Bracelets can easily be fitted and removed on older Rolex watches with the housing holes. To avoid marks on the housing, here is a short guide. It is important to make enough time and work in peace.
For tools, a professional tool for bracelet fitting and removing and a small pocket knife is sufficient. It is not advisable to use tools like toothpicks, especially since the professional tool is not really expensive. The Bergeon Tool No. 6767 (see picture) is recommended, which is available for the price of approx. 25 Euros (20 US$) on the Internet or on the various watch exchanges. Alternatively, you can also use the Sea-Dweller tool from Rolex with the ref. no. 2100, which can be obtained from the concessionaire for about 40 Euros (30 US$).
The removal of the bracelet in housings with perforated horns is very simple. Simply push the tool through the holes and push the bracelet out.
Fitting the bracelet is much more difficult and it can be done very incorrectly, leaving permanent marks on the watch. However, if you proceed in the manner described here, the risk is clearly minimized and it is not quite as complicated as initially thought.
Please note: Something can always go wrong and despite the instructions, the responsibility remains with you.
First, tape the horns to avoid scratches. This step is important and now (almost) nothing can go wrong with regard to scratches in the housing.
Then place the bracelet with the end shear and the spring pin from the back of the case.
First, press one side of the spring bar and press between the horns.
Then carefully press down the second side with the knife and press it between the horns. Caution: Now move gently back and forth and pay attention for the click. The click signals the locking of the spring bar. Finally, the bracelet is supposed to be really solid and not suddenly come out when worn and fall to the ground with the watch simply because the spring bar was not locked into the holes provided for it.
The first side of the bracelet is firm.
The second side is the same as the first. Finished! It wasn’t that hard.
If you are not doing it at the moment, replace the spring bars regularly, because these small elements are heavily loaded and are the only things that hold the bracelet on the case. The 10 Euros (10 US$) per set is worth it, while a lost or repair of the watch is much more expensive.
