Recommendation for link removal on 116610?

[bobznew]

About to make a purchase of a BNIB 116610. Wrist is just a hair over 7". I will be purchasing from a dealer out of state, so they won't be making the adjustments.

I know from the time that I've spent at my local AD that the watch will likely fit properly with one link removed from the 12 oclock side.

Will I need to take this to an AD to have the link removed by a professional who specialized in Rolex? Or is the link removal something that I'll be able to do myself?

[chestercopperpot]

Link removals are fairly easy and you can often use any springbar removal tool to unscrew the screws on the links.

Just be careful and you'll be fine.

[Andad]

I am not sure what 'any' spring bar removal tool has to do with unscrewing a link.

I always use my 1.6mm Sea Dweller screwdriver.

Hunt one down for Rolex link screw removal without tears.

The Forum is full of members who though 'this "insert expensive brand name" screwdriver should have done the job'.

Don't forget to clean off the old Loctite and apply a little 221 or 222 Loctite to the inside of the female link thread before re-assembly.

Perfect fit and designed for the job.

[SC11]

As above! Tried a few watch screwdrivers in my time but due to how the head is ground to a point there is the risk of slip. The SD driver is spot on for the job

[rmfnla]

Originally Posted by directioneng

I am not sure what 'any' spring bar removal tool has to do with unscrewing a link.

I always use my 1.6mm Sea Dweller screwdriver.

Hunt one down for Rolex link screw removal without tears.

The Forum is full of members who though 'this "insert expensive brand name" screwdriver should have done the job'.

Don't forget to clean off the old Loctite and apply a little 221 or 222 Loctite to the inside of the female link thread before re-assembly.

Perfect fit and designed for the job.

I was wondering about that myself.

Rest of your post is good info, especially applying the thread locker to the female threads...

[REFZ]

Any 1.6mm watch screwdriver will do the job.

[rmfnla]

Originally Posted by REFZ

Any 1.6mm watch screwdriver will do the job.

As long as the tip is hollow ground...

[handsfull]

Originally Posted by rmfnla

As long as the tip is hollow ground...

You keep beating me to the punch Richard!


You 'can' use a standard flat ground driver from the hardware store, but afterwards, anyone with an educated eye will know what you used.

[rmfnla]

Originally Posted by handsfull

You keep beating me to the punch Richard!


You 'can' use a standard flat ground driver from the hardware store, but afterwards, anyone with an educated eye will know what you used.

Great WIS minds think alike, Jeff...

[kaseri]

The Panerai Luminor style 1.6 mm "cut-out" screwdriver works perfectly for Oyster links. They are available from various dealers online.