Repairing Daydate Permanent link pin

[tothemoon]

One of the permanent links on my Rolex day-date (5-digit) gets stuck (doesn't rotate), unless I force it to move with my finger. See photo. I believe the pin inside got bent so it doesn't turn smoothly anymore. I assume the pin inside needs to be replaced.

Does anyone know how to get the inside pin out of the link? I hear you'd have to drill holes on the side of the links, get the pin out, and basically re-solder a new gold pin in place. Are drilling holes on the side required or is there a way to do this without drilling holes?

[77T]

That doesn't resemble any DD I've seen (especially the crown).
Is it possibly an aftermarket watch?

As for any genuine Rolex bracelet's permalinks, no holes would be drilled. Several threads on TRF show the procedure that can replace the pins in permalinks.

To fix the problem, perhaps get the bracelet off the watch and then do a deep cleaning via ultrasonic, or steam billet, and cleaning work.


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[tothemoon]

I received the DD as an heirloom from my grandfather so I can't say for sure if there are any aftermarket parts. It's a 18348 and I have brought it to a certified rolex watchmaker to service before, and they opened it up and operated on it without a problem, fwiw. (Also, note that the pad above my thumb in the original photo is just a felt sticker pad I applied on the caseback so it fits my wrist better -- previously too loose)

As for the pin itself, I searched TRF as you recommended. I was able to to discussions about the removal of permanent pins for oyster links and jubilee links, but not the presidential links. The oyster and jubilee links seem to use stainless steel pins that can be snugged in, but the presidential links use gold pins, and it's unclear how they're attached to side links. Please let me know if I missed a thread! TY!