How to remove non-removable link from Rolex Oyster bracelet

[Nick Hacko]

Couple of guys here have asked how to remove non-removable
link from Oyster bracelet. Not very delicate job -
as pleasant as tooth extraction!

Solid (new style) oyster link consist of
4 pieces: two solis sides, 3 knurled pins, pin sleeves and centre piece.
The link is machine made, pressed together and held by
"plastic deformation" of knurled pins.
This manufacturing process is irreversible so there is no
easy or gentle way of pulling the link apart (if you wish to do it yourself).



I use high speed diamond blade to cut into solid side approx 6/7th of the length.
The rest is cut by handsaw to avoid eventual damage to 'neighbouring link.
Hold B side of link very firm and twist and pull out short bit of side link marked A.
Then pull out B piece. This one is held by two pins so you need to apply more
brute force. That's it. All done in less than 2 minutes.



As you can see, the steel oyster link is completely machine made and it is of
very simple construction. Knowing that Rolex manufacture hundreds of thousands
of steel oyster bracelets per year, "guesstimated" manufacturing cost is
A$ 5-10 per bracelet. Australian retail price of bracelet is A$1,000+
and since there is no middle man, entire profit goes to Rolex.

Slightly overpriced, uh-huh?

[colemanitis]

Another AWESOME post! Thank you!

[C.J.]

Nick, I almost want to send my watch to Australia so you can remove one for me and make this clasp sit in the middle of my wrist.

[Alcan]

Great post and pix, Nick.

Are you sure those bracelets aren't made from Unobtainium?

[Nick Hacko]

.

[Lol-x]

Originally Posted by Nick Hacko

Purchasing a Rolex from overseas by mail is also a trademark violation. http://www.customs.gov/

So how would one go sending a Rolex by mail out of the USA to have it serviced and then having it sent back into the USA after service, sounds like it could be problematic?

[Nick Hacko]

/

[leopardprey]

Well, stating on customs form you have 4 Watches in the package and upon inspection there are 15 Rolex watches found, of course would get you into serious trouble.

You will not have any problem with US Customs if you have 1-3 Rolex watches with you that you own, especially if they are used and not in the original sales packaging. Customs hardly checks to see what watches a person has, and if they did question why you have 3 watches you state you had them before you left Amercia and have several for different occassion. I know many who regularly travel in and out of the USA with several watches.

"The Hour Glass" in Kuala Lumbar (A Rolex AD) has a special cutting machine for taking off fixed links. The can take one off for you in a couple of minutes as well. Had one of my links on the 6 oclock side of the SD removed. Gave my options for fit adjustment.

Thanks Nick for the photos and post!

[Nick Hacko]

.

[leopardprey]

Re. link machine: in Singapore and Honkg Kong even school kids wear Rolex
so AD probably have full-time link remover on premises :-)

So true! The AD told me they remove links on Rolex very often, as wrist sizes in Asia on average are smaller so constant need to adjust the Bracelets. I do not understand why Rolex does not understand this, since Asia is one of their biggest markets, and just make a the bracelets with a couple additional links that are screw pin connected.

As for customs, I have found, that if you are a US Citizen and dressed nicely you usually do not get checked over by US Customs. IF you are dressed like a hippy, acting weird, or are a foreigner they check more carefully. I used to get checked and had my bags dumped all the time when I was doing the Backpack thing - only travelling with a backpack and had a full beard. Guess I looked like a druggie! LOL I guess if the watch is one your wrist it is not hand carried, but worn!

[padi56]

Originally Posted by Nick Hacko

Craig - mark my words: in few years time Rolex will make it
ILLEGAL and punishable by jail penalty to have their watches
even photographed by independent guys. Such is power of monopoly.

Alternatively: put on some weight - problem solved!

I really feel sorry for Rolex owners in US ( talking about democratic and Constitutional rights of US citizen!) According to the U.S. Customs Service, as of January 2003: The Rolex trademark recordation with Customs indicates "Import of Goods Bearing Genuine Trademarks or Trade Names Restricted." This means that genuine Rolex products can only be imported with the permission of the trademark owner, Rolex Watch U.S.A. Inc. A private individual can hand carry one Rolex watch from a trip overseas without obtaining permission. Bring in more than one, and they will be seized as a trademark violation. Purchasing a Rolex from overseas by mail is also a trademark violation. http://www.customs.gov/

Excellent post Nick and must agree with you that Rolex US does have a very tight grip on the US guys family jewels.
And like you say bracelet is overpriced,but lets be honest all high end watches are overpriced.The fact that there is no great difference proportionality between price and quality, with many S.steel watches today. The value of a commodity like a watch truly is only today in the price the market will bare.

[JJ Irani]

Great post, Nick!! Thanks!!

[Andad]

Come on Nick, be serious.

[AdamB]

You think the bracelet is overpriced, in the UK a Daytona CLASP is £470, nearly $1000 USD!

[oldman2005]

Good to know, Thx!

[abozz]

I disagree that an Osyter costs less than a hamburger ($ 5), I think we all like to think that what others do is expensive and what we do should sell well. As it will cost 5 dollars an oyster bracelet, staff, buildings, materials, quality control, maintenance of machinery, investigations, no, that estimate is impossible