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edweather · 28 April 2018, 03:40 AM

Are Rolex bracelets easy to adjust? If I buy a gently used Rolex, and it comes with a couple extra links (assuming that I might need them,) is it easy to remove or add a link or two, or do I need to take it to a jeweler for sizing? Coming at it from another angle, is there a general way to tell if the watch I'm looking at will fit me, if I know my wrist circumference? I'm new at this, so any help will be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Ed

beshannon · 28 April 2018, 03:48 AM

Well that depends on how handy you are and if you have the proper tools.

If you have never done it, you can look for info on how to or just take it to a reputable shop.

Some threads in the watch tech sub forum

https://www.rolexforums.com/search.p...rchid=19832140

samson66 · 28 April 2018, 03:48 AM

Just go to any AD and they will do it (usually) for free. I would be more comfortable letting an AD do it if you've never done it yourself.

kauffee · 28 April 2018, 03:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by samson66

Just go to any AD and they will do it (usually) for free. I would be more comfortable letting an AD do it if you've never done it yourself.

Agree with this. But it's not hard if you have the tools and a bit of dexterity.

If you're buying a relatively modern Rolex, you'll want to make sure the seller includes all the original links. If not, you'll want to ask for a discount since you'll have to order them from an AD.

yxc145 · 28 April 2018, 05:58 AM

If you know how to use a screw driver and a pair of tweezers, then you can do it. Just get the right tool.

edweather · 28 April 2018, 06:08 AM

Thanks much appreciated.

AEC · 28 April 2018, 06:10 AM

Yes, it's easy for most owners. To do it well, I recommend having the right screwdriver and spring-bar tool. I recommend searching for a good youtube video demonstrating the proper steps.

I'll give a few key tips here: 1) Set up on a clean, well-lit work table 2) Depending on how good your eyes are, consider wearing high-magnification reading glasses (drug store variety are fine), and 3) Work very patiently.

Search threads here for more info and tips, and I'm sure you'll be fine.

Dirt · 28 April 2018, 06:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by edweather

Thanks much appreciated.

Interestingly.
Nobody has mentioned the presence of Loctite on the screw threads which has brought the uninitiated undone in the past.
Even dealer don't get it right all the time and do damage.

c41006 · 28 April 2018, 06:15 AM

It’s fairly easy with the proper tools. I’ve had ADs completely destroy screws so I just do it myself.

joli160 · 28 April 2018, 06:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by samson66

Just go to any AD and they will do it (usually) for free. I would be more comfortable letting an AD do it if you've never done it yourself.

And risking a clumsy sales person ruining your screws ?
It's an easy DIY

edweather · 28 April 2018, 06:26 AM

I'm pretty handy, and enjoy messin' with stuff, so I'd probably like to have all the fun myself

Can't be any harder than switching out the motherboard in my wife's computer.

Thanks for pointing out the tech forum, I forgot about that.

RJRJRJ · 28 April 2018, 06:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dirt

Interestingly.
Nobody has mentioned the presence of Loctite on the screw threads which has brought the uninitiated undone in the past.
Even dealer don't get it right all the time and do damage.

Yes I use the blue loctite. The rolex one is white colored I believe.

As for the sizing, make sure you have the right screwdriver or you're gonna damage the screw heads. And if a screw isn't coming loose, tighten it a little and then try loosening it again.

HogwldFLTR · 28 April 2018, 06:39 AM

Need a heat gun to relax the locktite, the proper locktite, correct sized hollow ground screw driver, a spring bar tool, and a steady hand is about it. Perhaps some masking tape as well. My ADs have on site techs which do the work and usually for free.

kauffee · 28 April 2018, 07:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HogwldFLTR

Need a heat gun to relax the locktite, the proper locktite, correct sized hollow ground screw driver, a spring bar tool, and a steady hand is about it. Perhaps some masking tape as well. My ADs have on site techs which do the work and usually for free.

I found 30 seconds with a hair dryer works great. My AD uses a small steamer. Just get the bracelet hot to the touch and the loctite will be loose.

dogzapper223 · 28 April 2018, 09:36 AM

Hey, friends,

I'm a long-retired Rolex Authorized Dealer (AD). Truly, sizing bands is as easy as removing screws and replacing them. Really, no particular skill involved.

