How to Remove Links from a Rolex: A Step-by-Step Guide

It’s easy to remove links from your Rolex bracelet at home if you’ve got the right tools and a bit of patience.  This guide will provide everything you need to know about modifying your Rolex Oyster, Jubilee or President bracelet to get a perfect fit and secure your watch properly on your wrist. We’ll also share a few tips on what tools to use, what to watch out for, and when it’s best to call in the pros.

Key Takeaways:

• Proper Tools are Essential: Always use the correct screwdriver (usually 1.6mm for Oyster and 1.4mm for Jubilee) and a bracelet holder to avoid scratching your watch.
• Patience is Key: Take your time. Rushing is how screws get stripped or bracelets scratched.
• Balance is Important: Remove an equal number of links on each side of the clasp. This helps maintain the watch’s balance on your wrist.
• Loctite for Security: Using Loctite 222 (purple) on the screw threads will prevent the screws from loosening over time.

Whether you’re new to Rolex or already deep into the hobby, this guide will show you how to size your bracelet properly and avoid common mistakes.

Why You Might Need to Remove Links from Your Rolex

The most frequent reason to adjust a bracelet is after purchase for initial sizing. Even if you bought your Rolex from an authorized dealer, you’ll probably still need to tweak it a bit to get that perfect fit. After all, each person’s wrist is different and some people’s wrists are wider or thinner than others.

Another reason to adjust the bracelet is a change in wrist size. Changes in weight, temperature, or even time of day can make your bracelet feel tighter or looser. Many watch owners find that their bracelets tend to feel tighter in the summer or after exercise, while others may need to adjust their bracelets for seasonal changes in wrist size. If you are in the process of selling or gifting your Rolex, you may also want to remove links to return the bracelet to a neutral size for the next owner.

Tools and Materials Needed for Rolex Link Removal

Having the right tools makes all the difference when adjusting your Rolex bracelet. Quality tools protect your investment and make the process much easier. Here’s what you’ll need:

Tool	Description
Jeweler’s Screwdriver Set	High-quality set with a range of very small flathead bits (diamond-shaped is good). You’ll need a 1.6mm hollow-ground screwdriver for most Rolex Oyster bracelets.
Watch Bracelet Holder	A block (plastic or wood) with slots to clamp the bracelet in place, to stop it moving while you work on it and to prevent it from getting scratched.
Spring Bar Tool	Handy to have in case you need to remove the bracelet from the case.
Loctite 222 (Purple)	Low-strength threadlocker to lock the screws in place so they don’t keep working loose, but which can still be removed if needed.
Soft Cloth	To protect the face and bracelet from scratches.
Small Tray or Container	To hold the tiny screws and pins so they don’t get lost.

Invest in quality tools. Trust us, they’ll pay off. Cheap screwdrivers tend to slip, round off screw heads, or leave scratches you’ll later regret. Also, a good bracelet holder keeps the watch from moving when you work on it.

Step-by-Step Guide to Removing Links from a Rolex Bracelet

There are different bracelet styles for Rolex watches, and each style may have a slightly different procedure. Follow the method that is appropriate for your bracelet. There are three main bracelet types: Oyster, Jubilee and President.

How to Remove Links from a Rolex Oyster Bracelet

1. Prepare Your Workspace: Lay a soft cloth on your work surface, line up your tools, and keep a small tray handy for screws.
2. Assess the Fit: Wear the watch on your wrist, then pinch the bracelet to see how much tighter it needs to fit. A good rule of thumb is that you should be able to fit one finger between the bracelet and your wrist. Count the number of links you need to remove.
3. Secure the Bracelet: Place the bracelet in your watch bracelet holder. Be sure it is stable and will not move around during the process. The side of the bracelet with the screw heads should be facing up.
4. Identify the Removable Links: Not all links are removable. You can identify the removable links by the screw heads that you can see. On a Rolex, the removable links are those closest to the clasp. On the underside of the bracelet, there are arrows indicating the direction to turn the screws.
5. Unscrew the Links: Insert the 1.6mm screwdriver into the screw head and turn it counter-clockwise. Use steady pressure, don’t force it.. If the screw does not budge after a few turns, you may need to apply a tiny drop of penetrating oil and let it sit for a few minutes.
6. Remove the Screw Completely: Once the screw is loosened, it should come out easily. Place it immediately in your small tray for screws. The link pin may come out with the screw. If it does not, insert the pointed end of the pin remover tool into the small hole on the opposite side and push through.
7. Separate the Link: With the screw and pin removed, the link will separate from the bracelet. Set aside the removed link.
8. Repeat as Necessary: The best method for removing multiple links is to take away the same number of links from both sides of the clasp. So, to remove four links from your bracelet you’ll take off two links from each side. This keeps the clasp centered on your wrist.
9. Reassemble the Bracelet: Line up the remaining links and insert the pin through the holes. Thread the screw in and turn it clockwise. Apply a tiny drop of Loctite 222 to the screw threads before final tightening. Tighten the screw until it sits flush with the link, but stop before you feel resistance. Too much force can strip the threads.

