PSA - Check Your Screws

[Easy E]

I caught this one backing out of my Blue SkyD this weekend. Check your screws from time to time.

[bp1000]

This post is underrated.

Definitely like to draw attention to this subject. Just a simple run of the finger or eye check on the screws is quick and easy but something that could save so much pain if god forbid the bracelet broke loose and you end up with a watch hitting the floor. I've seen it happen a few times on here and it isn't pretty.

[padi56]

Well it should be common sense that you should periodically check screws for tightness on any watch bracelet.

[worldofoyster]

loctite will prevent this

[watch3r]

I've had a screw loose for a while. Fortunately it's one in my head and not on my bracelet.

[bullies]

Clear nail polish works in a pinch too

[jb335]

I never check and I need to change my wicked ways.


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[puma1552]

Is this ultimately chocked up to AD/RSC incompetence? I would surely hope that any watchmaker working at a Rolex AD would know 100% without a doubt that Rolex requires Loctite (or whatever similar product they use) to be used during all sizing procedures.

[AJMarcus]

Loctite is your friend.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by puma1552

Is this ultimately chocked up to AD/RSC incompetence? I would surely hope that any watchmaker working at a Rolex AD would know 100% without a doubt that Rolex requires Loctite (or whatever similar product they use) to be used during all sizing procedures.

Even with loctite it's still possible for a screw to become loose as bracelets are in almost constant flex on the wrist so still best to periodically check.

[Rolexken]

Always worth running your fingers down the bracelet when you put a watch on - I’ve caught a loose screw before like the OP.

[Harry-57]

I run a finger and thumb along the bracelet edges every time I put a watch on. So far no issues, but I never take it for granted.

[KatGirl]

See my loctite thread. Buy # 222, per Rolex. Remove any screws that aren’t difficult to remove. Apply a tiny amount of Loctite, using a toothpick, to the hole, where the threads are, then reinsert the screw.

Kat


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[PenDelicate]

Thank you!

[Easy E]

Originally Posted by puma1552

Is this ultimately chocked up to AD/RSC incompetence? I would surely hope that any watchmaker working at a Rolex AD would know 100% without a doubt that Rolex requires Loctite (or whatever similar product they use) to be used during all sizing procedures.

Not AD incompetence. I bought this on the secondary and the bracelet is unsized - fits me right out of the box. Just happens.

[puma1552]

Originally Posted by Easy E

Not AD incompetence. I bought this on the secondary and the bracelet is unsized - fits me right out of the box. Just happens.

So Rolex doesn't ship them new with Loctite in any links at all, so if it were an AD, they would need to know then to not only size it correctly, but then also remove all removable link screws and add Loctite to all of them once the final sizing has been determined?

I was under the impression Rolex was shipping with them all Loctited in so that the only re-application that would be necessary would be when/if links were moved around during that initial sizing, but I guess I don't know.

I can understand not Loctiting them all in to start since the bracelet hasn't been sized, but given it's typically a low strength Loctite that can easily be broken/reapplied it would seem a best practice for Rolex to do them all to begin with and then have the AD only have to worry about reapplying it to added/moved links.

[Easy E]

Originally Posted by Easy E

Not AD incompetence. I bought this on the secondary and the bracelet is unsized - fits me right out of the box. Just happens.

In all fairness I bought the watch in Dec 22 and the watch was approx 6 mos old at the time. I have no way to know what the previous owner/AD did or did not do to it.

[Linuxpenguins]

Best screwdriver to own ?

[Easy E]

Originally Posted by Linuxpenguins

Best screwdriver to own ?

I like this one a lot. It is flat through the blade and seats very solid in the screw head.

https://www.amazon.com/Wiha-26015-Sl...ps%2C78&sr=8-1

[enjoythemusic]

Originally Posted by Linuxpenguins

Best screwdriver to own ?

Hollow ground.

https://www.esslinger.com/horofix-sc...tips-included/

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by Harry-57

I run a finger and thumb along the bracelet edges every time I put a watch on. So far no issues, but I never take it for granted.

This is exactly what I do as well. I found one so far in all my years, but better safe than sorry

I’ve been quoting you a lot lately … great minds

[rod727]

Had it happen to me on my Sub 116610. I was in Dallas on business and noticed a screw backing out. I had some time and dropped by the RSC in Dallas. I walked right in and the lady at the desk took a look and said “give me a minute”. A few minutes later she returned with the watch. I asked her how much I owed and she said nothing.

[Calatrava r]

I had a screw come loose. Luckily, I caught before anything happened. I attributed it to riding a road bicycle with my Rolex on. The vibrations from the steering wheel just dislodged it.

[Harry-57]

Originally Posted by brandrea

I’ve been quoting you a lot lately … great minds

LOL! I'll go along with that.

[culvercity]

loctite will break down over time with heat.

[aayates]

Rolex can do no wrong according to some old timers here. Guess that's the nature of this forum. How many Timex or (any other non-luxury brand) users check their watch bracelets for "backing out screws" periodically. I bet the percentage is an extremely low one. People paying $5k+ for tool, or luxury, or dress, or pre=owned rolexes shouldn't have to worry about that either. Just my 2 cents. Thanks.

[DJ2020]

It's the design thats the problem. For instance, Breitling P3 uses a cap link design that uses 2 solid pins that are capped on the opposite side of the bracelet. Physically impossible to become loose once secured . Omega uses a screw on both sides as well as Grand-Seiko to capture a floating pin in the middle. Again a physical impossibility to come loose once secured. As the "pin" is not secured to the screw.

Rolex decided to just use one pin, threaded on one end and slotted on the other. This allows the movement of the bracelet when dry or when debris grind into the link essentially locking on, increasing friction on the pin and starts to function like a ratchet. Slowly easing the screw out until you notice or the watch falls off.

It's definitely good advice to check/loctite the screws on a Rolex.

- Old Timer

[BraveBold]

My Grand Seiko master shop GMT automatic had a screw loose…

Thanks for the post!