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ec51 · 29 July 2011, 01:33 PM

"Onlookers say it was a sight to see..."

Finally broke down and removed one of the "fixed" or "permanent" links off the 6 o'clock side of my 14060M. I have a pretty small wrist (6.5") and the bracelet just wasn't sitting right. The clasp was too far over to one side and the watch constantly pulled towards the 12 o'clock side of my wrist.

It is much more comfortable now and the difference is pretty dramatic.

The link is unfortunately, un-usable as it was damaged in the process - though I read they usually are.

Thank you Tools (Larry) for the insight.

Cheers!

dddrees · 29 July 2011, 01:42 PM

That looks real bad, but it sounds like it worked out for the best.

beowulf566 · 29 July 2011, 01:44 PM

You are a brave brave man

sleddog · 29 July 2011, 01:44 PM

Comfort is most important!
As long as it now sits and feels good on your wrist, a job well done!

Watch Professor · 29 July 2011, 01:59 PM

Photos of before and after?

ec51 · 29 July 2011, 02:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Watch Professor

Photos of before and after?

Actually, no - I was too in the moment

and forgot to take 'before' pics. Sorry about that.

But the bracelet looked very much like the one in the before picture here:

http://www.minus4plus6.com/bracelet.htm

I'll take some 'after' pics tomorrow.

spyderco10 · 29 July 2011, 04:48 PM

could you tell us how you did it? i'd like to do this to mine too, but am afraid i'll cause collateral damage to the whole watch.

andrew79 · 29 July 2011, 07:23 PM

that looks.... rough...

LeOnfromtheblock · 29 July 2011, 08:03 PM

I want to do this on my SD and 14060M... just dont want to get it wrong.

How was the process? You taped up the rest of the bracelet and hammered a chisel into the link then pulled it off with pliers?

EmpireCity · 29 July 2011, 08:06 PM

It's not a crime if you got away with it. Seriously, I've been considering doing this with mine-- good to see that it worked out and you have no regrets.

errol0_7 · 29 July 2011, 08:42 PM

so glad I have large wrists and they all fit like a glove, I am not sure I have the minerals to do this to one of mine!

Well done fella, glad it has worked out.

Shelby-villian · 29 July 2011, 08:55 PM

I find that picture very disturbing!

ec51 · 29 July 2011, 10:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spyderco10

could you tell us how you did it? i'd like to do this to mine too, but am afraid i'll cause collateral damage to the whole watch.

I pretty much used a mixture of a few different techniques I read about. One was the two plier approach noted here on TRF by acce1999:

http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=48562

Tools (Larry) also commented about a possibly simpler approach using a pocket knife. This is what made me think to use the smaller chisel. I attempted the pocket knife, but it was not working for me.

Just make sure you properly tape everything off first. Check this page out for some good pictures:

http://www.minus4plus6.com/bracelet.htm

Quote:

Originally Posted by LeOnfromtheblock

I want to do this on my SD and 14060M... just dont want to get it wrong.

How was the process? You taped up the rest of the bracelet and hammered a chisel into the link then pulled it off with pliers?

Yes, I first removed the bracelet from the clasp and watch itself. So I was really just left with four "fixed" links. I used painters tape and taped up the links I was planning on leaving in place and then taped the entire thing to the floor (I don't have a sturdy enough workbench). I spent some time taping up the links I was leaving...cutting the tape to fit into the grooves as best I could.

Used the small chisel and gave it a couple of good bangs and the outer piece of the link began to separate. Did the same thing on the other side of the link and then was able to pull them apart with the pliers. I thought the chisel method might keep the link salvageable. But....in the end, it didn't work out. But that's okay - I still have an extra removable link not being used.

dricig · 29 July 2011, 10:40 PM

Since the removed link is press fit in, it seems that Rolex should be able to install a new link to return the band to original.
Has anyone ever tried to reverse the procedure?

dave

theloxmyth · 29 July 2011, 10:47 PM

You could have at least bought a NEW hammer for such a valuable task!

chillviper · 29 July 2011, 10:58 PM

It's the only way to go with that wrist size and bracelet/clasp type. I've done it 3 times or should say the RSC has done it 3 times for me :-)

mfer · 29 July 2011, 11:04 PM

Congrats, but I find it odd that it was off centered at 6.5". I have a 6.5" wrist and my 16610 fits pefect...

