• Tired of adverts on RWI? - Subscribe by clicking HERE and PMing Trailboss for instructions and they will magically go away!

SEL mod for VSF 126610

WatchSmith.US

-- Watchmaker --
Vendor (Watch Repair)
Certified
13/3/16
1,289
2,007
113


The end links on the VSF 126610 are excellent, but the recession can be made a little better at the end of the link where it becomes nearly flush with the lug.

I used a bracelet puller to dismantle the bracelet so I have full access to the end links for filing and fitting. This watch has been worn a lot so you'll see plenty of nicks and scuffs from daily wear.

After filing to fit I used a 400 grit polishing stick to smooth the steel and remove the file marks. Everything was done by holding the links in by my fingers which is pretty awkward, and I'd probably build a special holding fixture if I did these all the time.

Is this mod necessary? No, it's terribly time consuming and probably not for everyone.
 

scottiedog

I'm Pretty Popular
15/7/16
1,404
394
83
Well, that's awesome! Thanks for showing your process. Great job.

Just wondering, how long did the filing/smoothing take? Cheers.
 
Last edited:

Rehaut19

This member is doing hard time, they pissed off the goat.
INMATE
30/12/20
517
332
0
Great work!
 

WatchSmith.US

-- Watchmaker --
Vendor (Watch Repair)
Certified
13/3/16
1,289
2,007
113
Well, that's awesome! Thanks for showing your process. Great job.

Just wondering, how long did the filing/smoothing take? Cheers.

It takes me a couple of hours. You file and then check fit, file some more , check fit, etc.
 
  • Like
Reactions: KJ2020

Hazing

And So It Begins... Again
9/5/19
5,185
4,441
113
I’ve often thought about doing this but not for the end links, mainly or basically I’ve the entire bracelet to give it that more gen like softer edge. I’d love to make a bracelet more genlike but I often question whether I have the nerve. And time.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

mrlemonjello

Known Member
22/4/20
111
26
28
How was it using the bracelet tools? I’m about to order the puller. I’m wondering if I can get away with not getting the squeezer. Maybe a vise with some shims could do the same. The prices are a bit eye watering.
 

KJ2020

Time Traveler
Supporter
12/3/18
34,663
66,755
113
How was it using the bracelet tools? I’m about to order the puller. I’m wondering if I can get away with not getting the squeezer. Maybe a vise with some shims could do the same. The prices are a bit eye watering.

You can use a vice and some boards

j2HmnE.jpg


j2Hi22.jpg
 
  • Like
Reactions: mrlemonjello

mrlemonjello

Known Member
22/4/20
111
26
28
KJ2020 thanks for the pic. That’s actually a lot easier looking than the contraption I dreamed up. And it’ll save me a gazillion dollars on the assembly tool.
 
  • Like
Reactions: KJ2020

KJ2020

Time Traveler
Supporter
12/3/18
34,663
66,755
113
KJ2020 thanks for the pic. That’s actually a lot easier looking than the contraption I dreamed up. And it’ll save me a gazillion dollars on the assembly tool.

Tape up the boards or the link edges if they are polshed. These link edges were brushed.
 
  • Like
Reactions: mrlemonjello

mrlemonjello

Known Member
22/4/20
111
26
28
My tool finally arrived. Been practicing on an old Noob bracelet. Is there a way to disassemble without marring the links? Or is that just part of the deal? I’m surprised at how tight I need to crank it down, and it still slips sometimes. In the esslinger video, they guy barely tightens it.

I am having some better luck by clamping onto the outside half of the links, instead of the entire link- I think the pressure from the clamp might have been squeezing the pins and making it harder to separate. I may abandon this project and try to find someone smarter than I am to do it.
 

KJ2020

Time Traveler
Supporter
12/3/18
34,663
66,755
113
My tool finally arrived. Been practicing on an old Noob bracelet. Is there a way to disassemble without marring the links? Or is that just part of the deal? I’m surprised at how tight I need to crank it down, and it still slips sometimes. In the esslinger video, they guy barely tightens it.

I am having some better luck by clamping onto the outside half of the links, instead of the entire link- I think the pressure from the clamp might have been squeezing the pins and making it harder to separate. I may abandon this project and try to find someone smarter than I am to do it.

Tip for better gripping and no marring in the thread below

SEL Swap - DIY
 
  • Like
Reactions: mrlemonjello

elflako17

Active Member
Supporter
Certified
2/7/21
269
150
43
It takes me a couple of hours. You file and then check fit, file some more , check fit, etc.

Is this something you would offer or do if i was willing to send mine to mod it?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

och

Known Member
19/4/22
175
34
28
I did some reading but just to confirm the dimensions for 126610:

- solid end links are 21mm
- bracelets are 21mm

I am buying some from China so just wants to be sure.