Collar & pin system - I can't put my bracelet back together

[JasH]

I have a titanium Snowflake with the collar and pin bracelet links.

As we have gone into yet another lockdown, I felt it would be too long before I could get to a jeweller, so I tried moving a link from one side of the bracelet to the other myself.

I bought a watch repair toolkit, so I could safely remove the pins. I also watched 2 youtube videos on Seiko's (tube) collar and pin system.

However it all went wrong unfortunately, as I have been unable to put the bracelet back together again Unlike in the videos where they slip in easily, the collars just won't insert back into the links again.

What am I missing please? Is there a technique to inserting the collars that I am unaware of?

[bondtoys]

You are using the wrong side of the bracelet link to insert the collar.
And the collar must be inserted from the inside of the outside link.
One side is a bit wider to accommodate the collars.

[JasH]

Originally Posted by bondtoys

You are using the wrong side of the bracelet link to insert the collar.
And the collar must be inserted from the inside of the outside link.
One side is a bit wider to accommodate the collars.

Thank you for the tip. I will try that tomorrow in daylight

[Tools]

Originally Posted by JasH

. . .
What am I missing please? Is there a technique to inserting the collars that I am unaware of?

Without knowing what you are doing, it's hard to say.

The collars usually just fall out after the pin is pushed out of them, so they would/should insert easily. The only thing that holds them in place is when the pin is inserted from the other side.

As mentioned, they go in the larger hole side, then you need to hold them in place until you insert the pin, which will push them a bit. You should then be able to use the right size mandrel to push both the collar and pin together.

I suppose that if you are sure that they are both in the correct holes, you could use a vise to seat them together initially, but they are not usually that tight.

[Alexwwjd]

I did it myself with my Seiko Monster. In that watch's bracelet, the collar can go from the inner or the outer side. It is possible, just make sure you keep it in place until the pin gets in there and expands the collar. The puncher holding the collar from coming out of the bracelet should be big enough that doesn't get the collar inserted in itself. I don't know if I made myself clear, I know it's not easy the first time. Good luck!

[dchang81]

Can you take a photo and show what’s going on? The snowflake is pretty straightforward, only thing is if it’s slightly crooked

[JasH]

Originally Posted by bondtoys

You are using the wrong side of the bracelet link to insert the collar.
And the collar must be inserted from the inside of the outside link.
One side is a bit wider to accommodate the collars.

Thanks all

This was indeed the problem.

I was inserting the collar into the outer link. As soon as I tried it with the inner link, it slipped in easily. Putting the bracelet back together was easy after that.

My watch is back together, with zero damage or marks etc. And it sits better on my wrist now that I've moved the errant link.

Thanks

This guide from another forum is excellent, and may help others who make this error.

https://www.watchprosite.com/seiko/h...61956.9142976/

[1William]

Good information. Thanks.

[cj3209]

Had to adjust a link with my SnowFlake and the process went relatively smoothly.

BUT, I do wish Seiko would use the typical screw model instead of the collar and pin - it's a PITA, IMHO.

[JasH]

Originally Posted by cj3209

BUT, I do wish Seiko would use the typical screw model instead of the collar and pin - it's a PITA, IMHO.

The reason they don't use screws on Titanium bracelets is because a Titanium screw would fuse to the links over time.

GS use screws on their steel bracelets.

[cj3209]

Originally Posted by JasH

The reason they don't use screws on Titanium bracelets is because a Titanium screw would fuse to the links over time.

GS use screws on their steel bracelets.

Then how does Omega do it? I had an Omega 300 Titanium and they used screws. Maybe they used steel screws?

[JasH]

Originally Posted by cj3209

Then how does Omega do it? I had an Omega 300 Titanium and they used screws. Maybe they used steel screws?

Very likely that they use steel screws.

Titanium is fine with another metal e.g. Titanium bolts are used by McLaren as standard fit on wheels on LT models.

[toxicavenger]

Originally Posted by cj3209

Had to adjust a link with my SnowFlake and the process went relatively smoothly.

BUT, I do wish Seiko would use the typical screw model instead of the collar and pin - it's a PITA, IMHO.

It is a PITA. But when installed correctly they will not fail. Unlike others.