey as I did better in life over time and returned to daytonas I couldnt obtain at the time they were current models. For these 4 I always sized the bracelets myself and made certain I did the loctite, these 4 watches have never separated and the bracelet screws remain intact. For the platona I just let the AD size it but I hate I cannot verify if loctite was applied (which is why I always want to size them myself.. anyways thanks for reading).

Any insight you may have is greatly appreciated! TIA!!

I appreciate the Rolex community we have here and honor everyone's achievements!

Btw I read every post on the platona in anticipation of getting one and many stated how heavy it was and it was bothersome, after a few days I never noticed the weight anymore and I even found the GV to be heavy given its 2 cases. The weight isnt a reason to back off of the platona!!

[ArtNouveau]

In recent years the only time I had a pin come loose was on an OP I sized myself. It had remnants of Loctite on it so I didn’t add any. A couple days later I noticed it coming out, retightened and still good.

[joli160]

Happened to me as well and also started using loctite after. Never happened again.
Mangled up a few screw pins in the process

Sloppy watchmaker, DIY is safer

[KatGirl]

Make sure you buy the right strength (# 242 in red bottle). Apply, using a small amount on the end of a toothpick to the hole in link, where screw ends, not the screw itself. Do this, and no worries ever again.

Kat


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[Andad]

Originally Posted by KatGirl

Make sure you buy the right strength (# 242 in red bottle). Apply, using a small amount on the end of a toothpick to the hole in link, where screw ends, not the screw itself. Do this, and no worries ever again.

Kat


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Use 242 red loctite and you should have no issues with Rolex screws coming loose.

I use 221.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by MSL997

Hi Team, thanks for all your posts and I enjoy reading the forums.

I recently got platona and had the AD size it about 2 weeks. I have worn it as my daily and plan to do so. I looked down at my wrist tonight and a screw is starting to work its way out. I cannot say for certain if the watchmaker used loctite as I didnt see him size it. I will of course return back and ensure he does the second time.

I am wondering how common it is for these screws to work their way out on new watches as the bracelets begin to work themselves. In 2010 I woke up to find my GV (a 2007 release but I obtained mine in 2009) stainless screw complete out on the night stand and the oyster bracelet had separated. I dont know how that would have happened.

Since then I have been fortunate to obtain hulk panda new and both color dials 116520s - I purchased those 2 grey as I did better in life over time and returned to daytonas I couldnt obtain at the time they were current models. For these 4 I always sized the bracelets myself and made certain I did the loctite, these 4 watches have never separated and the bracelet screws remain intact. For the platona I just let the AD size it but I hate I cannot verify if loctite was applied (which is why I always want to size them myself.. anyways thanks for reading).

Any insight you may have is greatly appreciated! TIA!!

I appreciate the Rolex community we have here and honor everyone's achievements!

Btw I read every post on the platona in anticipation of getting one and many stated how heavy it was and it was bothersome, after a few days I never noticed the weight anymore and I even found the GV to be heavy given its 2 cases. The weight isnt a reason to back off of the platona!!

All Rolex owners should periodically check bracelet screws for tightness even with loctite its still possible to come loose on all models, simple process re-tighten with correct screwdriver.

[brandrea]

At least you noticed

As a matter of habit, before I put on a watch, I always run my finger/thumb around the bracelet to feel if there are any screws backing out.

[kilyung]

Loctite 222

[Harry-57]

Originally Posted by brandrea

At least you noticed

As a matter of habit, before I put on a watch, I always run my finger/thumb around the bracelet to feel if there are any screws backing out.

Likewise. Screws can back out but it's rare and an easy fix. It's unlikely that Loctite was used when the bracelet was sized.

[Rocket_Man]

If Loctite gets on the pin itself, as opposed to just the threaded end, the flexing of the bracelet can loosen it. The Pins don't have any pre-load that keeps typical bolts tight so you need some backout prevention like Loctite to keep them in place.

[1st amg]

All of the above...but I think you should post a picture of this beauty!

[1William]

It has happened to me once or twice over the years. I do not use any type of glue but I do visually inspect my watches when I wear them.

[cornsyrup_bezel]

just had a clasp screw from my oysterflex daytona with glide lock back out. can no longer close the clasp. Watch is lightly worn

[enjoythemusic]

Originally Posted by padi56

All Rolex owners should periodically check bracelet screws for tightness even with loctite its still possible to come loose on all models, simple process re-tighten with correct screwdriver.

