Damaged my screw head

[Lawlex]

Hi guys,
A newbie to this hobby for a year now and probably this topic has already been discussed before and excuse me for that.

After having my first Rolex for almost half a year, for some strange and stupid reason, I decided to try and size my oyster link myself and obviously scratched my screw head with my cheap tools.

I normally don't whining about scratches and dings but it's kind sad when I caused it myself. Should have brought to AD and never let cheap tools near my Rolex.

Is there any way I can fix this or will RSC fix it when I send it for service?

Thanks for your help in advance.

[Rags]

Yes they will fix it when you send it in for service. Relax & enjoy your watch.

[chicagowatchman]

I had my screw replaced during service
$45

[padi56]

Originally Posted by chicagowatchman

I had my screw replaced during service
$45

Wow expensive you can get screws from Otto Frei around $10 for ten to fit most all current watches very good Swiss made to Rolex spec its doubtful if Rolex themselves even make there own screws. Quite a few things are still out sourced by Rolex, like mainsprings they are made by Schwab-Feller AG,movement bearing and cap jewels,crystals,spring-bars,and a firm called Aiguilles makes all the watch hands for all models.

[denmanproject]

If you have any extra links with screws you could swap it out

*after you get a good screwdriver

[fskywalker]

Originally Posted by denmanproject

If you have any extra links with screws you could swap it out

*after you get a good screwdriver

This!


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[Cryten]

That's no worse than what most ADs would do to your watch anyway.

Ask an AD to order a new screw for you if it bothers you.

[GeoGio Greece]

Originally Posted by Cryten

That's no worse than what most ADs would do to your watch anyway.

Ask an AD to order a new screw for you if it bothers you.

True

[jimcameron]

Originally Posted by Cryten

That's no worse than what most ADs would do to your watch anyway.

Just forget about it.

[Onikage]

Not bad for a first attempt. Compared to a lot of AD efforts anyway.. Who have professional training and screwdrivers. Wear it with the confidence that you did the right thing.

[Bozack90]

Originally Posted by Cryten

That's no worse than what most ADs would do to your watch anyway.

Ask an AD to order a new screw for you if it bothers you.

yup...dont think it looks that bad

[Gerardus]

Polish it.

[Seibei]

OP, why do you even care about this? Do you spend all day looking at that screw? It is not really noticeable, is it?

[Lawlex]

Originally Posted by Seibei

OP, why do you even care about this? Do you spend all day looking at that screw? It is not really noticeable, is it?

No, not visually, but can definitely feel it. I guess it's just the fact that I caused it, you know? Anyway, Enough whining, as long as it can be fixed, no big deal. Time can be better spent on other things haha. It's a tool after all. Thanks for the reply.

[RJRJRJ]

Originally Posted by Lawlex

No, not visually, but can definitely feel it. I guess it's just the fact that I caused it, you know? Anyway, Enough whining, as long as it can be fixed, no big deal. Time can be better spent on other things haha. It's a tool after all. Thanks for the reply.

The fact that you caused it should be a good thing. When the dealer causes it is when you should be upset. You'll get a new screw if you want to and all will be well.

[mountainjogger]

Originally Posted by RJRJRJ

The fact that you caused it should be a good thing. When the dealer causes it is when you should be upset. You'll get a new screw if you want to and all will be well.

[Razorbackrolex]

Ive boogered up screw heads worse on several watches. Dont let it bother you. I bought from AP service a kit with several new screws/pins for very reasonable price. I dunno if rolex sells such a kit?

[Lawlex]

Originally Posted by Razorbackrolex

Ive boogered up screw heads worse on several watches. Dont let it bother you. I bought from AP service a kit with several new screws/pins for very reasonable price. I dunno if rolex sells such a kit?

Actually I don't know but if I take a wild guess, probably not. Sure, Rolex doesn't sell you anything these days, not even watches (pun intended).

[Billfish]

The trick is to wrap desired link your working on with plastic wrap ( like Glad) allows you to still remove link screws and avoid any additional scratches or damage screw head

[faaaaaaaasterrrrr]

Originally Posted by Billfish

The trick is to wrap desired link your working on with plastic wrap ( like Glad) allows you to still remove link screws and avoid any additional scratches or damage screw head

That is brilliant!

[Andad]

Originally Posted by Billfish

The trick is to wrap desired link your working on with plastic wrap ( like Glad) allows you to still remove link screws and avoid any additional scratches or damage screw head

You can wrap the link with as much plastic as you want Scott but the wrong screwdriver tip will still damage the screw head.

I just place clear tape over the screw head and use my 1.6 precision hollow ground screwdriver.
I line the tip up with the screw head and push the tip through the tape.

I find the Rolex screwdriver too small to grip properly and a good grip with a positive action is really required to break the loktite.

Second pix was posted by another member and is not mine but shows the requirement.

The standard screwdriver tip in the second pix does not really show just how sharp the tip can be on a ‘standard’ screwdriver.
Some are much sharper and this is the cause of screw head damage.

[BillA]

Buy some good tools

[BigBoy17]

Originally Posted by BillA

Buy some good tools

X2. I see people skim by buying cheap tools for a 10k watch. Get a bergeon kit or modify a nice set of swiss watch tools.

I modified a watch screw driver by using a dremel so that it was as thick as the rolex screw slot. I never had an issue like the op again with damaged screws

[Jim Smyth]

Its actually not that bad. Like someone said you could change it out with another link or to have it cleaned up would be no big deal.

[Tools]

The screws are not in tight as there is nothing to tighten them to.

The issue is the loc-tite, which you need to heat to break it's hold. When you do that almost any tool will unscrew them easily.

You can clean and polish the screw head and link side if it is severe. The truth is that nobody can, or will, see your screw head.

[gunhose]

Don't beat your self up!! Even the most talented with best screw driver will leave a mark the the screw was touched.. Rolex at the factory polishes the screws before after they're done !!!! Thats why they look perfect untouched.

[Lawlex]

Actually ,team, since we are here. Are there any recommendations for tools?

[MasonDixon]

Originally Posted by Lawlex

Actually ,team, since we are here. Are there any recommendations for tools?

The Horofix screwdriver for Rolex screws is excellent.
https://www.esslinger.com/horofix-sc...tips-included/

[Ricky Rolex]

Maybe cape cod polishing cloth would get rid of the scratches?


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[mfm22]

AD can supply a screw $ 5-10 per good to have a couple spares.

best tool I have found = 1.7mm # 52.432 large green handle , you can change blades and sizes