Yikes! Screw on oyster bracelet working itself out

[digitalcrocodile]

Well, I got a bit of a surprise today when I removed my 116710 from the winder and found that the clasp wouldn't open. On further inspection, I noticed that one of the screws had backed out enough to prevent the clasp from opening. If it had been any other of the bracelet screws I doubt I would have noticed...that is until the links separated and the watch fell into the ocean, canyon, lake or wherever I happened to be at the time. From now on I will do a periodic inspection. Has anyone else had this problem?

[Pepperjack]

Originally Posted by digitalcrocodile

Has anyone else had this problem?

That screw is a fairly common failure point.

[fozzyf18]

Yes, I had the very exact thing happen to me with my 16618. A screw completely backed out and the bracelet completely separated. The watch took a 6 foot tumble as a result. Thankfully the watch landed on carpeting and I was able to retrieve all the pieces without dramas.

Rolex applies a thread sealant/locker to the male threads of the bracelet screws for a reason. Every watch that I have that has the Loctite-like fluid applied to the bracelet screws ensures that everything remains firmly in place. Without the Loctite, you rely solely on a friction fit that requires precise torque applied to the screw to ensure that the screw does not back out. Consider the thread locker to be a cheap insurance policy.