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TARDIS · 10 November 2005, 04:46 PM

Can anyone explain how I remove and replace my SEL bracelet in nice easy steps?

Also, what tools do I need. Someone told me a toothpick will do the job, but there's more to that isn't there?

I think one has to incorporate a tool that looks like a jeweller's screwdriver with a notched blade. Am I right?

My Sub in the one that has holes in the lugs.

Why do I need to learn how to do this? So I can put the SEL back in the box and fit a 20mm kevlar strap for the summer months.

from Tardis

JJ Irani · 10 November 2005, 04:50 PM

If the Sub has holes at the sides of the lugs, then that makes your job all the more easier.

You will need a sharp tool (preferably like the dual-sided screwdriver provided with every SD - see pic below).

If you don't have this tool, then use anything sharp to poke the pins out. First poke one side out and gently pull the SEL link out. Then, holding the link firmly so that it doesn't snap back into place, poke the other side out and the whole thing should come free of the lugs.

Good luck and let us know how it turns out.

JJ

RogerF · 10 November 2005, 04:50 PM

easiest way is to have 2 spring bar tools and use them like chopsticks or tongs. The best way to avoid sctraches is to do it this way (this is coming from the guy that has scratched up lugs on his SD. Also tape up the lugs properly (spend more time taping then attaching the bracelet). I find that toothpicks will break and even opened up paper clips are not rigid enough. 2 push pins will work though.

good luck.

pensivedoc · 10 November 2005, 04:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RogerF

easiest way is to have 2 spring bar tools and use them like chopsticks or tongs. The best way to avoid sctraches is to do it this way (this is coming from the guy that has scratched up lugs on his SD. Also tape up the lugs properly (spend more time taping then attaching the bracelet). I find that toothpicks will break and even opened up paper clips are not rigid enough. 2 push pins will work though.

good luck.

You know you're gonna get grief for the "chopstick" reference, right?

dman · 10 November 2005, 04:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pensivedoc

You know you're gonna get grief for the "chopstick" reference, right?

Damn, you have been online for an hour just waiting for that opening.

TARDIS · 10 November 2005, 05:04 PM

Many thanks JJIrani, I will try that.
Couldn't do it before because I was trying to remove the first side completely. I didn't want to FORCE it.

Hey RogerF where do I get these chopsticks [springbar tools?] Are they the screwdriver blade tool with a groove in it????

pensivedoc · 10 November 2005, 05:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dman

Damn, you have been online for an hour just waiting for that opening.

Really I'm just trying to learn some stuff. I've been staring at my endlinks for the last day, paranoid, wondering if by some treachery some NQSEL (not quite solid end links) had been snuck in. The "chopstick" thing. This we just call "good fortune."

dman · 10 November 2005, 05:11 PM

You can start here: http://rolexforums.com/showthread.php?p=24743#post24743

Also just google springbar tool and you will find tons of places that sell them rather cheap. Best of luck. I prefer the scotch tape and push pins myself, but the paperclip is not bad either.

JJ Irani · 10 November 2005, 05:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TARDIS

Many thanks JJIrani, I will try that.
Couldn't do it before because I was trying to remove the first side completely. I didn't want to FORCE it.

Hey RogerF where do I get these chopsticks [springbar tools?] Are they the screwdriver blade tool with a groove in it????

You're welcome, Tardis....but just call me JJ....you can drop my surname!!

dman · 10 November 2005, 05:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

You're welcome, Tardis....but just call me JJ....you can drop my surname!!

That would be the nicest thing anyone has called him in a long time.

TARDIS · 10 November 2005, 05:13 PM

Well I live and learn dman.

dman · 10 November 2005, 05:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TARDIS

Well I live and learn dman.

Not a shot at you mate, just teasing the bald Kiwi that was helping you.

Another word of warning, make sure you keep an eye on the spring bars, they have been known to try to fly out of sight, they move fast sometimes too. I lost one the first time I took off a bracelet.