How to Remove Links from a Rolex Jubilee Bracelet

The Jubilee bracelet, with its five-piece link design, is elegant and dressy. The process for removing links is similar to the Oyster but requires a smaller screwdriver.

1. Prepare Your Workspace: Place a soft cloth on a flat, stable surface. Get your tools ready and within reach, and set out your small tray for screws.
2. Assess the Fit: Like with the Oyster bracelet, wear the watch on your wrist, then pinch the bracelet to see how much tighter it needs to fit. You should be able to fit one finger between the bracelet and your wrist. Count the number of links you need to remove.
3. Secure the Bracelet: Place the bracelet in your watch bracelet holder. Make sure it’s secure and won’t move while you’re working.. The side of the bracelet with the screw heads should be facing up.
4. Locate the Arrows: Flip the bracelet over and find the small arrows that are etched on the links to indicate which direction the screws should be unscrewed.
5. Remove the Screws: Jubilee bracelets usually use 1.4mm screws, which are slightly smaller than the screws on Oyster bracelets. Take note of this size difference to avoid stripping the screw heads. Unscrew each one counter-clockwise. The screws are very small so this can be a slow and delicate process. Make sure your grip on the screwdriver is steady so it doesn’t slip and scratch the bracelet.
6. Take Out the Links: The links will easily pop out after the screws have been removed. The links are more delicate than Oyster bracelet links because of the five-piece construction, so be careful handling them.
7. Balance Your Removal: For optimal fit and balance, always take an equal number of links from both sides of the clasp.
8. Reassemble with Loctite: When reassembling the bracelet, apply a little Loctite 222 to each screw. Tighten the screws just until they are flush, and remember that these screws are smaller than those on Oyster bracelets so are more easily over-tightened.

How to Remove Links from a Rolex President Bracelet

The President bracelet is the Rolex Day-Date collection’s signature bracelet. It’s known for its unique three-piece link design and hidden clasp. While it’s luxurious, it’s also among the collection’s easiest bracelets to adjust.

1. Set Up Your Work Area: Lay a soft cloth on your workspace, line up your tools, and keep a small tray nearby for the screws.
2. Assess the Fit: Wear the watch on your wrist, then pinch the bracelet to see how much tighter it needs to be. Remember, a good rule of thumb is that you should be able to fit one finger between the bracelet and your wrist. Count the number of links you need to remove.
3. Secure the Bracelet: Place the bracelet in your watch bracelet holder. Be sure it is stable and will not move around while you’re working. The side of the bracelet with the screw heads should be facing up.
4. Locate the Screws: Like the Jubilee, the President bracelet features small screws. It also has arrows to indicate the direction for unscrewing the screws.
5. Remove the Screws: Unscrew the bracelet with your 1.4mm screwdriver turning counter-clockwise. The semi-circular links make access to the screws slightly more difficult, so don’t rush.
6. Remove the Links: The links will now be free to separate. The three-piece construction means every piece that’s been removed is a complete unit.
7. Maintain Balance: Like with the other bracelets, make sure to remove an equal number of links from both sides of the clasp. This is doubly important on the President bracelet because of the way the hidden clasp rests on the wrist.
8. Reassemble: Line up the links, insert the pins and re-thread the screws in a little Loctite 222. Make sure the screws are flush with the bracelet.

How to Reassemble the Rolex Bracelet Securely

After you remove the links you need, you need to put your bracelet back together correctly. If your bracelet is reassembled poorly, it can fall apart, resulting in a lost or broken watch.

Line up the remaining links as best you can. The holes in the links should match up evenly. If you feel like the pin isn’t going in, stop. Use a gentle wiggling motion with very light pressure. The pin should go through without excessive force. Once the pin is through, thread the screw in by hand first to ensure it’s catching the threads. Use the screwdriver once it’s hand tight.

