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Sizing the New Subaqua GMT's with Aluminum

2102 Views 19 Replies 5 Participants Last post by  CurrentTime
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Ok so it was a total waste of time posting this over there. Let see what happens here.

I've sized my Black Dragon but can't seem to get a perfect fit. It appears that the two small links on each side of the clasp do not come off the watch. So, your only able to get one of the small links off of each side of the watch and then the large links. For me to get a perfect fit I would need to take off one of the other smaller links. When you try to know out either of the pins on either side it doesn't move, not an inch. You also can't replace a large link with the smaller links.

Is anyone else having this issue with the newer Subaqua bracelets?
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which model are you speaking of - do you have model number or picture please.
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TVDinner wrote:
which model are you speaking of - do you have model number or picture please.
This question pertains to any of the new models with the aluminum center links. The exact one I am talking about is the Black Dragon, 6167.

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damn - I do not have that model. My SAN are different. I am sure someone here has one and should be able to help.
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Does it have any micro-adjustment to the clasp?

Darius, this may not be helpful at all, but it's the only experience I have . . .

When I swapped bracelets/rubber straps on my SAIIIs, I noticed that it was helpful to stick the screwdriver into one of the screwheads and force it to spin around in the link hole (breaking free of the Loctite) before trying to take off one of the end caps. Then I pushed the remaining portion of the screw/tube out with a toothpick.

I have not attempted to remove any of the smaller screws, beyond the bolts that hold the bracelet/band to the case. My suggestion is based on the assumption that they will look like this when removed . . .





Also, I don't have my bracelet SAIIIs in front of me anymore, but I recall that on my 7750, the smaller links were push pins on one end and screws on the other.

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CurrentTime wrote:
Does it have any micro-adjustment to the clasp?

Darius, this may not be helpful at all, but it's the only experience I have . . .

When I swapped bracelets/rubber straps on my SAIIIs, I noticed that it was helpful to stick the screwdriver into one of the screwheads and force it to spin around in the link hole (breaking free of the Loctite) before trying to take off one of the end caps. Then I pushed the remaining portion of the screw/tube out with a toothpick.

I have not attempted to remove any of the smaller screws, beyond the bolts that hold the bracelet/band to the case. My suggestion is based on the assumption that they will look like this when removed . . .





Also, I don't have my bracelet SAIIIs in front of me anymore, but I recall that on my 7750, the smaller links were push pins on one end and screws on the other.

I'm actually taking about the other end of the bracelet at the clasp. There are friction pins at the other end. The friction pins at the each end, by the clasp will not come out. I've actually bent my pin punch trying to get them out. Apparently only the links from the second can be removed.
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Sorry to hear about the punch! :(

I realized that you were talking about the link that connects to the clasp . . . (without having a SAIII in front of me) I didn't know if it had the same friction pin (on one end)/screw (on the other end) set-up as the links, further up the bracelet.

In the picture that I posted, it appeared that the link connecting to the clasp was held with a screw. I was just wondering if that screw could be twisted and broken free of the Loctite, before removing the end cap of the screw. The link-part that remains attached to the clasp would then be the "mounting point" for the next link.


EDIT . . .

Now that I look at a pic of the 7751 bracelet, it's a different design than my 7750. It appears that the link at the clasp is held in with a rivet. I've not been very successful, in the past, removing this from similar bracelet designs.

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Hopefully this will give a better idea of what I am saying.







In order to make this bracelet fit better I need to remove one of the second smaller links to put a larger link. In doing this I would be able to use the micro adjustments on the clasp.





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That is very clear. I understand, now. Sorry! :)

I have never seen this design before!

Well, as you mentioned . . . that pin does not look as if it were designed to be removed. Is that an all rubber link (or aluminum)? Almost looks like the link was formed around the pin.

Just looking at it . . . if you were to get that pin out, are the holes/pins compatible for the metal links above?

If they are, and the link is PU rubber, (for me) I would find a way to punch it out with a hammer and nail (or some other "punch-type" devise) until i could grip it with pliers. I would consider doing the same if it were aluminum, but with much more care, and I'd tape off everything to avoid scratches.

But then again, I've done some damage to watches doing things like this.
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To tell you the truth I can't tell what the 1st links are made of. The entire bracelet is light which is quite nice. It appears the end links are metal and the center is possibly aluminum with a rubber coating. The 1st links seem like they could be all rubber or exactly the same as the others. I've hammered the heck out of those first pins and they don't budge. I decided to stop so that I do not cause any damage.

This is really one of the worst designs in a bracelet that I have ever seen. If you have a really large wrist this probably would not be a problem. My wrist is 7" and it fits but I HATE when I go to look at the time and I have to fix the angle or the watch on my wrist to see it. All I need is a slight adjustment but I have adjusted the micro adjustments all the way. The only possibility would be for me to replace one of the smaller 2nd links with a larger one so I can readjust the micro's.

I think I will have to call Invicta just to find out for sure that this design is actually as bad as it is.
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That's incredible - looks like you're basically stuck with half links whether you need them or not!!!

not a good thing!!!

i reviewed your pics and i agree -it does not look like that first pin is removable at all

i would suggest a good watch repairman (to size it) and cross your fingers that he's actually seen/done this before
although maybe not

sorry brother that kinda sucks
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Hopefully, someone will still "pipe in" and give you their experience.

Have you tried to swap the smaller 2nd links with a larger one yet? Hopefully, that will give you a good result.

Otherwise, a trip to the watchmaker (like George mentioned) may be in order.

I sucks that you are going through this! :(
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Just got off the phone with Invicta. According to the girl I spoke to in the technical department the two pins in the first links ARE suppose to come out. Wow! I don't know if I want to bend another pin punch. I might just have to take it to a jewelry store.

I might try one more time and see what happens. I'm not one for slamming the hammer to get the links out but so far that hasn't worked. :%
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Just incredible. Shows 'ya what I know! :lol

Best of luck!
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Yeah

be careful - i bent one on a monster bracelet -unreal!!

you might be better off using a small nail with the point blunted down
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Like I said, EXTREMELY POOR DESIGN! I tried one last time to get one of the pins out and I got it out. As I git it half way out I took another close look before removing it all the way.



In taking another look at the links I realized that even if I got the pin out that the 2nd link is the only one that can go in that position. All the other links are flat on the ends and the 2nd has a groove that is made to attach to the first link. If you look at the picture above you will see that there are no other links like that will fit on the first link, by design.

:eek::eek::eek::eek::eek::eek::eek::eek::eek:


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Sorry to read this!

What are you going to do next.
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I think im seeing a friction pin collar set up.
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CurrentTime wrote:
Sorry to read this!

What are you going to do next.
I'll wear it until I get tired of pulling the dial back to see it. I think it has a really sweet dial so maybe I'll put it on the leather strap. Maybe I ill just get rid of it. Bottom line thought, it gets a lot of wrist time.
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Well, enjoy the time you're giving it!

You were brave challenging that link removal.

You will help others who have no clue, but will now. :)
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