RogerF · 10 November 2005, 05:25 PM

Just buy 2 spring bar tools and use them like tongs or chopsticks, thats the only way IMO. I wish someone would come out with a tong-like spring bar tool for removing springbars when the lugs have no holes. The major prob is that SELs are a tight fit and the easiest way is to compress the spring bar from both sides at the same time.

JJ Irani · 10 November 2005, 05:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RogerF

Just buy 2 spring bar tools and use them like tongs or chopsticks, thats the only way IMO. I wish someone would come out with a tong-like spring bar tool for removing springbars when the lugs have no holes. The major prob is that SELs are a tight fit and the easiest way is to compress the spring bar from both sides at the same time.

Actually, Roger, I've been able to take off my bracelet even on my Rollies which DON'T have lug holes.

I use the very same screwdriver pictured above. I use the screwdriver end, hold it against the pin ridge and push inwards....then hold on tight to the link and pin....and repeat the same manouveur on the other side. Works like a dream!!

RogerF · 10 November 2005, 05:34 PM

Trust me, if you have 2 spring bar tools its much much easier (again says the guy with scratched lugs on his SD.... )

padi56 · 10 November 2005, 07:37 PM

A bit of tape on lugs will help prevent scratching

BruceS · 10 November 2005, 09:20 PM

You can use a very small screwdriver too, like one for glasses or a jewelers screwdriver (which is the end of the springbar tool that you use anyway). I don't have enough dexterity to use two like Roger suggests, but what my Rolex guy showed me was that you have to keep some back pressure on the bracelet as you work on it. You pop one side while keeping backpressure on the bracelet (which keeps the springbar from going back in) then you pop the other side. Takes a little practice, but soon you can knock it right out!

Gedanken · 10 November 2005, 10:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BruceS

I don't have enough dexterity to use two like Roger suggests

Yeah, you'd have to practice catching flies with a pair of chopsticks to prepare for this task.

JJ Irani · 11 November 2005, 03:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gedanken

Yeah, you'd have to practice catching flies with a pair of chopsticks to prepare for this task.

LMAO!! A mental picture of that is oh so funny!!!

TARDIS · 11 November 2005, 03:02 PM

My thanks for 'helpful' tips from JJ, RogerF, BruceS & Padi56 on how to release the SEL bracelet from my Submariner 16610.

I'll just leave it as it is for a while!

Rockrolex · 11 November 2005, 11:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gedanken

Yeah, you'd have to practice catching flies with a pair of chopsticks to prepare for this task.

I think I saw Mr. Miyagi do that.

12 November 2005, 02:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rockrolex

I think I saw Mr. Miyagi do that.

Wan on, wax off..........

10 November 2005, 04:46 PM	#1
TARDIS "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Real Name: Steve Location: Queensland, AUST Posts: 2,003	SEL removal from Sub 16610 Can anyone explain how I remove and replace my SEL bracelet in nice easy steps? Also, what tools do I need. Someone told me a toothpick will do the job, but there's more to that isn't there? I think one has to incorporate a tool that looks like a jeweller's screwdriver with a notched blade. Am I right? My Sub in the one that has holes in the lugs. Why do I need to learn how to do this? So I can put the SEL back in the box and fit a 20mm kevlar strap for the summer months. from Tardis

10 November 2005, 04:50 PM	#2
JJ Irani Fondly Remembered Join Date: May 2005 Real Name: JJ Location: Auckland, NZ Watch: ALL SOLD!! Posts: 74,320	If the Sub has holes at the sides of the lugs, then that makes your job all the more easier. You will need a sharp tool (preferably like the dual-sided screwdriver provided with every SD - see pic below). If you don't have this tool, then use anything sharp to poke the pins out. First poke one side out and gently pull the SEL link out. Then, holding the link firmly so that it doesn't snap back into place, poke the other side out and the whole thing should come free of the lugs. Good luck and let us know how it turns out. JJ __________________ Words fail me in expressing my utmost thanks to ALL of you for this wonderful support during my hour of need!! I firmly believe that my time on planet earth is NOT yet up!! I shall fight this to the very end.......and WIN!!

