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Old 23 March 2011, 05:48 AM   #1
cparks555
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Removing A Permanent Link?

I purchased a 16610LV last week from an AD in town, and love the watch. Only problem is I have small wrists, and it just doesn't fit right. While wearing the watch the clasp seems to center itself on my wrist, which pushes the face way off the outside of my wrist. I hate to say it, but it's uncomfortable almost. I've read where some of you guys have removed a permanent link on the 6 o'clock side, and this seemed to fix the problem. I have to admit, the idea of poping a link off really scares me! Is it worth the risk?

Thanks
Cole
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Old 23 March 2011, 05:54 AM   #2
sleddog
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If it's the only way to ensure a comfortable fit, then it's worth it IMO..
It is not reversible however, so when it's done you can't go back!
Maybe speak to your AD first before going this route..They may have a better suggestion or configuration to help...
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Old 23 March 2011, 05:55 AM   #3
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Usually the link at the 12 o'clock side has one link more than the 6 side.
I'd take it back to the AD to have them do it for you.
It's better to have a super precision tool to do it personally - not the mini $1.00 combination screwdriver set you buy at the Dollar Store.
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Old 23 March 2011, 06:10 AM   #4
Pljson
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Take a look at this thread:

http://www.rolexforums.com/showthrea...ghlight=Pljson

It may answer your question besides providing a good laugh.

BTW, that thread dealt with the 116610LN.

Hope it helps.

Last edited by Pljson; 23 March 2011 at 06:11 AM.. Reason: spelling
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Old 23 March 2011, 06:12 AM   #5
cyglee
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Welcome Cole. I have removed a permanent link on my SD, and Gmt ll, both on the 6 side. It is not reversible, but should you need to expand the bracelet, you can purchase another removable link. Check out www.minus4plus6.com-bracelet.htm for fitting ideas. I know what you mean about being hesitant to put vise-grips on the link to be removed, but it makes the fit just right, and centers the watch head for me.
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Old 23 March 2011, 07:36 AM   #6
cparks555
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Thanks everyone! I'm going to have it removed tomorrow, I really think this is the only way to get a good fit(I HOPE).
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Old 23 March 2011, 07:38 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by cparks555 View Post
Thanks everyone! I'm going to have it removed tomorrow, I really think this is the only way to get a good fit(I HOPE).
- It's a very common way to fit the old bracelets..

All of the new bracelets are coming with additional removable links...
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Old 23 March 2011, 07:45 AM   #8
Johny
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hi cole it should not be a risk. make sure that it is the solution before you do it. as rob says explore every avenue. best of luck and i hope that it does the trick for you. j
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Old 23 March 2011, 09:08 AM   #9
capote
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How come it is irreversible? I have removed a link at an AD, I heard nothing about that.
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Old 23 March 2011, 09:45 AM   #10
cyglee
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How come it is irreversible? I have removed a link at an AD, I heard nothing about that.
I went the diy route, with a pair of vise-grip pliers. The permanent link is thus gouged due to the plier marks. I understand some ADs have a special tool to remove a permanent link; I do not know if the link is marked or not, but it would need a strong press to reattach the link parts. If need be, I would just buy an additional removable link. Please note that the removable links are slightly narrower than the permanent links, but the taper transition is hardly noticeable. I do not intend to flip my SD or GMT ll, and I do want the best fit.
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Old 23 March 2011, 09:46 AM   #11
cparks555
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Alright, I just read about ten pages of posts concerning the removal of a permanent link and feel much better now. Wish me luck!
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Old 23 March 2011, 12:49 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by cparks555 View Post
Alright, I just read about ten pages of posts concerning the removal of a permanent link and feel much better now. Wish me luck!
Good luck and let us know how it goes. Contemplated this myself.
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Old 23 March 2011, 02:10 PM   #13
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Here is my "link-ectomy" Performed by the Rolex Surgeon at my local RSC. The clasp is now perfectly centered on the underside of my wrist. Hard to notice the slight gap in tapering on the 6 o'clock side.

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Old 24 March 2011, 01:41 AM   #14
Titan1979
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I got a permanent link removed at RSC Toronto. They did it for free and my explorer now fits perfectly. No worries....get it done!
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Old 24 March 2011, 02:05 AM   #15
cyglee
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I got a permanent link removed at RSC Toronto. They did it for free and my explorer now fits perfectly. No worries....get it done!
You can't beat free!! Did they give you the parts back? And if so, are the parts reusable?
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Old 24 March 2011, 05:14 AM   #16
cparks555
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Just picked up my watch from the AD, he removed a permanent link for me and it now fits PERFECT. I was a little worried when I dropped it off, but he said he does it all the time. Couldn't be happier, it finally feels like mine! Thanks for all the help guys.

Cole
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Old 24 March 2011, 05:39 AM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by cparks555 View Post
Just picked up my watch from the AD, he removed a permanent link for me and it now fits PERFECT. I was a little worried when I dropped it off, but he said he does it all the time. Couldn't be happier, it finally feels like mine! Thanks for all the help guys.

Cole
good stuff cole. glad that you got it sorted.
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Old 24 March 2011, 07:30 AM   #18
Cabaiguan
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Awesome. I have a Tudor that I'm selling mostly because of this issue. I wonder if the RSC would perform this operation on a Tudor jubilee? May need to inquire...
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Old 24 March 2011, 08:28 AM   #19
dannyt
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Have you tried using half links? I have found they help me out considerably, but I'm not so sure all subs have them.
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Old 28 March 2011, 01:18 AM   #20
globalmedia33
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Could anyone explain to me how to remove the 1/2 link from the 12 o'clock and put it to the 6 o'clock side?
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Old 2 September 2011, 08:05 AM   #21
khmyjy
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Remove permanent link

Quote:
Originally Posted by Titan1979 View Post
I got a permanent link removed at RSC Toronto. They did it for free and my explorer now fits perfectly. No worries....get it done!
Hi there, I think I am going to have mine remove too, how long you have to leave you watch at the RSC or they do it while you wait? Thanks
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Old 2 September 2011, 08:36 AM   #22
skyedog
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love it! small wrist here too! I have 2 watches both remove one p link.

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Old 2 September 2011, 11:15 AM   #23
Cabaiguan
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I finally sold the Tudor because I didn't want to do this operation. After purchasing an SD and having the same problem, I bit the bullet and did it myself. Used two vise grips and it took 5 minutes. The fit is PERFECT.
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Old 3 September 2011, 11:49 AM   #24
khmyjy
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Gor it done today

I took my 16610 Sub to the RSC today and they removed the permanent link in 15 minutes. Now the watch fit me properly and I am a happy camper! Highly recommand for anyone who have small wrist.
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