Link Removal for Daytona C

[SeattlePNWguy]

One of the concessions I had to make in order to purchase the Daytona C recently was to allow my wife to wear it certain times during the year. Well, that time has come. Normally, I go into my AD and have him add or remove a link, but given I'm likely to be making multiple changes during the year, I'd like to learn to do it myself.

I've read through a number of previous posts on removing a link from the oyster bracelet, but I wanted to check with the forum before making my final decision. It seems that a 1.6mm screwdriver with a hollow ground tip is the best play. I'd rather not spend $50-$100 on the Sea-Dweller Screwdriver REF2100.

I'm currently looking at a couple of Bergeron options:

Bergeron 5971 Drum Barrel 1.60mm Screwdriver: http://www.ofrei.com/page1361.html

Bergeron 30081-160 Individual Stainless-Steel Screwdriver 1.60mm:
http://www.ofrei.com/page1435.html

My first question is whether these two screwdrivers already have hollow ground tips, and if not, where can I buy hollow ground tips for the Bergerons?

I'm also looking at a Horotec option:

Horotec Ball Bearing 1.60mm Screwdriver with Replacement Blades:

http://www.ofrei.com/page1436.html

Along with additional curvature blades:

http://www.ofrei.com/page1701.html

Second question: Are these additional curvature blades considered hollow ground tips and will they fit the Horotec screwdriver linked to above?

Final question: Which screwdriver would you recommend and where is the best place to purchase from for quick shipment?

Thanks for the help.

[Furrygoat]

This might not be as fun as finding the exact right Bergeron tool and constantly contemplating the precious precision necessary to eliminate any micro hairlines in the pin thread, BUT, I went to Home Depot and got this little screwdriver kit. It had like 8 different screwdrivers for small projects from like, teeny tiny, to like, mostly normal sized but still small.

Anyway, it was like $8 and one of those little suckers works like a charm. No strips no scratches.

Good luck.

[Danny83]

Originally Posted by Furrygoat

This might not be as fun as finding the exact right Bergeron tool and constantly contemplating the precious precision necessary to eliminate any micro hairlines in the pin thread, BUT, I went to Home Depot and got this little screwdriver kit. It had like 8 different screwdrivers for small projects from like, teeny tiny, to like, mostly normal sized but still small.

Anyway, it was like $8 and one of those little suckers works like a charm. No strips no scratches.

Good luck.

That will work I got my 1.6 at Sears.

[traf]

Don't do it. Last time I let my wife "borrow" my Pepsi, I had to buy her a hulk to even think about wearing the GMT again. You've been warned


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[GB-man]

I bought mine on eBay for about 15 bucks. Similar to this.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1-6mm-CUT-OU...sAAOSwJkJWitrA

I give it the hairdryer for say 30 seconds to loosen the loctite and they come out no problem. Good luck you're a brave man

Any chance you can get her to wear it on a rubber b? That would be much easier.

[strafer_kid]

Originally Posted by SeattlePNWguy

One of the concessions I had to make in order to purchase the Daytona C recently was to allow my wife to wear it certain times during the year. Well, that time has come. Normally, I go into my AD and have him add or remove a link, but given I'm likely to be making multiple changes during the year, I'd like to learn to do it myself.

I've read through a number of previous posts on removing a link from the oyster bracelet, but I wanted to check with the forum before making my final decision. It seems that a 1.6mm screwdriver with a hollow ground tip is the best play. I'd rather not spend $50-$100 on the Sea-Dweller Screwdriver REF2100.

I'm currently looking at a couple of Bergeron options:

Bergeron 5971 Drum Barrel 1.60mm Screwdriver: http://www.ofrei.com/page1361.html

Bergeron 30081-160 Individual Stainless-Steel Screwdriver 1.60mm:
http://www.ofrei.com/page1435.html

My first question is whether these two screwdrivers already have hollow ground tips, and if not, where can I buy hollow ground tips for the Bergerons?

I'm also looking at a Horotec option:

Horotec Ball Bearing 1.60mm Screwdriver with Replacement Blades:

http://www.ofrei.com/page1436.html

Along with additional curvature blades:

http://www.ofrei.com/page1701.html

Second question: Are these additional curvature blades considered hollow ground tips and will they fit the Horotec screwdriver linked to above?

Final question: Which screwdriver would you recommend and where is the best place to purchase from for quick shipment?

Thanks for the help.

The 2100 Rolex screwdriver should not cost you as much as that. I picked one up in RSC London late last year probably for the equivalent of around $25. The only condition was that I had to produce my SD 16600 at the time. Might be worth checking if a local AD could do something for you?

[RichM]

I would contact your AD and order a five pack of link screws.

[SeattlePNWguy]

Originally Posted by Rich Mickol

I would contact your AD and order a five pack of link screws.

Thanks Rich, but what's the rationale here? I already have screws in the links. Do you think I'll need replacement screws because I could easily strip the screw or cause some unsightly marks on the screw head?