Dan2010 · 29 July 2011, 11:26 PM

Me like to smash................

ec51 · 29 July 2011, 11:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mfer

Congrats, but I find it odd that it was off centered at 6.5". I have a 6.5" wrist and my 16610 fits pefect...

I thought the 16610 bracelet (93250) is actually slightly different from the 14060M bracelet (93150). I believe there is an extra smaller link near the clasp somewhere...?

ec51 · 29 July 2011, 11:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by theloxmyth

You could have at least bought a NEW hammer for such a valuable task!

Ha!

Speed · 29 July 2011, 11:41 PM

I've had that procedure done...but I let the RSC do it.

Justjosh · 29 July 2011, 11:47 PM

Love the fact that you just DID IT!

Nice Work

ec51 · 29 July 2011, 11:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Speed

I've had that procedure done...but I let the RSC do it.

Did they charge you for it?

rolexpawn · 30 July 2011, 12:16 AM

If you have any desire to sell the watch you will probably need to get a bracelet part. It is not as expensive as a new bracelet.

ec51 · 30 July 2011, 12:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rolexpawn

If you have any desire to sell the watch you will probably need to get a bracelet part. It is not as expensive as a new bracelet.

I still have an extra un-used removable link - though you have a point.

But considering my watch is already engraved and given it's sentimental value at this point....it's not going anywhere.

rolexpawn · 30 July 2011, 12:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ec51

I still have an extra un-used removable link - though you have a point.

But considering my watch is already engraved and given it's sentimental value at this point....it's not going anywhere.

At least you have a back up plan.

Lisa · 30 July 2011, 01:08 AM

We have walked that road - husband removed a permanent link from my Tudor jubilee bracelet. It's a little scary. You know, seems like Rolex would make the bracelets with a couple more removable links, as the issue of proper fit without them arises fairly often.

Comfortable, centered clasp as a result. Agree with you - an off-center clasp is not at all comfortable!

WyoWatch · 30 July 2011, 01:09 AM

Glad it worked out for you. I have the exact same sized wrist and had the exact problem with the 14060M. My solution was to sell it and buy the SubC which has one more removable link on each side of the bracelet than the old styles did. Best move I've ever made.

rolexsweep · 30 July 2011, 01:18 AM

dammnnnn

ec51 · 30 July 2011, 01:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lisa

We have walked that road - husband removed a permanent link from my Tudor jubilee bracelet. It's a little scary. You know, seems like Rolex would make the bracelets with a couple more removable links, as the issue of proper fit without them arises fairly often.

Comfortable, centered clasp as a result. Agree with you - an off-center clasp is not at all comfortable!

Looks like he did a great job!

29 July 2011, 01:42 PM	#2
dddrees "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2010 Real Name: Dan Location: USA Watch: This N That Posts: 34,251	That looks real bad, but it sounds like it worked out for the best. __________________ When it captures your imagination, that's when you know you have found your passion. Loyal Foot Soldier of The Nylon Nation. Card Carrying Member of the Global Association of Retro-Grouch-Curmudgeons

29 July 2011, 01:44 PM	#3
beowulf566 "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Real Name: Matt Location: new hampshire Watch: Rlx,Omga,CyS,brtln Posts: 1,520	You are a brave brave man __________________ R.I.P. Smoke em' if you got em'

29 July 2011, 01:44 PM	#4
sleddog TRF Moderator & 2024 DATE-JUST41 Patron Join Date: Jul 2007 Real Name: Rob Location: Nearby. Posts: 24,901	Comfort is most important! As long as it now sits and feels good on your wrist, a job well done! __________________ He who wears a Rolex is always on time, even when late!! TRF's "After Dark" Bar & Nightclub Patron-Founding Member..

