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Roja · 12 May 2011, 08:47 PM

I was wondering if the Achilles' heel to the TT DJ bracelet is the pin (that's being pointed at by a safety pin) in the picture.

The rest of the bracelet seems a little loose, but certainly nothing worth worrying too much about.

The little pin, however, seems quite small and thin and flimsy-ish (those are my non-engineering descriptive adjectives).

The watch is 20 years old, just back from service and gorgeous.

Anything to be done/said to settle my worries about the pin?

Roja · 12 May 2011, 10:29 PM

Is THAT the weak spot on the bracelet? Can anybody tell me that please?
I asked yesterday at my AD, but was told that they can't tell me anything, but that they can sell me a new bracelet...

Gee, thanks!

dooder202 · 12 May 2011, 10:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roja

Is THAT the weak spot on the bracelet? Can anybody tell me that please?
I asked yesterday at my AD, but was told that they can't tell me anything, but that they can sell me a new bracelet...

Gee, thanks!

To be honest, it doesn't look like the strongest they could have possibly made it, but if it works, it works. If I were able to feel it maybe I could tell you if it was too "flimsy" but if it seems like it wont come loose, then I wouldn't worry about it.

Roja · 12 May 2011, 10:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dooder202

To be honest, it doesn't look like the strongest they could have possibly made it, but if it works, it works. If I were able to feel it maybe I could tell you if it was too "flimsy" but if it seems like it wont come loose, then I wouldn't worry about it.

Yeah, that's what I kinda thought. I did the ol' pull on it a little test. I laughed at myself doing it, because it's got to be right up there with pushing the buttons on the remote harder when the batteries are dead...

Tools · 13 May 2011, 03:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roja

Is THAT the weak spot on the bracelet? Can anybody tell me that please?
Gee, thanks!

That stainless steel pin/rod is in what's referred to as "shear load".. This is quite strong for even a small diameter rod and would necessitate a tremendous pull to "shear" the rod... the sheet metal strap that surrounds it is likely to pull and stretch to the breaking point before the rod breaks...

That solid rod is likely stronger than the spring-bars at case-lugs whose pivots (ends) are smaller in diameter....

However, you need to check it out and keep it clean to ensure that it does not get ground thinner by constant wear in the center... which appears to be the most danger here..

rmfnla · 13 May 2011, 03:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roja

Is THAT the weak spot on the bracelet? Can anybody tell me that please?
I asked yesterday at my AD, but was told that they can't tell me anything, but that they can sell me a new bracelet...

Gee, thanks!

They can sell you a new bracelet... that's absolutely criminal!

The pin is certainly strong enough when in good shape but I have seen some that were worn pretty thin.

The good news is any decent jeweler or watchmaker should be able to replace it easily and cheaply with SS pin stock.

The AD should be ashamed, but in my experience Rolex has no shame.

GerardoG · 12 May 2011, 10:31 PM

That design has been around for years, tested in millions of watches with great success.

GerardoG · 12 May 2011, 10:32 PM

Sorry, I hit the post button before finishing. I would not worry at all, and since it was recently serviced, it should be ok. Enjoy!

MonBK · 12 May 2011, 10:34 PM

Not weaker than any other part of the bracelet or the springbars.

Roja · 12 May 2011, 10:36 PM

Thank you Gentlemen. I feel much more confident about allowing my wife to wear the watch wherever she wants.

osidak · 12 May 2011, 11:00 PM

actually that is the exact pin that let go on my wifes dj - watch fell and hit the floor from about shoulder height - pooched the movement but nothing else broke - had to turn it over to my watch maker for repair

Roja · 12 May 2011, 11:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by osidak

actually that is the exact pin that let go on my wifes dj - watch fell and hit the floor from about shoulder height - pooched the movement but nothing else broke - had to turn it over to my watch maker for repair

Right, so how do I get that replaced? I contacted Michael in Hong Kong (he's the guy that tightens bracelets), but he said that they keep the original pins in the bracelet.