^^^ this.

Always good to check every now and then just in case. Visiting your AD can assist too (while you discuss life, music, your next Rolex....).

[Ravager135]

This is more common than you think.

I had this happen on my Explorer II roughly 3-4 years after purchasing it. I would not have noticed had the safety clasp not snagged itself on the screw as it was working itself out.

Generally when ADs size bracelets I have not seen them use Loctite even though Rolex does. I size all my own bracelets regardless of where I purchase a watch from for this reason. I also ensure that all the screws are firm and tight with my screwdriver. A screw working itself out could in theory happen with any link, but I would suspect a link adjusted by an AD and not filled with Loctite would certainly be more prone.

Other users here have provided the correct Loctite recommendation. When I change or remove a link, I put a small drop in the female end of the link and screw from the top down. This will usually force a small amount of Loctite out the other side. I then tighten or ensure every adjustable link screw is tightened before washing with soap and warm water. This also takes the squeak out of a new Rolex bracelet. Two or three rinses in warm, soapy water handles that immediately. I have not had a single screw ever work itself out since I have begun doing this.

[jacowestt]

Given your experience with a screw loosening on your Platona, it’s advisable to have the screws inspected and secured with Loctite 222. If you’re comfortable, you can do this yourself; otherwise, returning to your authorized dealer is a good option. Regularly checking your bracelet screws can help prevent similar issues in the future.

[rmagoo57]

I think it is extremely uncommon for a Rolex screw to back out on its own.

[77T]

In a way they never back out "on their own".

The torsional forces imparted by the motion of the links is the cause.

Keeping the bracelet clean helps remove the dirt/grime that can cling to the link screws.

But for the OP, it is strange to happen in such a short time. I would check the bracelet to see if the AD failed to reinstall the requisite sleeves and apply thread locker and tighten the screws correctly. Especially if it was an SA doing this...

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=691195


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[cdmorenot]

Had a screw come loose while I was on vacation. Noticed right as the screw was ready to come completely off ...

Trip to CVS, nail polish and a screwdriver for glasses. Mangled screw head and a trip to AD to buy a new link along with 221 Loctite for all my screws and I'm good to go.

[Speedbird-1]

In 52 years wearing GMT, I've never, ever had a screw loose.

PS. That's not what my wife says....fnar fnar

[yankeeromeo]

Clean old then apply little bit of loctite with a cocktail stick

[bp1000]

It happens, I check mine often.

Back the screw out, clean it off with nail polish remover, dry it completely. Re-insert it (push fit), don't screw in yet. Using a wood pick, apply a few drops of loctite 222 to the other side of the hole, where there is a gap due to the screw not being screwed fully in.

You can do a few drops of 222 as its low strength for bond break and re-application (but strong enough for the job).

Now screw it in fully. You don't need to over tighten and risk slipping the head. It will hold.

To break the bond at a later point, you can try tightening the screw before backing it out. The bond may break doing this without the need to heat it up.

[Kingcobb]

I had to reapply loctite after resizing my Daytona because one of the screws started backing out. No problems since. No problem at all with any of my 3 subs.

[worldofoyster]

Quite uncommon

[georgekart]

If loctite is used (i think 243 is the absolute strongest you should use on a watch while 222 is the weakest) and the screw is tightened well and the ceramic sleve (I assume they are used on platium watches as well) is placed in the link as it should be, you should have no issues with the screws coming loose. So I assume your AD screwed up when sizing it and didn't use Loctite (or didn't tighten the screw well). After they fixed it, you should be fine.

[0nly5iv3Digits]

Originally Posted by 1William

It has happened to me once or twice over the years. I do not use any type of glue but I do visually inspect my watches when I wear them.

I'm the same. No need for any "glue" imho as long as you're diligent about checking from time to time

[garyk]

Never lost a screw from a Rolex bracelet in 50 years of ownership.

[watchwatcher]

Only speaking from personal experience, here. It's only happened once, in or around 2009.

[Harry-57]

Originally Posted by bp1000

Back the screw out, clean it off with nail polish remover, dry it completely. Re-insert it (push fit), don't screw in yet. Using a wood pick, apply a few drops of loctite 222 to the other side of the hole, where there is a gap due to the screw not being screwed fully in.

That's what I do, although I use less 222.

[OG1982]

Thanks for the timely reminder to tighten my screws!