Looking for general bracelet adjustment advice

[japenney]

I am new to bracelet adjustment and the last time I tried I got a screw stuck using too much loctite. I have an incoming this Thursday and I was hoping to adjust the bracelet myself. I have 6.75 inch wrists so I think that means 3 links need to come out. Its a sports model but I'm not telling which one you will have to look for the incoming thread haha ;). Which side does 2 links come out of if you have to remove an odd number? 12 or 6 oclock? Looking for real basic advice or a link to a tutorial. Hopefully this helps others as well.

I've decided to not use loctite or only use it on the end where the screwdriver screws it in. I put it on the inside of the pin amd it got stuck good. It was the blue loctite. Perhaps too much as well but I'm scared now to ruin a new watch lol.

Thanks for any help. Also recommendations for tool models help. I currently have a 1.4mm micro screwdriver than I use.

Edit: ok I feel bad its a blnr. Made ONE call to a AD in another province and they had one in stock. I lucked out!

[Gerryburg]

Which loctite did you use? 221 or 222 are recommended. They are very mild.
Also, recommendation is for a very tiny pinpoint amount on the thread only.

[japenney]

Originally Posted by Gerryburg

Which loctite did you use? 221 or 222 are recommended. They are very mild.
Also, recommendation is for a very tiny pinpoint amount on the thread only.

The blue stuff. Its medium str. I think. 250 maybe? Either way 221 isn't available here id have to order it. Is loctite really necessary ? I've heard veteran watchmakers never use it (many of them)

[Jim Smyth]

Originally Posted by Gerryburg

Which loctite did you use? 221 or 222 are recommended. They are very mild.
Also, recommendation is for a very tiny pinpoint amount on the thread only.

Blue is too strong, I would take this recommendation above if you use locktite. Also heat up the screw end and use a hollow ground screw driver so you dont bugger up the screw end.

[JP(Canada)]

Comfort may be different from wrist to wrist, but I usually have less links on the six o'clock side than the 12 in order to balance it right. The key for me is to have the clasp centered on the underside of my wrist when I turn it over. As for loctite, only use the smallest amount. Covering one revolution of the screw head is enough.

[ec51]

I had to remove a permanent link from the 6p side on my 14060 bracelet to make it comfortable on my 6.5 wrist.

Rolex recommends using low strength loctite. Use on the female end only.

Whether to use or not...depends, what kind of luck do you have?

[No SUBctitute]

Originally Posted by ec51

I had to remove a permanent link from the 6p side on my 14060 bracelet to make it comfortable on my 6.5 wrist.

Rolex recommends using low strength loctite. Use on the female end only.

Whether to use or not...depends, what kind of luck do you have?

Who can remove a permanent link? An AD? A RSC? You just talked about removing one, but what about replacing a permanent link. How much would one new link cost and who can do it? I imagine Rolex would try to sell you a whole new bracelet rather than just replacing one permanent link.

[ec51]

Originally Posted by No SUBctitute

Who can remove a permanent link? An AD? A RSC? You just talked about removing one, but what about replacing a permanent link. How much would one new link cost and who can do it? I imagine Rolex would try to sell you a whole new bracelet rather than just replacing one permanent link.

I removed the link myself. The link was unusable after the procedure.

I'm pretty sure a RSC will remove a permanent link for you. Best to contact them as far as pricing though.

Though any good watchmaker can remove a permanent link.

[No SUBctitute]

Originally Posted by ec51

I removed the link myself. The link was unusable after the procedure.

I'm pretty sure a RSC will remove a permanent link for you. Best to contact them as far as pricing though.

Though any good watchmaker can remove a permanent link.

Thanks EC and JAP for the input!

[Old Expat Beast]

If removing three links, try two from 12 and one from 6 first. I have never used loctite and never had a screw come loose.

[japenney]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

If removing three links, try two from 12 and one from 6 first. I have never used loctite and never had a screw come loose.

Thank you this is very helpful Adam!

[xjeeunitx]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

If removing three links, try two from 12 and one from 6 first. I have never used loctite and never had a screw come loose.

Right on the money about loctite. I have an unused bottle and never had issues from not using it.

To get a proper fit, you always want to have less links at the six than the twelve.

[brandrea]

I won't ruin the party Josh, congrats in advance

[Robb]

1 from the six side
2 from the twelve side

[Boaters]

I always like it a little shorter on the 6 o'clock side. Watches seem to wander to the outboard side of my wrist. Don't use locktite period you do not need it. Last but not least get the proper tool for the job kind of pricey but the Rolex 2100 tool screw driver tip on one end that fits perfect and pin punch on the other perfect for your drilled lugs an absolute must get the 2100 tool.

[mtgjr]

I have 11 links on my 16710. Six on the 12 o'clock side and five on the 6 o'clock side. Never used loctite. Have a 1.6mm screwdriver with curvature blade (also called hollow ground). It's not rocket science. Just be careful and use common sense, if you were blessed with such.

[xjeeunitx]

Additionally, for brand new bracelets, you might want to warm up the bracelet with a hair dryer until it gets really hot. If you don't, there is a chance you might warp the bracelet (especially jubilee).

[No SUBctitute]

Originally Posted by xjeeunitx

Additionally, for brand new bracelets, you might want to warm up the bracelet with a hair dryer until it gets really hot. If you don't, there is a chance you might warp the bracelet (especially jubilee).

I read so much stuff here and I'm like "what the heck are they talking about?" Sorry for all the stupid questions. What happens when a bracelet gets warped? And how does a hair dryer prevent that?

[japenney]

Originally Posted by No SUBctitute

I read so much stuff here and I'm like "what the heck are they talking about?" Sorry for all the stupid questions. What happens when a bracelet gets warped? And how does a hair dryer prevent that?

The blow dryer just makes the screw loose so it comes out easily. It removes the chemical bonds of the loctite (glue stuff) that rolex puts on the screw.