For something around ten bucks on Amazon Prime you can buy an amazing set of Jakemy screwdriver bits and such https://www.amazon.com/Jakemy-Screwd.../dp/B019ZSK57K

Trust me, you will find this tiny investment very handy for other stuff; like removing the silly Torx screws on stuff and such. Anyway, it's worth the investment of a few bucks.

On to Rolex things: Set the clasp springbar in the MIDDLE, pick the proper under-cut screwdriver blade and you are instantly GOLDEN.

Hey, it isn't rocket-science, it's simply "this one is too short" and "this one is too long."

Really, don't over think it. Rolex already has an "anti-seize compound" on the screws (white crumbly stuff). And who knows what the heck that crap is, but it works very well.

Please, NEVER use red Lok-Tite, EVER. Blue, maybe, though it isn't needed.

As I said, it ain't rocket science; simply adjust the Rolex Clasp Springbar in the Middle .... then, remove links until the band fits properly.

Further tiny adjustments can be made by adjusting the clasp springbar forward or backward.

Easy, Peasy.

God Bless,

Steve

mmmmp · 28 April 2018, 02:53 PM

It's quite easy, way more convenient than going to an AD and a 'skill' worth knowing. (Sorry, I do not consider loosening and tightening a screw a 'skill', but that's me. If it is a 'skill' anyone can learn it after one try.)

Several posts mention having the Right Tools. Yes, a good jeweler's screwdriver set is important but a spring-bar tool isn't necessary, but it is handy and good to have.

The most helpful 'tool' is a roll of masking (or equivalent) tape. Only mentioned by one member but I consider it important to avoid scratching the case, clasp, etc.

Practice on a cheap beater to get comfortable and you'll find it's easy.

Best of luck,
Mark

Sent from my SGH-I547C using Tapatalk

el-heffe · 28 April 2018, 11:14 PM

If you have someone else do it, check the screws afterwards. I had an AD size one of my Omegas and slipped and gouged one of the links. Initially they said nothing but after pointing it out, they ordered a replacement link for free and made it right.

watchwatcher · 29 April 2018, 12:45 AM

Easy? No. The screws are tiny, so unless you have a loupe and a high quality screwdriver, forget it.

28 April 2018, 03:40 AM	#1
edweather "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2014 Real Name: Ed Location: Georgia, USA Watch: Casio Illuminator Posts: 650	Rolex bracelet sizing ? Are Rolex bracelets easy to adjust? If I buy a gently used Rolex, and it comes with a couple extra links (assuming that I might need them,) is it easy to remove or add a link or two, or do I need to take it to a jeweler for sizing? Coming at it from another angle, is there a general way to tell if the watch I'm looking at will fit me, if I know my wrist circumference? I'm new at this, so any help will be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Ed

28 April 2018, 03:48 AM	#2
beshannon "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Real Name: Brian Location: Northern Virginia Watch: One of Not Many Posts: 17,892	Well that depends on how handy you are and if you have the proper tools. If you have never done it, you can look for info on how to or just take it to a reputable shop. Some threads in the watch tech sub forum https://www.rolexforums.com/search.p...rchid=19832140 __________________ IWC Portugieser 7 Day, Omega Seamaster SMP300m, Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle Complete Calendar, Glashutte PanoInverse, Glashutte SeaQ Panorama Date, Omega Aqua Terra 150, Omega CK 859, Omega Speedmaster 3861 Moonwatch, Breitling Superocean Steelfish, JLC Atmos Transparent Clock

28 April 2018, 06:39 AM	#13
HogwldFLTR 2024 ROLEX SUBMARINER 41 Pledge Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Real Name: Lee Location: 42.48.45N70.48.48 Watch: Too many to list! Posts: 33,693	Need a heat gun to relax the locktite, the proper locktite, correct sized hollow ground screw driver, a spring bar tool, and a steady hand is about it. Perhaps some masking tape as well. My ADs have on site techs which do the work and usually for free. __________________ Troglodyte in residence! https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=808599

28 April 2018, 03:48 AM	#3
samson66 2024 ROLEX SUBMARINER 41 Pledge Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Real Name: Mike Location: Downy Ocean Hon Watch: my money leaving! Posts: 13,792	Just go to any AD and they will do it (usually) for free. I would be more comfortable letting an AD do it if you've never done it yourself.

