Removing a link: go to AD or use local reputable jeweler?

[bobznew]

So the question is, which link is the proper one to remove? FWIW it will likely be a link from the 12 o'clock side. Should it be the full-size link that is closest to the guideock clasp?


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[gummy]

DIY job for sure...

Think of it as personal time to get to know your new watch!

[ec51]

None of the above...DIY...also pertains to a permanent link:

http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=187493

[ec51]

Plenty of resources out there:

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

[Curt941]

Originally Posted by bobznew

So the question is, which link is the proper one to remove? FWIW it will likely be a link from the 12 o'clock side. Should it be the full-size link that is closest to the guideock clasp?


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I like the clasp to be as centered as possible, so I hold the watch head flat with the bracelet hanging down and try and see which side is longer, then remove that one. If they're both the same length now, then I would put the watch on and try and figure out which side being shorter will make the watch sit the most comfortably.

[kmleffler]

DIY very easy to do. Just make sure that you have the right blade on the screwdriver.

[tkerrmd]

Originally Posted by bobznew

Is it advisable to only let an authorized Rolex dealer do this, or would you trust your local, well-known and reputed jeweler?

depends on if you have ever done it and what the watch is made out of

if I had never done it I wouldn't. if SS local guy ok. if gold or platinum the AD

why, I tell you why, I have had the AD jeweler do it and scratch my new YG watch. know what happens at an AD when this happens, you get a new watch! So unless you have that kind of back up anything easy to scratch I have the AD do it.

of course if used, probably local guy would be fine, then if damaged they will buff it out, no new watches there!

I would do if myself if done it before or don't care if you damage it a little

[JP Chestnut]

Originally Posted by gwozhog

Dont worry an authorized dealer is perfectly capable of screwing up the simple task too. Most people could carless if they marr up your screws and bracelett when sizing your watch.

This is sadly true. A local jeweler may be wonderful and an AD may be terrible. It's a case by case thing.

[ecsub44]

I'd be brave and do it myself.

Remember: Righty, tighty. Lefty, loosey.

[Dr. Robert]

I have a mechanical engineer from Cal Tech do it for me.

[Brenngun]

Nearest hardware store for a screwdriver, back home, remove yourself and bada bing, bada boom...your done.

[Dalton]

Hi. I do this all day for folks. Get a bergeon screwdriver or similar(gray) and use that only. Eyewear screwdrivers are too soft and can bend or chip and thats how you mangle perfectly made screw heads.There's also a slot tip for the screwdriver which fits perfectly into the slot of the screw head. The trick is to use firm pressure and turn left just a bit. Once it does a 1/4 turn, screw it back in and out, to create a little friction, this heats up the locktite. The screw should come out like butter. You will have to unscrew 2 screws to remove one link. Remember to remove a link from the 6o'clock side, you want the watch to be facing you, instead of away from you. This happens when too many links are removed from the 12 o'clock side. Good luck and please be careful if you're not used to using tools, scratching the bracelet sucks but puncturing your skin is not the way to go either. Cheers

[jujin]

Is it a permenant link? If it isn't than it's practically made to be a diy IMO.

[tomchicago]

What's the proper screwdriver to use for this? I recall a prior post which illuminated the difference between "equivalent" screwdrivers. Something with the actual shaping of the screwdriver tip with cheap vs higher quality screwdrivers.

[ec51]

Originally Posted by tomchicago

What's the proper screwdriver to use for this? I recall a prior post which illuminated the difference between "equivalent" screwdrivers. Something with the actual shaping of the screwdriver tip with cheap vs higher quality screwdrivers.

You want a straight-blade screwdriver -- NOT the normal tapered style.

See link above.

[Prybar]

DIY ... I removed my bracelet (which involves removing the screw to the clasp for ease of removal) within minutes of receiving my Rolex. Easy, peasey.

[E70x5]

Originally Posted by Casey VP-26

Before you let anyone change a link, Inform them that you are having this done by them because you are afraid if you did it yourself you might scratch the band and you don't want this to happen. Good Luck.

+1 Very good advice.

[jmeds75]

Diy!

[submariner66]

I would let the AD do it. Don't screw around with it, literally.

[BNA/LION]

Let local jeweler remove the link

[The Libertine]

Originally Posted by submariner66

I would let the AD do it. Don't screw around with it, literally.

but.... it is so easy to do oneself without the need for third-party intervention.

[Starbucksboss]

DIY...Hardly rocket science...even I can do it.

[Fleetlord]

This "poll" is kind of hard to believe....