Can't Remove the Bracelet Screws on my AP RO 15300!!! HELP PLEASE!!!

[Submarino]

Good afternoon! The clasp on my AP is not centered to the back of my wrist as there are the same number of links on both sides (12H and 6H) of the bracelet.

I've been trying to remove a link from the 6H side and switch it to the 12H side but I can't remove the screws at all. I put the bracelet under 'scalding hot' water and I was able to remove one of the screws. I have continued to try and I already scratched the second screw that I need to remove without coming out.

I believe there's some Loctite on the screws and the hot water helped a little bit but is there anything else I can use to loosen them up?

Thanks.

[Shade]

Well hmm.. Boil it more? Or you can bring it to your local ad and ask them to do it for you..

[Submarino]

Originally Posted by Shade

Well hmm.. Boil it more? Or you can bring it to your local ad and ask them to do it for you..

The local AD is useless and I can't stand the lady that works there as she is pretty rude. Additionally, they won't do anything to a watch that wasn't purchased from them.

[TSW]

Heat the screw/link with the heat from a lighter.

[Submarino]

Originally Posted by TSW

Heat the screw/link with the heat from a lighter.

Are you sure Thomas??? I have a pretty good torch lighter but I am afraid it might tarnish the SS.

[cyglee]

I had a similar problem with a Sinn's screws.
I used hot water...no luck.
I used boiling water...no luck.
I used a soldering iron...no luck.
I used an alcohol torch...no luck.
I got brave and broke out the propane torch!

Leather gloves, pencil flame attachment, very short application of heat to thread area and it worked like a charm. Keep in mind the screw head slots were not mangled from excessive prior attempts. And, the Sinn bracelet was tegimented (some kind of hardening process). The flaming did not cause any metal damage or discoloration.
In retrospect, perhaps one of those micro-torches with a very, very fine flame could be better.
Good luck!

[Submarino]

Originally Posted by cyglee

I had a similar problem with a Sinn's screws.
I used hot water...no luck.
I used boiling water...no luck.
I used a soldering iron...no luck.
I used an alcohol torch...no luck.
I got brave and broke out the propane torch!

Leather gloves, pencil flame attachment, very short application of heat to thread area and it worked like a charm. Keep in mind the screw head slots were not mangled from excessive prior attempts. And, the Sinn bracelet was tegimented (some kind of hardening process). The flaming did not cause any metal damage or discoloration.
In retrospect, perhaps one of those micro-torches with a very, very fine flame could be better.
Good luck!

I just tried the torch and it didn't work either. Anything else??? WD-40???

Thanks.

[cyglee]

My guess is heavy duty loctite or nail polish or sea water salts.
The loctite could just mean more concentrated heat.
The nail polish...maybe try soaking in acetone (nail polish remover) for a while?
I held the blue tip (hottest part) of the pencil flame propane torch on the screw thread (opposite end of the screw slot) for a few seconds.
The leather gloves are definitely needed, but you still need the dexterity to use the small screwdriver.
Hope this helps.

[Submarino]

Originally Posted by cyglee

My guess is heavy duty loctite or nail polish or sea water salts.
The loctite could just mean more concentrated heat.
The nail polish...maybe try soaking in acetone (nail polish remover) for a while?
I held the blue tip (hottest part) of the pencil flame propane torch on the screw thread (opposite end of the screw slot) for a few seconds.
The leather gloves are definitely needed, but you still need the dexterity to use the small screwdriver.
Hope this helps.

Thanks. I'll keep trying again.

[VetteBandit]

I would hit up a watchmaker. If you mangle the screw head you'll be in real trouble.

Good luck and keep us posted. A penetrating oil or alchohol would help, but you may have to submerge it for some time 12 hrs to let it soak in.

[p_mcgee]

I'm cringing at the thought of that watch getting damaged. Sorry to suggest the obvious but how about calling around to the closest watch repair shops.

[Submarino]

I will take it to my watchmaker on Monday. I give up!!! One of the screw heads got slightly damaged but really nothing major.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk. Watches are the new currency!

[Patrick Lim]

Same problem.
Just had my first AP and couldn't resize the bracelet by myself...
Brought it to an AD who was kind enough and help me with it.

Would suggest leaving it to the pro or AP Service Centre. The damage to the screw is ok but scratches to the link would be painful.