SEL internal spring-bars

[Dalton121]

Does anyone have an answer to why Rolex uses the internal spring-bars on their new SEL bracelets instead of using a normal pin. Surely using a pin like the rest of the links would make it much stronger?

[Heff]

Probably for ease of replacement.


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[Tools]

My guess would be that the link halves are pre-made and pressed together in batches.

The end-link is added later for the model needed and it would not be efficient to pull the links apart to do the job.

[Dalton121]

So then would you say the bracelets are weaker for it? Or maybe don’t have as much logevity or does it make no difference?

[Tools]

We would need the cross sectional area or diameter comparisons to calculate shear strength.

It's likely that shear strength and load capacity would be very similar once assembled.

[Dalton121]

Thanks Larry for your replies!
What I would be more concerned with is if the spring gives out won’t the ends compress and simply have the end link fall out.. and if you swim with your watch surely the spring will get wet and degrade over time?
Maybe I misunderstand the mechanics of how the spring pin works (kinda hope so)

[Tools]

I suppose that you could come up with any hypothetical situation.

Spring-bars give out when the actual barrel is worn through allowing the spring to come out the side, but the spring still works. There is no wear on end link bars.

93160's have been out for over 20 years and end-link bar failures are pretty rare, but they do happen from time-to-time.