Apply a very small amount of Loctite 222 to the screw threads before you tighten the screw all the way. Loctite 222 is a threadlocker designed for small screws and fasteners. It’s used because the screws can loosen over time with the movement of your wrist. A small drop on each screw is all you need.

Reassembly Tips:

• Use Loctite Sparingly: Avoid using too much threadlocker because it can make future adjustments difficult and may seep onto the bracelet surface.
• Don’t Overtighten: Tighten until the screw head is flush with the surface of the link, then stop. Overtightening can strip the threads or damage the link.
• Check Your Work: After reassembly, give the bracelet a gentle tug on both sides of where you removed the links to ensure everything is secure.
• Test the Fit: Wear the watch for a few minutes, move around, and make sure the fit feels right before considering the job complete.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Adjusting Your Rolex Bracelet

Even experienced watch owners can make mistakes when adjusting a bracelet. Here are the most common pitfalls and how to avoid them:

• Using the Wrong Screwdriver: This is the most common reason links are scratched and screw heads are damaged. Check that you have the appropriate screwdriver size for your bracelet before starting.
• Working on a Hard Surface: If your watch slips on a hard surface like a wooden desktop or glass table, it can easily get scratched. Always work on a soft cloth or a specialized watch mat.
• Rushing the Process: Stripped screws and scratched links are almost always the result of someone hurrying. Give yourself a half hour and take your time.
• Removing Links from Only One Side: This will throw the watch out of balance and make it sit uncomfortably on the wrist. Always remove the same number of links from both sides of the clasp.
• Losing the Screws: Those little screws are crazy easy to lose. Work in a clean space with no clutter, and immediately put each screw in your container as you remove it.
• Forgetting to Use Loctite: The screws on these bracelets will gradually work themselves loose from everyday wear if you don’t use a threadlocker. This can lead to links or even entire watches being lost.
• Overtightening: If you overtighten, you can damage the threads and the screw won’t hold right. Once that happens, you’ll need to replace the link.
• Not Checking the Arrows: Some people think that the screws all turn the same way, but Rolex put arrows on their bracelets for a reason. Always check before you turn.

Ensuring a Perfect Fit for Your Rolex

The right bracelet fit is what turns a beautiful watch into one you’ll actually love wearing every day. Follow this guide and you can be confident your Rolex is fitting you perfectly. Spend the time it takes to adjust your bracelet properly and you will enjoy your watch even more and protect your investment for years to come. If it’s too loose or too tight, it’s not just uncomfortable. It can also cause unnecessary wear and tear over time.

At Bob’s Watches we know a great fitting watch is essential. Whether you’ve just picked up a new watch or are resizing a family heirloom, we hope you have found this guide useful. If you’re looking to add a new Rolex to your collection, you can view our wide range of pre-owned Rolex watches. We have a team of experts on hand to help with any questions you may have about your timepiece.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rolex Link Removal

Yes, you can usually remove a Rolex link yourself. It’s pretty simple once you’ve got the right tools, and many owners handle it at home. Still, if you’re not comfortable working with tiny screws or your watch has sentimental value, it’s never a bad idea to let a jeweler or watchmaker handle it. The small fee is well worth the peace of mind. Prices depend on where you go, and your relationship to the jeweler. Many authorized Rolex dealers will do this service for free, especially if you bought the watch from them. Independent jewelers will typically charge between $10 and $30 for link removal. Some boutique watch shops may charge more, especially in big cities. Of course, if you already own the proper tools, the DIY approach is free except for your time, of course. The links are adjusted by unscrewing the small screws that hold the links together with a small screwdriver. The number of links to be removed is first determined by trying the watch on. The bracelet is then placed in a holder, the removable links (marked with arrows on their underside) are identified and then carefully unscrewed in the indicated direction. An equal number of links is removed from each side of the clasp. It is then reassembled with Loctite threadlocker. Many Rolex clasps also have a micro adjustment setting, which allows you to adjust the length in small increments without the hassle of removing links. You can normally have up to 4 or 5 links removed from each side of a regular Rolex bracelet. This will depend slightly on the model and bracelet type. If you find that you need to remove more than 8 to 10 links from a standard Rolex bracelet, you may be wearing the wrong bracelet size for your wrist. Vintage Rolex models and watches with aftermarket bracelets can have different specifications, so be sure to check your specific watch before making any permanent changes.