How hard to change bracelets on submariner and datejust ii?

[Rolex1983]

And what are risks if you do wrong

[Rolex1983]

Just curious how hard it is to remove and add bracelets to Rolex watches, if you can do one are they all basically the same?

I'm asking as I'd like to change my sub to rubber once in a while but more importantly so I can clean my bracelets with an ultra sonic cleaner. I usually wash my watches weekly and figure an ultra sonic cleaning once a month would be good? I read it cleans a lot more then a toothbrush soap and water and keeping the bracelet clean prevents stretch.

[EEpro]

Originally Posted by Rolex1983

And what are risks if you do wrong

There's some technique. Lug damage.

[77T]

Without the correct tools, experience with the tools and careful skill, it can be very difficult.

The risks are gouges, scratches and cuts into the watch lugs and/or bracelet endlinks.


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[RJRJRJ]

Bergeon 7825 is probably fine if you're referring to modern references, but we've got decades of Rolex watches to sort through if you want to get into detail. Ultrasonic is perfectly fine for the bracelet, but do not put the watch head in there.

[tkc324]

Its really simple but requires some practice so that you don't scratch up the lugs too bad. Some people put some tape on the lugs to prevent the scratches. I don't really care since these are inside or underside of the watch, no one but me sees them. I use to use a ultra sonic cleaner but now a days too lazy, so just wash the watch with warm water and handsoap.

[abozz]

I use the Bergeon 7825 and tape the lugs. Even so is difficult to me. Is not easy, but I do sometimes.


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[REFZ]

Don't get me wrong I don't want to be rude but if you have to ask this question it's not a job you should do yourself and don't complain about scratches if it goes wrong.

At least practise on an older watch to get a feeling for it and use adequate tools.

[Mystro]

Dont learn on a Rolex. Learn on beater watches first. Bracelet changes are pretty standard regardless what brand of watch. You can absolutely butcher up the lugs if you don't know what you are doing.

[Duey]

Originally Posted by REFZ

Don't get me wrong I don't want to be rude but if you have to ask this question it's not a job you

Totally agree here. If you have to ask about something so simple then don't do it.

[BillA]

All above is good advice. I just returned from Jamaica, before I left I use the Bergeron tool mentioned above with no problem to remove the bracelet and putting a rubber strap was not too bad at all. Different story when I came home to reverse the process. I proceeded to put the bracelet on the wrong way, I know pretty dumb. I ended up getting frustrated and then took it to a local AD who did it for me in a snap. There is a skill and touch to it.

[Chadridv]

even with the right tools it takes a little while to get used to the technique. If you have a good screwdriver (again get the right tool), i'd suggest removing the clasp so you can flat lay both sides of the bracelet and clear out the clasp and rest of the bracelet from getting in your way while removing the end links.

[Rolex1983]

I guess it's best to take to an AD for a ultrasonic cleaning and I suppose it's best I don't get a rubber strap as changing it would likely be a hassle and maybe the rubber strap won't be as secure and I lose my watch as a result, so why risk it!

[envuks]

Originally Posted by BillA

All above is good advice. I just returned from Jamaica, before I left I use the Bergeron tool mentioned above with no problem to remove the bracelet and putting a rubber strap was not too bad at all. Different story when I came home to reverse the process. I proceeded to put the bracelet on the wrong way, I know pretty dumb. I ended up getting frustrated and then took it to a local AD who did it for me in a snap. There is a skill and touch to it.

I’ve always found it exponentially easier to remove a bracelet than to put it back on

[joli160]

With the 7825 or Rolex 3200 tweezers it's easy enough.

Remove and fit from the back of the watch.

Move the watch head towards/ off the bracelet and not the bracelet to the watch.

For fitting I use the blue one below which helps to avoid damage.

My eyesight is not optimal so I need a 3x loupe to make sure I fit the tweezers correct.

I get some scratches on the backside of the lugs which I remove with a glass fibre pen in 5 seconds. These don't bother me

[Bigboss473]

I feel like the older models at least the Datejust is pretty simple but the newer model DJ I tried it once to clean the bracelet in an ultrasonic cleaner and long story short even with tape on lugs it still got messy

[azs.77]

It’s definitely a skill. I know I have had to practice changing bracelets on several watches several times before I could work on my ‘nicer’ watches without scratching them up..too much.


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[BillA]

Originally Posted by envuks

I’ve always found it exponentially easier to remove a bracelet than to put it back on

Agree

As a tip to the OP or anyone doing it, after you compress the spring bar and remove the bracelet you have to be careful that the spring bar does not go flying across the room. This has happened to me a few times, and I get down on the floor and look for it, so far I have been lucky, but one of them took a while.

Suggestion, do the taking off or putting on of the bracelet/strap inside a large shoe box or some container. This way when the spring bar goes flying, you have it contained in the box.

[Rolex1983]

Originally Posted by BillA

Agree

As a tip to the OP or anyone doing it, after you compress the spring bar and remove the bracelet you have to be careful that the spring bar does not go flying across the room. This has happened to me a few times, and I get down on the floor and look for it, so far I have been lucky, but one of them took a while.

Suggestion, do the taking off or putting on of the bracelet/strap inside a large shoe box or some container. This way when the spring bar goes flying, you have it contained in the box.

Ya I'm not changing straps and will take for ultra sonic cleaning at jeweller once a year

[mykii]

Originally Posted by Rolex1983

Ya I'm not changing straps and will take for ultra sonic cleaning at jeweller once a year

If you don't want scratches, then I think you're spot on