Does anyone know where I could get that one pin replaced?

mlotus95 · 12 May 2011, 11:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by osidak

actually that is the exact pin that let go on my wifes dj - watch fell and hit the floor from about shoulder height - pooched the movement but nothing else broke - had to turn it over to my watch maker for repair

i had the same pin slide out on my watch as well. never felt secure about it again so i traded it.

Indyzed · 12 May 2011, 11:19 PM

My Wife's Date has this exact jubilee bracelet and hers is quite flimsy with a decent amount of stretch but she says the comfort of that bracelet is the best of any watch she's ever had. She only wishes her clasp has a flip-lock like the Submariner. She's scared to death of her clasp catching on something and her Rolex goes flying

Roja · 12 May 2011, 11:18 PM

I'm sorry to hear that! There must be another option than to trade it.

Anyone?

Roja · 12 May 2011, 11:31 PM

Exact same case with my wife. She thinks the bracelet is super comfortable, and by what I understand, the rest of the bracelet won't 'just' fall apart. It'll give signs way before.

I have confidence that someone will have a solution. We can't be the only 4 people with this issue!

Roja · 13 May 2011, 01:58 AM

Is that someone on TRF?

subtona · 13 May 2011, 04:35 AM

i agree a 20 year old pin should concern you, the wear and tear is largely hidden due to its construction. When new i am sure it is as strong if not stronger than the rest of points on the bracelet, however 20 years is a long time for a thin pin. i have just replaced my submariner bracelet for the same exact reason (I went with SS instead of TT to save a bunch of $$$, its not stock but i wasn't going to pay $3000 for a bracelet on a watch that only cost $4750 new)
i am doubtful if it can be replaced and be as strong as the original.
and
although a previous post claims it may be stronger than a spring bar, i replace my spring bars every few years (my AD does this for free)

rmfnla · 14 May 2011, 03:12 AM

"i am doubtful if it can be replaced and be as strong as the original."

It can; easily.

subtona · 18 May 2011, 05:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rmfnla

"i am doubtful if it can be replaced and be as strong as the original."

It can; easily.

no, it cant?

rmfnla · 20 May 2011, 04:46 AM

Care to elaborate..?

TSts · 14 May 2011, 03:29 AM

In shear, bending and in bearing loads, that pin is more than ok. I'd be more concerned with what is wrapped around it unraveling. That pin will be harder than the rest of the bracelet. The softer materials of the bracelet will develop clearance around the pins in time, thus 'bracelet stretch'. 20 years is nothing for that pin. I have pins in my products going on 50 years. Yes, I'm an engineer and I use pins in my products.

2th Dr · 20 May 2011, 05:03 AM

I'm thinking if it was recently serviced by Rolex, they would have recommended replacing it if they felt the need to, no? Otherwise, I would think you're good to go!

12 May 2011, 08:47 PM	#1
Roja "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Real Name: Pierre Location: Spain/Canada Watch: and learn... Posts: 533	Pic so that it may never happen... I was wondering if the Achilles' heel to the TT DJ bracelet is the pin (that's being pointed at by a safety pin) in the picture. The rest of the bracelet seems a little loose, but certainly nothing worth worrying too much about. The little pin, however, seems quite small and thin and flimsy-ish (those are my non-engineering descriptive adjectives). The watch is 20 years old, just back from service and gorgeous. Anything to be done/said to settle my worries about the pin? Attached Images

13 May 2011, 04:35 AM	#18
subtona "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Real Name: gus Location: East Coast Watch: APK & sometimes Y Posts: 26,599	i agree a 20 year old pin should concern you, the wear and tear is largely hidden due to its construction. When new i am sure it is as strong if not stronger than the rest of points on the bracelet, however 20 years is a long time for a thin pin. i have just replaced my submariner bracelet for the same exact reason (I went with SS instead of TT to save a bunch of $$$, its not stock but i wasn't going to pay $3000 for a bracelet on a watch that only cost $4750 new) i am doubtful if it can be replaced and be as strong as the original. and although a previous post claims it may be stronger than a spring bar, i replace my spring bars every few years (my AD does this for free) __________________

