Removing links from folded link bracelet

[NikkiTyler]

I just got a folded link bracelet in the mail.. My question is how do you take a link out. All the links look the same. Do they have pins or is like the rivet band where you have to break the rivet to remove a link?

Thanks
Danny

[NikkiTyler]

By the way its oyster not jubilee

[Tools]

You have to slightly open the link and slide out the inside link, then press it back together...

Not for the faint of heart.

[Racer X]

Yes, tread carefully here. From what I hear, it's nearly impossible to fold the link back to its original position after you bend it out.

[Warnsboy]

Had the same question on a 9315 that is on a watch I bought for my wife. My solution was to remove the divers extension and store it for posteritiy. this gave me the equivilant of a link of adjustment in the clasp. I didn't have to mess with the link.

I understand links are hard to remove without leaving a bend on the outside of the adjoining link. Best to have an expert look at it.

Here's a link to pics of a 9315 bracelet rebuild from a german forum hat was helpfull in understanding how they were made;

http://www.r-l-x.de/forum/showthread...tband-Ref.9315

[BB83]

I've also heard it's very difficult to do and that you're better off wearing the watch on a different bracelet. That's what I do with my vintage. folded links also supposedly don't wear that well on the wrist...

[Racer X]

Originally Posted by BB83

I've also heard it's very difficult to do and that you're better off wearing the watch on a different bracelet. That's what I do with my vintage. folded links also supposedly don't wear that well on the wrist...

Also true. I have a folded 9315 for my red sub but I wear a 93150 with it. This preserves the original 9315, avoids the issues with size adjustment, and makes for a better feel as the 93150 is more substantial.

[BB83]

Originally Posted by Racer X

Also true. I have a folded 9315 for my red sub but I wear a 93150 with it. This preserves the original 9315, avoids the issues with size adjustment, and makes for a better feel as the 93150 is more substantial.

I agree and do the same on my vinty daytona with the 7835 (stored) and 78350 (wear)!

[NikkiTyler]

thanks guys. This has been very helpful.. I checked out the German site and that explains how the stretch happens on these bands so easily with just those little peices of metal holding the middle part of the link there. But it wasn't that difficult as I only had to take out one link. You were very helpful.. thanks again

[f-du-27]

The german guy really works well !

Those folded links are a bit easier to shut because the are hollow in the middle when the riveted links have a piece of metal inside which prevents from bending properly.

[rolexforumsfan]

I just bought a 7836 and it's a bit big for my wrist. I managed to adjust it to fit my wrist by maxing out the clasp adjustment. However, the clasp doesn't hang evenly with an extra link on one side after the adjustment. Should I attempt removing the extra links so I no longer have to max out at the clasp or just leave it alone? Thanks!

[hnt1987]

Originally Posted by NikkiTyler

I just got a folded link bracelet in the mail.. My question is how do you take a link out. All the links look the same. Do they have pins or is like the rivet band where you have to break the rivet to remove a link?

Thanks
Danny

I have a similar Oyster bracelet. I took it to a watch repair shop, then he removed it out for less than 50 bucks for me. About 1 hour of your time

[lhanddds]

I've done this. You don't really need to bend it out completely. Just do one side until you can wiggle it out. It may help to do both sides out slightly if you are having trouble. I could not tell the difference when I was through. My 9315 was not a perfect example anyway.

[rolexforumsfan]

Originally Posted by lhanddds

I could not tell the difference when I was through. My 9315 was not a perfect example anyway.

What did you use to bend it back to shape to the original condition?

[Michael M.]

Originally Posted by Warnsboy

Had the same question on a 9315 that is on a watch I bought for my wife. My solution was to remove the divers extension and store it for posteritiy. this gave me the equivilant of a link of adjustment in the clasp. I didn't have to mess with the link.

I understand links are hard to remove without leaving a bend on the outside of the adjoining link. Best to have an expert look at it.

Here's a link to pics of a 9315 bracelet rebuild from a german forum hat was helpfull in understanding how they were made;

http://www.r-l-x.de/forum/showthread...tband-Ref.9315

Where did he buy the parts from? Would love to do this.

I use a thin pocket knife and mini pliers to size my folded link bracelets...

[lhanddds]

Originally Posted by rolexforumsfan

What did you use to bend it back to shape to the original condition?

Being a dentist, I have a nice set of orthodontic pliers for that. Small pliers with a smooth beak would work.

[craighall127]

I just removed a link. Very easy with a penknife. I can't believe I put up with the bracelet fitting poorly for so long! It feels great now.