Help with bracelet adjustment !

[Watchcentric]

Hi,

I recently bought a Rolex Explorer online and now need to adjust the bracelet.
I will need to take out 2 links.

Since I don't want to go to an AD (since I didn't buy the watch at my local AD) I want to do this myself.

I'm not sure though which 2 links I have to take out.

Looking at the picture below (sorry something went wrong with the picture), is it:

1) Link 1 and 5
2) Link 2 and 6
3) Link 1 and 2
4) Link 5 and 6


The clasp is now perfectly in the middle (see picture with closed bracelet) so I would expect it's option 1 or option 2 but not sure (and taking out 2 adjacent links is also easier...).

The screws also seem to be very tight so I will have to apply some force. Is this normal? Is there a way to make it easier (cooling for instance so the metal shrinks a bit?).

Thanks in advance!

[Cc1966]

I've read that in your situation (as per Rolex), to remove the link located in the six o'clock position so that the dial will face you more readily. Then from the other side, and vice versa. Thus remove #1 then #5. Sometimes the screws are pretty tight. Good luck...

[samsmart]

Just get a nato. :D

Sent from my SPH-L710 using Tapatalk 2

[Yorkie]

Remove one each side. The recommended ( by Rolex) way is to to start by removing the 1st link from the 6 o'clock side. If another link is needed to be removed then remove from the other side and so on. You tube has several clips on 'how to'

[SixPak]

I would remove links 1 and 5.

[ltmgeller]

Originally Posted by SixPak

I would remove links 1 and 5.

I second that

[ecsub44]

I also vote for 1/5.

[Paul Newman]

<<<<The screws also seem to be very tight so I will have to apply some force. Is this normal? Is there a way to make it easier (cooling for instance so the metal shrinks a bit?).>>>>

It is normal and it is because Loctite is applied to each screw at the factory. In a jewelry store, the jeweler will use steam to break the seal. I don't know what to recommend when doing it at home, but I do know cooling is not the answer.

[kilyung]

My watchmaker uses a small kerosene lamp to heat up the link before removing. I'd recommend a good set of screwdrivers as well and remove (2 or 3) and 6.

[Rolex king 68]

Don't worry. Get the exact size tool with no play between the slot. This is very important to have the write size or you will fall out of the slot and round over the edge of the link, believe me It happened to me once. Have someone hold your watch firmly on padded area first time I suggest two people. With more confidence you can do them on your own.
Ok know put a lot of downward pressure on the tool and use your other hand to hold the tool into the slot
Keep downward pressure and slowly start to turn, it's SS you will be ok. When reinstalling the screw pins make sure you don't over tighten and strip the thread, this will usually happen with gold pieces. Good luck.

[watchwatcher]

A decent screwdriver is a must. I wouldn't take any off the 6 o'clock side, it looks like there are only 4 links now, if you take one off each side, you will be left with 6 and 3...I don't think that will fit right.

I would go with 2/3 first and see what that feels like. That would leave you 5 and 4, which should be good.

Don't be afraid to visit your AD if things don't go well...you will be surprised. They have been known to not even charge for such a simple operation in hopes of developing a future
customer. Good luck!

[Paul Newman]

Watchwatcher - With all due respect the 6 o'clock side should be shorter. If 1 & 5 don't feel right on the wrist then the next choice would be to remove 5 & 6.

[kilyung]

Originally Posted by Paul Newman

Watchwatcher - With all due respect the 6 o'clock side should be shorter. If 1 & 5 don't feel right on the wrist then the next choice would be to remove 5 & 6.

I think Larry is talking about centering the outside part of the clasp while you're talking about centering the entire clasp including the fold over part.

There's no right or wrong answer as long as it FEELS ok to the wearer.

[ecsub44]

Originally Posted by ecsub44

I also vote for 1/5.

Sorry. 2/6.

[Watchcentric]

Thanks all for your answers!

The collective wisdom answer seems to be: start from the 6 o'clock side, then alternatively take a link from either side until it fits.

Just fyi, at first I was concerned that not all links have the same size and so the order (per side) of removal (per side) is important but it seems that all links with a screw have exactly the same size. So option 1 and 2 are both correct!!

[watchwatcher]

Originally Posted by Paul Newman

Watchwatcher - With all due respect the 6 o'clock side should be shorter. If 1 & 5 don't feel right on the wrist then the next choice would be to remove 5 & 6.

My mistake, I looked at the picture wrong and miscounted the links on the 6 o'clock side. Agree, at least one link does need to come off the 6 o'clock side.

OP let us know how everything turns out. My apologies for not paying closer attention!

[Watchcentric]

Thanks again to all for your help.

The Explorer 1 bracelet is adjusted. I had to take out 3 links (the watch is for my wife) so I took out 5, 1 and 6 (in that order) until it fitted.

Fits nicely now!

[Cc1966]

Good deal...