[Mike295855]

Okay, before I begin, Zin please do not kill me .

Tonight I decided to remove a link from my PO since I felt I may want it to be a little snug on me. Now, this is not my first time doing this. My invicta's have had their links removed by me in the past without any problem. However, I have known--from fellow members on this board--that remove the pins in an Omega can be rather difficult. Well, I attempted to do this tonight and I am somewhat worried as to what I have seen. I will be providing pictures to illustrate what I have done.

First picture:

Here you will see my Omega with a link already remove and a pin sticking out. My link remover pushes the pin up to this point but it is very hard to pull out. So, I took my leatherman and pulled the pin out. Now, before anyone screams at me, I had no choice and this seemed like the only way possible. As many of you know there are arrows on the links, which I assume, are showing you the direction you need to insert them. So, is it safe and correct to say that if you want to remove them you go the opposite way? That is what I did.

Second picture:

This is the one that scared me the most. As I was pushing this pin out, in the direction of the green arrow, a little piece of the pin fell out which about gave me a heart attack. The pick is labled with a "1" and where it came from is labled with a "2". IS THIS NORMAL?!!?!

EDIT: I have come to realize what that little pin that fell out is. It is actually the mechanism that I have to push the pins out. It actually broke. So, I can report that none of the Omega pins broke.


Third and last picture::

You will see here my technologically advanced pin and link remover. If you have any recommendation on a better one please refer me to a link.

 

[Mike295855]

I went here to look at better quality ones but I am at a loss for which one to purchase. Do any of you recommend anything here?

http://www.ofrei.com/page237.html

 

[Mike295855]

Okay, I think I have to apologize for all the craziness here. I was able to put the link back together. Nevertheless, I still need confirmation on the arrows and whether I am right in the assumption I made. Additionally, I need someone to recommend a pin remover from ofrei that they may use or know is great because the one I have is just no good.

I am so sorry for the inconvenience. Oh by the way, in putting the pins back, I had no choice other than hammer them back in GENTLY. Then when I got close to the link I just pushed them back in with the link remover. Is that okay?

 

[Wally]

Uh-oh

Mike, the arrow engraved on the band indicates the direction you PUSH the pins outwards. So according to your photo's green arrow, you are right in that you did the procedure backwards. Doing so backwards requires immense force to be exerted on the middle pin, which may ultimately break the middle collar pin (or sweater pin, or jacket pin) which you've labeled as '1'.

When I adjust the bracelet on my 2254, I always push in the direction of the arrows to get the pin out, and then push in the direction of your green arrow to insert them back in. None of the process requires any hammering at all. When inserting the pins back, I just insert the sweater pin inside the middle link (it's a bit more complicated on a 2254 bracelet compared to the PO due to the ridges), line up the longer pin, and push the longer pin in easily by pressing it down against a book or any hard surface. When it's in far enough, I also finish the job by using the link remover like you described.

The pin pusher I use is not from Ofrei. Since we're not allowed to directly link to commercial sites that are not sponsors of this forum, I'll just leave you a hint on where to find it: type "omega pin pusher" into google and click on the first website on the list.

 

[LarryD]

Sorry Mike....you guessed wrong..

The arrow is the direction for removing the pins..
The pin fits into a sleeve inside the link. The pins have a tapered crimp that pressses a bit into the sleeve to hold everything together..

If you managed to get a pin out you will notice that the crimp is about a third of the way along the pin..

If you tried to remove the pin the wrong way (which you did) then you were pushing the tapered crimp all the way through the sleeve and out the other side....

Once you get everything sorted out.....replace the pin against the arrow, and insert the smooth portion first. Don't forget the sleeves..

:cool1:

 

[Mike295855]

Oh boy. Thank you guys. Does this mean I damaged the bracelet? Should I buy new pins, if so I know ofrei may have them but which pin and sleeve would I be looking for?

 

[symtech]

Hey Mike, I don't think the bracelet is damaged but it might be a good thing to get replacement pin and collar. The one you have now might be your weakekest link and you don't want your watch to fall on a concrete floor. I'm not sure about the model but ofrei has all the parts in the bracelet section for Omega

I sent you a pm with some info on bracelet sizing.

You no longer need to know about the arrows and what they mean but there is good info on bracelet. :biggrin:

Have a good evening

 

[ru06]

Thanks, guy, for the very informative information. I think I read a thread similar to this one on the old (now the Archived) forum, but it was nice to see it all again!

 

[Mike295855]

Thank you everyone. Thank you symtech.

I am still wondering about the pins and and sleeves that I need for my PO. So, if anyone knows please let me know, because on ofrei there are several and I don't know which one it is. Thanks again

 

[symtech]

Mike, look at this link. http://www.ofrei.com/page584.html

You should be able to find some info for your parts. The serial for your bracelet is located on the back of the clasp behind the locking pin. I am making any sense, you will see something like 1610/930. There is an Omega logo beside it.