28 April 2018, 05:58 AM	#5
yxc145 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2017 Real Name: David Location: Chicago Watch: SkyD,JC, BLNR, Ex2 Posts: 1,578	If you know how to use a screw driver and a pair of tweezers, then you can do it. Just get the right tool.

28 April 2018, 06:08 AM	#6
edweather "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2014 Real Name: Ed Location: Georgia, USA Watch: Casio Illuminator Posts: 650	Thanks much appreciated.

28 April 2018, 06:10 AM	#7
AEC 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Real Name: Tony Location: Orchard Park, NY Watch: Idiot Savant Posts: 3,376	Yes, it's easy for most owners. To do it well, I recommend having the right screwdriver and spring-bar tool. I recommend searching for a good youtube video demonstrating the proper steps. I'll give a few key tips here: 1) Set up on a clean, well-lit work table 2) Depending on how good your eyes are, consider wearing high-magnification reading glasses (drug store variety are fine), and 3) Work very patiently. Search threads here for more info and tips, and I'm sure you'll be fine.

28 April 2018, 06:15 AM	#9
c41006 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2015 Real Name: Joshua Location: Atlanta Watch: Pelagos Posts: 7,933	It’s fairly easy with the proper tools. I’ve had ADs completely destroy screws so I just do it myself.

28 April 2018, 06:26 AM	#11
edweather "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2014 Real Name: Ed Location: Georgia, USA Watch: Casio Illuminator Posts: 650	I'm pretty handy, and enjoy messin' with stuff, so I'd probably like to have all the fun myself Can't be any harder than switching out the motherboard in my wife's computer. Thanks for pointing out the tech forum, I forgot about that.

28 April 2018, 09:36 AM	#15
dogzapper223 "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2017 Location: Milwaukie, Oregon Posts: 22	Hey, friends, I'm a long-retired Rolex Authorized Dealer (AD). Truly, sizing bands is as easy as removing screws and replacing them. Really, no particular skill involved. For something around ten bucks on Amazon Prime you can buy an amazing set of Jakemy screwdriver bits and such https://www.amazon.com/Jakemy-Screwd.../dp/B019ZSK57K Trust me, you will find this tiny investment very handy for other stuff; like removing the silly Torx screws on stuff and such. Anyway, it's worth the investment of a few bucks. On to Rolex things: Set the clasp springbar in the MIDDLE, pick the proper under-cut screwdriver blade and you are instantly GOLDEN. Hey, it isn't rocket-science, it's simply "this one is too short" and "this one is too long." Really, don't over think it. Rolex already has an "anti-seize compound" on the screws (white crumbly stuff). And who knows what the heck that crap is, but it works very well. Please, NEVER use red Lok-Tite, EVER. Blue, maybe, though it isn't needed. As I said, it ain't rocket science; simply adjust the Rolex Clasp Springbar in the Middle .... then, remove links until the band fits properly. Further tiny adjustments can be made by adjusting the clasp springbar forward or backward. Easy, Peasy. God Bless, Steve

28 April 2018, 02:53 PM	#16
mmmmp "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Real Name: Mark P Location: Toronto Watch: SS Wimbledon DJ41 Posts: 2,046	It's quite easy, way more convenient than going to an AD and a 'skill' worth knowing. (Sorry, I do not consider loosening and tightening a screw a 'skill', but that's me. If it is a 'skill' anyone can learn it after one try.) Several posts mention having the Right Tools. Yes, a good jeweler's screwdriver set is important but a spring-bar tool isn't necessary, but it is handy and good to have. The most helpful 'tool' is a roll of masking (or equivalent) tape. Only mentioned by one member but I consider it important to avoid scratching the case, clasp, etc. Practice on a cheap beater to get comfortable and you'll find it's easy. Best of luck, Mark Sent from my SGH-I547C using Tapatalk

28 April 2018, 11:14 PM	#17
el-heffe "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2018 Real Name: Ken Location: USA Posts: 241	If you have someone else do it, check the screws afterwards. I had an AD size one of my Omegas and slipped and gouged one of the links. Initially they said nothing but after pointing it out, they ordered a replacement link for free and made it right.

29 April 2018, 12:45 AM	#18
watchwatcher "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Real Name: Larry Location: Kentucky Watch: Yes Posts: 35,047	Easy? No. The screws are tiny, so unless you have a loupe and a high quality screwdriver, forget it.

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