Pic so that it may never happen...

[Roja]

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]

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!

[GerardoG]

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

[GerardoG]

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]

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

[Roja]

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

[dooder202]

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]

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...

[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

[Roja]

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]

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.

[Roja]

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

Anyone?

[Indyzed]

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]

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]

Is that someone on TRF?

[Tools]

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]

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.

[subtona]

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]

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

It can; easily.

[TSts]

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.

[subtona]

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]

Care to elaborate..?

[2th Dr]

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!