Watch fell off wrist, screw came out

[SSSS]

Yup, definitely something wrong here. I would not expect something like that from a quality watch like Rolex. Maybe a made in China watch from Walmart, but not a Rolex. Try justifying the price of we pay for our Rolexes after something like that to our friends who buy and wear sub-$100 watches.

Originally Posted by travellingbrit

Sure, but I'd be hacked off if the door fell off my new lambo....point is a rolex bracelet should not fall off, (fit for purpose?) if it needs glue then surely it should be glued during manufacture and way before you part with your 5k....

[NYC6]

Originally Posted by gwalker

Comparing a screw coming out of a Rolex bracelet to a door falling off of a Lamborghini or Ferrari is not even close to the same thing. There is nothing wrong with using a dab of loctite. this is a common issue and not worth making a huge deal about it. The OP stated it's just a small scratch and scratches will happen anyway. If it was major damage that's one thing but a small scratch is another. I personally don't think that's the ADs fault either unless they took links out to size the watch.

Its not the AD who is responsible, its Rolex. They offer a warranty on their products. If a watch falls off due to an improperly assembled bracelet or a faulty part they are 100% liable for damages and correcting the flaw. The AD is just the middle man in this scenario.
As I said earlier, there might be internal damage that might not show for a period of time to come. I wouldnt hesitate one bit to bring it back and documented and repaired properly. I see many here think differently, Im a little surprised by that actually.

[SSSS]

Could it be that the AD took out a screw to adjust the bracelet, perhaps for a previous sale that fell through, then reassembled it improperly without locketite? I remember when I purchased my EXPII the bracelet was very stiff. A Rolex rep steam cleaned it to loosen up the extra locktite he claimed.

Originally Posted by NYC6

Its not the AD who is responsible, its Rolex. They offer a warranty on their products. If a watch falls off due to an improperly assembled bracelet or a faulty part they are 100% liable for damages and correcting the flaw. The AD is just the middle man in this scenario.
As I said earlier, there might be internal damage that might not show for a period of time to come. I wouldnt hesitate one bit to bring it back and documented and repaired properly. I see many here think differently, Im a little surprised by that actually.

[MortgageGuy]

Originally Posted by SSSS

Could it be that the AD took out a screw to adjust the bracelet, perhaps for a previous sale that fell through, then reassembled it improperly without locketite? I remember when I purchased my EXPII the bracelet was very stiff. A Rolex rep steam cleaned it to loosen up the extra locktite he claimed.

I believe this is the case exactly Not the fault of Rolex for a screw coming out, this would be the fault of the AD IMHO... Anyway a simple fix and some say unnecessary but I use loctite everytime I make an adjustment (on a screw that is)

[desmo996]

That's very strange. I've worn some of my Rolex watches for a decade without using any Loctite and I have done all the bracelet adjustments myself.

[acce1999]

Originally Posted by handsfull

No. Loctite purple or blue. Add the loctite to the hole itself (very little), not the threads of the screw.

This is how I do it. Loctite 221. I've done it many times. Never any problems. I use a tooth pick, to which I add just a drop of Loctite, and then drops it into the hole.

Best,

A

[handsfull]

The older style bracelets had center links that were hollow. The newer solid center links add additional friction (more area- surface tension) to the link screw (unlike the former hollow), making it more probable that the screw will back out of it's seated position.

Loctite is 'recommended', but I believe it should be 'required' with the newer style bracelets.

[Deepsea Florida]

Taking my DSSD out of my pocket...(it was like 2 weeks old)....noticed a screw was backing out.....when the bracelet was sized originally no loctite was used.

Went back to the AD...and made sure a watch maker guy used loctite.

[RolexWatcher]

I would be pissed if that happen as well....this shouldn't happen on any Rolex!

[dnagwhogas]

Originally Posted by scarab007

Screw the scratch..i would not want to see my face with embarrasment as my Rolex fell off my wrist in front of everyone....I can see the "I knew it was a fake Rolex" look from coworkers ha ha.

[brownbear]

easy fix but I would would raise some stink to the AD and Rolex home. A new watch should not do that. It could be quite embarrassing as many out there who can not understand what a Rolex is about are looking at a chance to be critical.

[watchf]

Originally Posted by MortgageGuy

I personally would NOT do it this way because the loctite can stiffen the link if any additional rubs off the screw and onto the link when placing in the hole. I would use a toothpick and dab it into the loctite solution. Then place this dab into the hold the screw goes into... This way you place the screw into the link, its hits the loctite at the exact place it is needed and no stiff links with loctite where it should be

This is what I recommend and do. Toothpick dab in a tiny bit of loctite and smear the loctite on the toothpick into the screw hole. Screw in the link and wipe off immediately any excess loctite that got squeezed out the side of the link when the screw went in. Easy, clean, no mess on pther parts when the screw goes in.