You can also email or call otto, they will guide you to find the exact part you need

Marc

 

[Houston]

Hey Mike

You're a very brave fella. I ain't gonna kill you but that operation above would kill me!!! The guys will lead you the right way.

Years and years ago I used to resize my own bracelets. Those were my pre-WIS days when I gave no thought about placing any memorable etchings on a watch. Now older, I'd like to think I'm a little WISer and venture not where I have no expertise.


Be well pal

ZIN

 

[Mike295855]

Mike, look at this link. http://www.ofrei.com/page584.html

You should be able to find some info for your parts. The serial for your bracelet is located on the back of the clasp behind the locking pin. I am making any sense, you will see something like 1610/930. There is an Omega logo beside it.

You can also email or call otto, they will guide you to find the exact part you need

Marc

I see. I will probably e-mail/call Otto because I do not know which pin and sleeve I need.

 

[beamon]

I see. I will probably e-mail/call Otto because I do not know which pin and sleeve I need.

Better to research it and know exactly what pin and sleeve is required. Frei has a short fuse when it comes to folk, not in the business, calling or emailing and expecting them to do the legwork.

All the arguments as to the correctness of this policy, notwithstanding, it is their policy and we're stuck with it if we choose to deal with them!

 

[diver88]

Mike,

you guys may have already covered this but I have the same kind of pin pusher you seem to have. the pin on the device is not generally long enough to do the job. also the plastic is not stout enough to get it done.

being afraid I'd goof something up (and I am a do-it-yourselfer) I took it to a watchmaker and got him to do it and HE had a difficult time.
so I'm afriad with the sleeves and heavy duty pin pushers I'll always leave that to the experts. oh , and ofrei.com has the pins and sleeves I'm sure, I think when I looked you get a bag of 10..... or you could just find a local AD and they may be able to help you...good luck:thumbup1:

diver88

BTW, Roger speakes the truth, Ofrei does not like questions, I'm glad it wasn't just me.. they have the parts but they could never be accused of being friendly.

 

[Houston]

What a grumpy buzzard Mr Ofrei is.

If unsure Mike, you can always call up an Omega AD, Service Center or email Maria Mastrodonato on

[email protected]

She's everyone's favourite Omega lady in Bienne


Weekend wishes

ZIN

 

[Mike295855]

Here was his response:

"On top of that page it says bracelet numbers are stamped on clasp. A lot of information on a lot of pages. I do not have all model number information either, so I do not have your bracelet number information. We can provide parts, once you use number on clasp to order with.

I also notice that that page is one of the few that does not have the email requirement request to supply phone number as well, since ordering by phone is quicker for all.

My business number is 510 599 4890 and is direct line to me.

Bob Frei
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T"

I am sure he gets a lot of e-mails that do not make sense. I learnt my lesson-- I should've read the page in more detail. Now I know. Thanks everyone for the kind help.

 

[timefinder]

I do not think I could remove links on any watch I own. Unless they were the old screw down types. Even then, I am hesitant.

 

[aaron]

Hey Mike,

Welcome to DIY.:lol::lol:Zin loves these stories as it scares him so much.:lol:

With the bracelet adjustment you have discovered the direction by the arrows.Follow the direction for in and out.

Also you will note the pin is actually held fast by the friction bush/pin.To ensure the unit is still servicable ensure the long pin is not broken or severely damaged.Once reassemble the correct way ensure the pin is secure in the bracelet link.

If it is held tight without movement everything is OK.If you have problems I would pop down to an AD as they will most likely have these pins laying around,otherwise as discovered Ofreis is an alternative.

In regards to tools buy the best you can afford as there is substitute for quality.I prefer using a punch amd a small hammer instead of the press as I find I have a better feel.The press style where the bracelet is flat and the pin is pushed to the side by screwing a knob is okay but if there is a problem you wont feel it and push through the problem possibly causing damage.

Depending on you punch/press tool lenght grabbing the otherside of the pin by pliers is fine.Just ensure you dont bend or crush the pin.

The big thing to remember is give it a good tug when back together so the bracelet is tested for strenth and the pins are secure.:thumbup1:

 

[Houston]

Hey you talkin' 'bout me pal ...

:biggrin::biggrin::biggrin:


I'm a watch conservationist :thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:


Be well now

ZIN

 

[bczolone]

In regards to tools buy the best you can afford as there is substitute for quality.I prefer using a punch amd a small hammer instead of the press as I find I have a better feel.The press style where the bracelet is flat and the pin is pushed to the side by screwing a knob is okay but if there is a problem you wont feel it and push through the problem possibly causing damage.

Depending on you punch/press tool lenght grabbing the otherside of the pin by pliers is fine.Just ensure you dont bend or crush the pin.

Same thing I do: I bought a small ball-peen plastic/resign hammer along with small cheap punches I can grind down to fit. My Seamaster bracelet was much easier than my Seiko with sleeves also...but as aaron said is exaclty how I do mine...scary huh?