10 November 2005, 05:11 PM	#8
dman Lifetime TRF Patron Join Date: May 2005 Real Name: Daren Location: Austin Watch: the road Posts: 13,583	You can start here: http://rolexforums.com/showthread.php?p=24743#post24743 Also just google springbar tool and you will find tons of places that sell them rather cheap. Best of luck. I prefer the scotch tape and push pins myself, but the paperclip is not bad either. __________________ You either get it or you don't, if you have to ask, YOU DON'T!! I really hope that midget cop doesn't find me in Kokomo.

10 November 2005, 07:37 PM	#16
padi56 "TRF" Life Patron Join Date: Jun 2005 Real Name: Peter Location: Llanfairpwllgwyng Watch: ing you. Posts: 52,316	A bit of tape on lugs will help prevent scratching __________________ ICom Pro3 All posts are my own opinion and my opinion only. "The clock of life is wound but once, and no man has the power to tell just when the hands will stop. Now is the only time you actually own the time, Place no faith in time, for the clock may soon be still for ever." Good Judgement comes from experience,experience comes from Bad Judgement,.Buy quality, cry once; buy cheap, cry again and again. www.mc0yad.club Second in command CEO and left handed watch winder

10 November 2005, 04:50 PM	#3
RogerF "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Real Name: Duh! Location: Toronto Canada Watch: a gonna do? Posts: 2,573	easiest way is to have 2 spring bar tools and use them like chopsticks or tongs. The best way to avoid sctraches is to do it this way (this is coming from the guy that has scratched up lugs on his SD. Also tape up the lugs properly (spend more time taping then attaching the bracelet). I find that toothpicks will break and even opened up paper clips are not rigid enough. 2 push pins will work though. good luck.

10 November 2005, 05:04 PM	#6
TARDIS "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Real Name: Steve Location: Queensland, AUST Posts: 2,003	Many thanks JJIrani, I will try that. Couldn't do it before because I was trying to remove the first side completely. I didn't want to FORCE it. Hey RogerF where do I get these chopsticks [springbar tools?] Are they the screwdriver blade tool with a groove in it????

10 November 2005, 05:13 PM	#11
TARDIS "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Real Name: Steve Location: Queensland, AUST Posts: 2,003	Well I live and learn dman.

10 November 2005, 05:25 PM	#13
RogerF "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Real Name: Duh! Location: Toronto Canada Watch: a gonna do? Posts: 2,573	Just buy 2 spring bar tools and use them like tongs or chopsticks, thats the only way IMO. I wish someone would come out with a tong-like spring bar tool for removing springbars when the lugs have no holes. The major prob is that SELs are a tight fit and the easiest way is to compress the spring bar from both sides at the same time.

10 November 2005, 05:34 PM	#15
RogerF "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Real Name: Duh! Location: Toronto Canada Watch: a gonna do? Posts: 2,573	Trust me, if you have 2 spring bar tools its much much easier (again says the guy with scratched lugs on his SD.... )

10 November 2005, 09:20 PM	#17
BruceS "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Real Name: Sir Daft Location: Cornwall, UK Watch: Too many Posts: 2,464	You can use a very small screwdriver too, like one for glasses or a jewelers screwdriver (which is the end of the springbar tool that you use anyway). I don't have enough dexterity to use two like Roger suggests, but what my Rolex guy showed me was that you have to keep some back pressure on the bracelet as you work on it. You pop one side while keeping backpressure on the bracelet (which keeps the springbar from going back in) then you pop the other side. Takes a little practice, but soon you can knock it right out!

11 November 2005, 03:02 PM	#20
TARDIS "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Real Name: Steve Location: Queensland, AUST Posts: 2,003	My thanks for 'helpful' tips from JJ, RogerF, BruceS & Padi56 on how to release the SEL bracelet from my Submariner 16610. I'll just leave it as it is for a while!

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