29 July 2011, 01:59 PM	#5
Watch Professor "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Real Name: Myron Location: New York Watch: GMT IIC; Sub Date Posts: 3,166	Photos of before and after? __________________

29 July 2011, 07:23 PM	#8
andrew79 "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Real Name: Andrew Location: Indonesia Watch: Rolex Posts: 2,277	that looks.... rough... __________________ Baume & Mercier Riviera Rolex GMT II c, DJ 116234, Sub 16610, EXP 2 16570 Panerai 111 , 232

29 July 2011, 04:48 PM	#7
spyderco10 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Honolulu, HI Posts: 126	could you tell us how you did it? i'd like to do this to mine too, but am afraid i'll cause collateral damage to the whole watch.

29 July 2011, 08:03 PM	#9
LeOnfromtheblock "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Australia Posts: 127	I want to do this on my SD and 14060M... just dont want to get it wrong. How was the process? You taped up the rest of the bracelet and hammered a chisel into the link then pulled it off with pliers?

29 July 2011, 08:06 PM	#10
EmpireCity "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Real Name: Daniel Location: Canada Watch: 16610, 124270 Posts: 315	It's not a crime if you got away with it. Seriously, I've been considering doing this with mine-- good to see that it worked out and you have no regrets.

29 July 2011, 08:42 PM	#11
errol0_7 "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: UK Watch: them come and go Posts: 689	so glad I have large wrists and they all fit like a glove, I am not sure I have the minerals to do this to one of mine! Well done fella, glad it has worked out. __________________ John Sub 126610LV incoming GMT 126710 BLRO YM 40 126622 Rhodium IWC Portugieser Automatic 40.4mm - Pink dial

29 July 2011, 08:55 PM	#12
Shelby-villian "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: S *, C Watch: 18** Posts: 255	I find that picture very disturbing!

29 July 2011, 10:40 PM	#14
dricig "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Real Name: Dave Location: NY Metro Posts: 678	Since the removed link is press fit in, it seems that Rolex should be able to install a new link to return the band to original. Has anyone ever tried to reverse the procedure? dave

29 July 2011, 10:47 PM	#15
theloxmyth Banned Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: NY Posts: 6,382	You could have at least bought a NEW hammer for such a valuable task!

29 July 2011, 10:58 PM	#16
chillviper "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Atlanta Watch: SS Daytona Posts: 509	It's the only way to go with that wrist size and bracelet/clasp type. I've done it 3 times or should say the RSC has done it 3 times for me :-)

29 July 2011, 11:04 PM	#17
mfer "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Real Name: Mik Location: USA Posts: 13,723	Congrats, but I find it odd that it was off centered at 6.5". I have a 6.5" wrist and my 16610 fits pefect... __________________ member#3242

29 July 2011, 11:26 PM	#18
Dan2010 "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: South Carolina Watch: Panerai 914 Posts: 6,540	Me like to smash................

29 July 2011, 11:41 PM	#21
Speed "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: USA Posts: 19,695	I've had that procedure done...but I let the RSC do it.

29 July 2011, 11:47 PM	#22
Justjosh "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Real Name: Josh Location: WI Watch: This Posts: 856	Love the fact that you just DID IT! Nice Work __________________ Speed is fine, but accuracy is final.

30 July 2011, 12:16 AM	#24
rolexpawn Banned Join Date: Jun 2011 Real Name: Chester Location: Bolton UK Watch: my Rolex(s) Posts: 479	If you have any desire to sell the watch you will probably need to get a bracelet part. It is not as expensive as a new bracelet.

30 July 2011, 01:08 AM	#27
Lisa "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: oklahoma city Posts: 15,741	We have walked that road - husband removed a permanent link from my Tudor jubilee bracelet. It's a little scary. You know, seems like Rolex would make the bracelets with a couple more removable links, as the issue of proper fit without them arises fairly often. Comfortable, centered clasp as a result. Agree with you - an off-center clasp is not at all comfortable!

30 July 2011, 01:09 AM	#28
WyoWatch "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Real Name: Chad Location: USA Watch: 1675 GMT and Sub C Posts: 1,443	Glad it worked out for you. I have the exact same sized wrist and had the exact problem with the 14060M. My solution was to sell it and buy the SubC which has one more removable link on each side of the bracelet than the old styles did. Best move I've ever made.

30 July 2011, 01:18 AM	#29
rolexsweep "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Australia Watch: RG DD40 Posts: 1,149	dammnnnn __________________ "Did you get that at retail?"

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