[SeattlePNWguy]

Originally Posted by strafer_kid

The 2100 Rolex screwdriver should not cost you as much as that. I picked one up in RSC London late last year probably for the equivalent of around $25. The only condition was that I had to produce my SD 16600 at the time. Might be worth checking if a local AD could do something for you?

I like this idea. I'll probably reach out to my AD to ask for assistance in getting the right tools. I'm curious, has anyone had any luck buying a full Rolex sizing kit from an AD or perhaps receiving one as a gift with purchase? I'd say it's unlikely, but I might as well ask.

[RichM]

Originally Posted by SeattlePNWguy

Thanks Rich, but what's the rationale here? I already have screws in the links. Do you think I'll need replacement screws because I could easily strip the screw or cause some unsightly marks on the screw head?

Nah, you won't strip them but I do see unsightly marks on the screw head. Cheap insurance, just in case.

[RichM]

Originally Posted by SeattlePNWguy

I like this idea. I'll probably reach out to my AD to ask for assistance in getting the right tools. I'm curious, has anyone had any luck buying a full Rolex sizing kit from an AD or perhaps receiving one as a gift with purchase? I'd say it's unlikely, but I might as well ask.

He got the 2100 because it was part of the DSSD package. I'm not sure when Rolex stopped including them. That's why he had to bring in the watch. The 2100 was never included with a Daytona.

[japenney]

If your going to be changing screws several times per year you should get the rolex 2100 tool. Why? Because the 2100 tool is 1.7mm and fits perfectly. Even the 1.6mm hollow ground tool may cause damage after frequent changes. Using the 2100 tool feels really special. It is the perfect fit. Good luck

[SC11]

Another vote for the 2100 I've got a couple, well actually three but snaped the tip on one and you can't buy replacement tips so picked up two more just in case Rolex stop supplying them.

If you and your wife are just one link different then this is an option be it an expensive one! Get yourself a glidelock clasp off the sub and have it polished to match the PCL and then size it near its full extension for you and then you can move it to the tightest when your wife wants to wear it.

Should cost you around $1200-1500 all in.

[RichM]

Originally Posted by japenney

If your going to be changing screws several times per year you should get the rolex 2100 tool. Why? Because the 2100 tool is 1.7mm and fits perfectly. Even the 1.6mm hollow ground tool may cause damage after frequent changes. Using the 2100 tool feels really special. It is the perfect fit. Good luck

Correct That's why I suggested extra screws. The pack I got was $25.

Not sure if wants to try but I would get 1.8mm and file it down.

[orangeguy]

Originally Posted by traf

Don't do it. Last time I let my wife "borrow" my Pepsi, I had to buy her a hulk to even think about wearing the GMT again. You've been warned


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So, do you get to "borrow" her Hulk now?


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[traf]

Originally Posted by orangeguy

So, do you get to "borrow" her Hulk now?


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LOL what do you think


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[SeattlePNWguy]

Originally Posted by Rich Mickol

He got the 2100 because it was part of the DSSD package. I'm not sure when Rolex stopped including them. That's why he had to bring in the watch. The 2100 was never included with a Daytona.

I also own the DSSD D-blue from the same AD. Any idea if owning that watch will give me a better shot at the 2100?

[RichM]

Originally Posted by SeattlePNWguy

I also own the DSSD D-blue from the same AD. Any idea if owning that watch will give me a better shot at the 2100?

I think not. If you bought it new, depending on the year, your watch would have had one. It was part of the tool kit. I also think Rolex discontinued them.

You should be fine with a 1.6mm hollow ground. Heat the threaded part of screw first, and it should come right out. Don't force it. Also put some painters tape on the link on both sides of the screw head, in case you slip.

Once you do it a few times, you'll be an expert at it.

I'm not sure if I'm giving you the right advice here but it you are going to remove the same link a few times a year, I wouldn't use Loctite. But you gotta keep an eye on it. On the other hand, because you keep changing the link, maybe you should. I'm not sure and I'll leave it up to the experts and what they think.

[RichM]

Here's one type of SD kit and the correct Loctite.

[strafer_kid]

Originally Posted by Rich Mickol

He got the 2100 because it was part of the DSSD package. I'm not sure when Rolex stopped including them. That's why he had to bring in the watch. The 2100 was never included with a Daytona.

Actually got the 2100 because it originally came with the earlier SD16600s not the DSSD....not sure it ever came with that one? That said, worth trying your AD. Good luck!

[RichM]

Originally Posted by strafer_kid

Actually got the 2100 because it originally came with the earlier SD16600s not the DSSD....not sure it ever came with that one? That said, worth trying your AD. Good luck!

Thanks Kenny. I stand corrected.

[orangeguy]

Originally Posted by traf

LOL what do you think


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I think she gets the Pepsi and the Hulk and you need to add to your collection!


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