Adding a link to a 16613 Submariner

[Jmkokopeli]

Hello everyone,

I have a 16613 TT Submariner "D" (2006) that is just a tad tight and I am wondering about adding a link to it.

First question... is this something easy to do myself? I see screws instead of pins.

Second question... where is the best place to buy a link? I see some used ones on ebay which would be fine "I think" as long as I buy it from a reputable seller with high ratings?

Thoughts?

Thank you in advance for your time and replies!

[Jmkokopeli]

Follow up... I just did a search in the for sale section here and found a link for sale from a fine TRF member and am in the process of purchasing it.

I would still like any thoughts on replacing this myself.

Thank you!

[Rikki]

The screws are locktighted so heat the band where you intend to remove a link with a hairdryer on hot for about 20 seconds it will help get the screws out easier Use a 1.6 mm screwdriver hold tight use good pressure and try not to slip and put the screwdriver through your finger. Good luck Rikki

[Jmkokopeli]

Thanks for tips!

[Genway]

It is mis-concept about the Loctite to the Rolex link.
Rolex did ask AD to apply Loctite to newly adjusted bracelet when watch is sold, but all new watch does not have any loctite in it.
All new watch when you removed the link, you will only see the white powder in between the screw and thread, whick is the polish powder!
Use 1.6 mm screwdriver is correct, but you need to modified the tip so its width (thickness of blade) is no less than 0.4 mm, look at this picture! the screw on link are broad slotted, the regular watchmaker's screwdriver with thin blade of 0.2mm can not be use here, if you force it the blade will most likely chipped, and the screwhead will scratched.
Experince watchmaker has developed the finger strength to break that inertia and restore it without the need of any chemical, but unfortunately most AD only have sales person to adjust the links, so the Loctite is the solution for Rolex AD as required by RSC.
Few instances like customer drop the watch in few days after purchase; resulted this solution.

[Genway]

Oops, here is the Rolex link screw head.

[Jmkokopeli]

Thanks for all of your assistance! The link was changed successfully!

[handsfull]

Originally Posted by Genway

Experince watchmaker has developed the finger strength to break that inertia and restore it without the need of any chemical, but unfortunately most AD only have sales person to adjust the links, so the Loctite is the solution for Rolex AD as required by RSC.

Rolex recommends ALL link screws be secured with loctite. This includes AD's, watchmaker's, sales-people, and owners. The 'polishing powder' (which I find hard to believe it isn't Rolex's own formulation of loctite type compound) contained enough grit/adhesion to act like a thread sealing agent, but once the link screw has been removed....loctite is a must. I would advise that all link screws be removed when new and loctite be applied, I've witnessed more than a couple of link screws backing out on >6 month old bracelets.

[Z-Sub]

It's not polishing powder....