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Old 27 March 2014, 03:59 AM   #1
theturtle
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How To: Removing Links from SubC Bracelet?

Okay guys, have a bit of a pickle.

So I ended up purchasing a Rolex from a duty free shop (amazing btw). When I got home to try it on, I realized that the links were all installed. I guess looking at so many used ads made me believe that the extra links would come uninstalled.

Okay, so I have all the necessary tools to remove the links but the thing is, I have ZERO idea how to do it.

After dropping 6600, I would rather not spend another 40-50 dollars going to an AD and getting it done, unless its actually difficult to do.

I would prefer not to remove the bracelet from the case if possible. Last time I fiddled around with bracelet changes, I left some gnarly scuffs on the lugs.

Does anybody have some step by step directions on how to preform this operation safely or is going to an AD the best decision (I rather not though.).

Some threads I looked up are listed below. While educational, really didn't supply any step by step directions a noob like myself can follow.

http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=150475
http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=148929
http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=324172

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Old 27 March 2014, 04:35 AM   #2
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Yes, in our Reference Library under the Amateur Watchmakers Corner I have a DIY on removing a link.

Post #2

http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=44158
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Old 27 March 2014, 04:38 AM   #3
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Don't forget to take pics while you do it so we can see before and after.
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Old 27 March 2014, 04:40 AM   #4
JP Chestnut
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Quote:
Originally Posted by theturtle View Post
After dropping 6600, I would rather not spend another 40-50 dollars going to an AD and getting it done, unless its actually difficult to do.
It's not difficult to do, but it's a lot easier with nice tools. I fail to see how paying .75% of the purchase price to have someone else assume liability is a bad idea.
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Old 27 March 2014, 04:46 AM   #5
theturtle
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Yes, in our Reference Library under the Amateur Watchmakers Corner I have a DIY on removing a link.

Post #2

http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=44158
Woop! Thanks. Does that tutorial also include the glide lock clasps?

I have quite an extensive collection of screw drivers and a spring bar tool as well if thats important.
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Old 27 March 2014, 04:52 AM   #6
RACER_X
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For $40-50 I'd rather pay to NOT scratch up a $2k bracket
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Old 27 March 2014, 04:54 AM   #7
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Woop! Thanks. Does that tutorial also include the glide lock clasps?

I have quite an extensive collection of screw drivers and a spring bar tool as well if thats important.
Doesn't matter what type clasp you have. Links all come off the same way.
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Old 27 March 2014, 05:12 AM   #8
theturtle
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http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/a...00916-0932.jpg

So where exactly would I remove the pin? I don't see any area that I can poke out.
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Old 27 March 2014, 05:30 AM   #9
Brandon(phila)
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It's a screw

Take it out
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Old 27 March 2014, 05:33 AM   #10
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Quote:
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It's a screw

Take it out
Righty tighty, lefty loosey.
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Old 27 March 2014, 05:34 AM   #11
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Righty tighty, lefty loosey.
Don't forget: if it doesn't turn, just twist harder!

< I'm just kidding about that, heat up the link >
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Old 27 March 2014, 05:34 AM   #12
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Originally Posted by RACER_X View Post
For $40-50 I'd rather pay to NOT scratch up a $2k bracket
add 2 cents worth of sticky tape ,,, jobs a good un
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Old 27 March 2014, 05:38 AM   #13
theturtle
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The reason why I ask is because from the pic below, there really isn't an area where I can push a pin through.

http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/a...00916-0932.jpg

Is it possible to just not disconnect the link from the clasp and just take out the middle ones instead (instead of starting at the clasp and working down).
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Old 27 March 2014, 05:53 AM   #14
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If you look inside the clasp you see slots for the springbar that holds the inner link to the clasp. compress that springbar and the clasp comes apart

Looks to me like the hidden screw on the next-to-last clasp link is already loose. Just take that screw out and you have it in half
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Old 27 March 2014, 05:54 AM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by theturtle View Post
The reason why I ask is because from the pic below, there really isn't an area where I can push a pin through.

http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/a...00916-0932.jpg

Is it possible to just not disconnect the link from the clasp and just take out the middle ones instead (instead of starting at the clasp and working down).
Use your springbar tool to remove the springbar from the clasp.

You don't really need to though...you can remove any link you wish.

By the way, there are only 2 removeable links in the pic. So I think that you, in fact, do not have a "full bracelet". Unless all of the extra links are on the other side of the bracelet.
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Old 27 March 2014, 06:23 AM   #16
theturtle
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Oh I googled that image. It was more convenient haha.

So is the clasp design more like omega now (with the compressed springbars) than rolex (that had drilled lugs that you could poke out)?

http://i57.tinypic.com/2myz30g.jpg

So Im assuming the one I take out is the part circled in dark red right? And NOT the tangerine or aqua circle.

Last, the only links that can be removed are the ones circled in steel gray correct? No link=permanently on?
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Old 27 March 2014, 06:26 AM   #17
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If you can use a screwdriver, it's not difficult. I've done it hundreds of times. Just make sure you have the right size screwdriver, so you don't mess up the screws.
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Old 27 March 2014, 06:35 AM   #18
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Really easy to do. Congrats!
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Old 27 March 2014, 08:22 AM   #19
newu5er
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Tools View Post
Yes, in our Reference Library under the Amateur Watchmakers Corner I have a DIY on removing a link.

Post #2

http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=44158
Wow! Tons of information. Thank you for providing that.
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