The Rolex Forums   The Rolex Watch

ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX


Go Back   Rolex Forums - Rolex Watch Forum > Rolex & Tudor Watch Topics > Rolex General Discussion

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 22 July 2021, 04:09 AM   #1
Envyx
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2021
Location: Singapore
Posts: 7
[Help] Gap in between end link and watch head

Hi guys, noticed this annoying gap on my ref 16523. Forgot the bracelet ref number but watch is circa 1998. Only the top part in between the end link and watch head has this obvious, what do you guys think? In correct spring bar or loosen end link? (I suppose it’s solid end link since it’s made in 1998), can anyone let me know what’s the correct spring bar diameter? 1.8mm or 2mm? And also are the end link on two tone models steel or gold? Thanks.
Envyx is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 22 July 2021, 04:18 AM   #2
JP.
"TRF" Member
 
JP.'s Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Real Name: Juho
Location: Finland
Watch: Submariner 16610
Posts: 1,903
Can you post a picture?

There shouldn't be any huge caps if the bracelet is original.
__________________
My Luxury Watch Reviews Blog
JP. is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 22 July 2021, 04:21 AM   #3
Envyx
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2021
Location: Singapore
Posts: 7
Pic sent. Can anyone confirm if the daytona 16523 accepts 1.8mm or 2mm diameter (thickness) ?
Envyx is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 22 July 2021, 04:28 AM   #4
Envyx
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2021
Location: Singapore
Posts: 7
//imgur/a/diOP6RL

Can’t post the image because my post count is less than 10, to view the image please add .com behind imgur and also add https: on the front of the link. Can some senior member help me to post the image here instead. Thanks!
Envyx is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 22 July 2021, 06:50 AM   #5
Tools
TRF Moderator & 2024 Patron
 
Tools's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2007
Real Name: Larry
Location: Mojave Desert
Watch: GMT's
Posts: 42,991
Anybody can post an image using the paper clip attachment icon, and meeting the size requirements of the file.

You cannot post links until you meet the time and post minimums.
__________________
(Chill ... It's just a watch Forum.....)
NAWCC Member
Tools is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 22 July 2021, 06:55 AM   #6
Tools
TRF Moderator & 2024 Patron
 
Tools's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2007
Real Name: Larry
Location: Mojave Desert
Watch: GMT's
Posts: 42,991
You definitely need to use the correct spring bars. 2.0 bars will not fit into the tubes of a 1.8 bracelet, but the other way around is very sloppy.

The stamped end links can be slightly bent to push the top contour back against the case. Gently bend each "batwing" on the backside gently towards the case.

Batwings after slightly bending and before reinstalling.

batwings.jpg
__________________
(Chill ... It's just a watch Forum.....)
NAWCC Member
Tools is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 22 July 2021, 07:17 AM   #7
JP.
"TRF" Member
 
JP.'s Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Real Name: Juho
Location: Finland
Watch: Submariner 16610
Posts: 1,903
Envyx sent me the picture of his Daytona in PM.

Looks like a wrong/twisted springbar to me.

__________________
My Luxury Watch Reviews Blog
JP. is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 24 July 2021, 12:58 AM   #8
Envyx
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2021
Location: Singapore
Posts: 7
Hi can anyone confirm if the ref 16523 uses the 1.8mm or 2mm diameter (thickness) spring bar?
Envyx is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 24 July 2021, 01:17 AM   #9
Tools
TRF Moderator & 2024 Patron
 
Tools's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2007
Real Name: Larry
Location: Mojave Desert
Watch: GMT's
Posts: 42,991
Quote:
Originally Posted by Envyx View Post
Hi can anyone confirm if the ref 16523 uses the 1.8mm or 2mm diameter (thickness) spring bar?
Take it out and look at it.

Older spring bars can wear to half their thickness before failing, so is the one you have sound? Is the tube in the end link worn?

Early Daytonas used the 1.8mm spring bars
__________________
(Chill ... It's just a watch Forum.....)
NAWCC Member
Tools is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 24 July 2021, 01:39 AM   #10
Envyx
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2021
Location: Singapore
Posts: 7
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tools View Post
Take it out and look at it.

Older spring bars can wear to half their thickness before failing, so is the one you have sound? Is the tube in the end link worn?

Early Daytonas used the 1.8mm spring bars
Thanks for the reply, sadly I don't have any tools to measure the diameter. But I will check if the hole on the end link if its worn out..
Envyx is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 27 July 2021, 02:39 AM   #11
Envyx
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2021
Location: Singapore
Posts: 7
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tools View Post
Take it out and look at it.

Older spring bars can wear to half their thickness before failing, so is the one you have sound? Is the tube in the end link worn?

Early Daytonas used the 1.8mm spring bars
Hi I installed a pair of 1.8mm spring bars on my daytona, but there are still very slight gap, should I used 2mm diameter instead? or is that normal on ref 16523 daytona? Or should i try bending the stamped end link? thanks!
Envyx is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 27 July 2021, 03:17 AM   #12
Tools
TRF Moderator & 2024 Patron
 
Tools's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2007
Real Name: Larry
Location: Mojave Desert
Watch: GMT's
Posts: 42,991
Quote:
Originally Posted by Envyx View Post
Hi I installed a pair of 1.8mm spring bars on my daytona, but there are still very slight gap, should I used 2mm diameter instead? or is that normal on ref 16523 daytona? Or should i try bending the stamped end link? thanks!
Typically, you cannot fit 2mm bars through the tubes in 1.8mm end links. If they do fit, use them. You do not want a loose connection there as it will just continue to wear. Some well-worn endlink tubes are fitted with sleeves. The pivots that fit into the case lugs need to be properly sized too, or they will eat away the hole and that is a difficult fix.

It is not unusual for stamped end links to need to be re-bent to fit properly.
__________________
(Chill ... It's just a watch Forum.....)
NAWCC Member
Tools is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump

Takuya Watches

Bobs Watches

My Watch LLC

OCWatches

DavidSW Watches

Coronet


*Banners Of The Month*
This space is provided to horological resources.





Copyright ©2004-2024, The Rolex Forums. All Rights Reserved.

ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX

Rolex is a registered trademark of ROLEX USA. The Rolex Forums is not affiliated with ROLEX USA in any way.