14 May 2011, 03:12 AM	#19
rmfnla "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Real Name: Richard Location: Los Angeles, CA Watch: TT DJ Posts: 4,456	"i am doubtful if it can be replaced and be as strong as the original." It can; easily. __________________ Today, I believe my jurisdiction ends here... Lug Hole Lover®

20 May 2011, 04:46 AM	#21
rmfnla "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Real Name: Richard Location: Los Angeles, CA Watch: TT DJ Posts: 4,456	Care to elaborate..? __________________ Today, I believe my jurisdiction ends here... Lug Hole Lover®

14 May 2011, 03:29 AM	#22
TSts "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: So-Cal USA Posts: 1,067	In shear, bending and in bearing loads, that pin is more than ok. I'd be more concerned with what is wrapped around it unraveling. That pin will be harder than the rest of the bracelet. The softer materials of the bracelet will develop clearance around the pins in time, thus 'bracelet stretch'. 20 years is nothing for that pin. I have pins in my products going on 50 years. Yes, I'm an engineer and I use pins in my products. __________________ 116710LN 116300blro

12 May 2011, 10:29 PM	#2
Roja "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Real Name: Pierre Location: Spain/Canada Watch: and learn... Posts: 533	Is THAT the weak spot on the bracelet? Can anybody tell me that please? I asked yesterday at my AD, but was told that they can't tell me anything, but that they can sell me a new bracelet... Gee, thanks!

12 May 2011, 10:31 PM	#7
GerardoG Banned Join Date: Oct 2005 Real Name: Gerardo Location: Here Watch: ALL of them Posts: 32,098	That design has been around for years, tested in millions of watches with great success.

12 May 2011, 10:32 PM	#8
GerardoG Banned Join Date: Oct 2005 Real Name: Gerardo Location: Here Watch: ALL of them Posts: 32,098	Sorry, I hit the post button before finishing. I would not worry at all, and since it was recently serviced, it should be ok. Enjoy!

12 May 2011, 10:34 PM	#9
MonBK Banned Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Kingstown Posts: 58,279	Not weaker than any other part of the bracelet or the springbars.

12 May 2011, 10:36 PM	#10
Roja "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Real Name: Pierre Location: Spain/Canada Watch: and learn... Posts: 533	Thank you Gentlemen. I feel much more confident about allowing my wife to wear the watch wherever she wants.

12 May 2011, 11:00 PM	#11
osidak Banned Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: US of A Posts: 26	actually that is the exact pin that let go on my wifes dj - watch fell and hit the floor from about shoulder height - pooched the movement but nothing else broke - had to turn it over to my watch maker for repair

12 May 2011, 11:19 PM	#14
Indyzed "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: United States Posts: 37	My Wife's Date has this exact jubilee bracelet and hers is quite flimsy with a decent amount of stretch but she says the comfort of that bracelet is the best of any watch she's ever had. She only wishes her clasp has a flip-lock like the Submariner. She's scared to death of her clasp catching on something and her Rolex goes flying

12 May 2011, 11:18 PM	#15
Roja "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Real Name: Pierre Location: Spain/Canada Watch: and learn... Posts: 533	I'm sorry to hear that! There must be another option than to trade it. Anyone?

12 May 2011, 11:31 PM	#16
Roja "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Real Name: Pierre Location: Spain/Canada Watch: and learn... Posts: 533	Exact same case with my wife. She thinks the bracelet is super comfortable, and by what I understand, the rest of the bracelet won't 'just' fall apart. It'll give signs way before. I have confidence that someone will have a solution. We can't be the only 4 people with this issue!

13 May 2011, 01:58 AM	#17
Roja "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Real Name: Pierre Location: Spain/Canada Watch: and learn... Posts: 533	Is that someone on TRF?

20 May 2011, 05:03 AM	#23
2th Dr Banned Join Date: Jan 2009 Real Name: Mark-O! Location: Arlington, TX Watch: Rolex Posts: 12,714	I'm thinking if it was recently serviced by Rolex, they would have recommended replacing it if they felt the need to, no? Otherwise, I would think you're good to go!

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