[sleddog]

Originally Posted by watchf

This is what I recommend and do. Toothpick dab in a tiny bit of loctite and smear the loctite on the toothpick into the screw hole. Screw in the link and wipe off immediately any excess loctite that got squeezed out the side of the link when the screw went in. Easy, clean, no mess on pther parts when the screw goes in.

x 3 with the recommended technique!!!

[GradyPhilpott]

I had my Explorer bracelet adjusted and was driving around town enjoying the nice weather with the windows down.

At a stoplight I hung my arm out the window and when I looked over in the direction of my watch the sun was glistening off a screw that was backing out of the bracelet.

I was only a few blocks from the AD, so I took it back and let the watchmaker deal with it.

He apologized profusely and as they say, no harm, no foul, but it still gives me the willies just thinking about what might have been.

[TheCanadian]

Thanks for the replies everyone. Looked at other forums and Loctite Purple seems to be the most recommended. Her in Canada...can't seem to find anywhere that has Purple...only Loctite Blue. Anyone have any experience using the Loctite Blue? Would this be ok to use? Thanks

[handsfull]

Originally Posted by TheCanadian

Thanks for the replies everyone. Looked at other forums and Loctite Purple seems to be the most recommended. Her in Canada...can't seem to find anywhere that has Purple...only Loctite Blue. Anyone have any experience using the Loctite Blue? Would this be ok to use? Thanks

It's OK to use blue. If you use too much it may require steam/heat (soldering iron) to remove the screw in the future.

[TimingsEverything]

In theory, the proper amount of torque (tightening) should be enough to hold the screws from backing out. We all know, however, that watches go through heat/cold cycles that makes this more theory than practice. While I'll bet most link screws would not back out, the extra little safety net of a very small amount of Loctite thread sealant (purple or blue - DO NOT USE RED) is a good idea. Be advised that removal of the link in the future will be made more difficult as a result.

[siewmaiwatch]

Originally Posted by franky2222

imagine losing it in grass where you dont hear it fall

ouch.

[Andelain]

Originally Posted by TheCanadian

Thanks for the replies everyone. Looked at other forums and Loctite Purple seems to be the most recommended. Her in Canada...can't seem to find anywhere that has Purple...only Loctite Blue. Anyone have any experience using the Loctite Blue? Would this be ok to use? Thanks

Blue will be fine. Just remember to use a tiny amount like was explained before.

[zeroshiki]

Originally Posted by handsfull

No. Loctite purple or blue. Add the loctite to the hole itself (very little), not the threads of the screw.

yes, agreed on this.., just apply using toothpick or something to the hole itself, don't do it on the thread of the screws.

placed it on the thread of the screw and almost couldn't get some of the screws out because the loctite was all over the bracelet link hole.

[gwalker]

Originally Posted by Deepsea Florida

Taking my DSSD out of my pocket...(it was like 2 weeks old)....noticed a screw was backing out.....when the bracelet was sized originally no loctite was used.

Went back to the AD...and made sure a watch maker guy used loctite.

My DSSD was always backing out screws for some reason. Hasn't happened on my Sub yet. I had to tighten it around once a month.

[TheCanadian]

I'm actually going to send it to the RSC tomorrow as there's a tiny tiny mark on the bezel which is bugging me and the scratch on the clasp is bugging me as well even though it's small...it seems a little deeper than any of my GMTC that I've had for over a year. I know the gold centre links are more soft...and maybe they look different when it gets scratched. I don't know if they'll be able to do anything but I'll try anyways for peace of mind. I'll update everyone

[MY-WATCH]

That is scary to happen but happy that it turned out fine

[newrolexman]

Same thing happened to me when my GMT ll C was in its first year. The screw was about to fall out it was so loose.

Now as a precaution I tighten all the watches plus my eye glasses at least monthly.

Have had no close calls since doing this.

[MortgageGuy]

Originally Posted by TheCanadian

Thanks for the replies everyone. Looked at other forums and Loctite Purple seems to be the most recommended. Her in Canada...can't seem to find anywhere that has Purple...only Loctite Blue. Anyone have any experience using the Loctite Blue? Would this be ok to use? Thanks

I had to order the purple on ebay... It was like $30 for a little bottle... I would take it to an AD to have it done rather than use the incorrect stregnth

[MSM1771]

hmm thats weird I have no idea why that happened ive never heard of that before.