Loose pin on a CW bracelet

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Kip
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Re: Loose pin on a CW bracelet

Post by Kip »

H0rati0 wrote: Mon Jan 25, 2021 9:19 am
Kip wrote: Sun Jan 24, 2021 8:16 pm Remove the pin and collar.

Take a small pair of cutting pliers and squeeze (gently) the collar in the center to close it up a bit. Test by pushing in the pin to make certain the pin doesn't drop through before reassembly. Not the best solution, but usually works if you don't have spare collars about.
Kip, if you'll indulge me I should like to ask do you know why this happens from your experience? If the pin and collar have been cozy for some time, why should it suddenly work loose - unless there is wear? In which case a new pin/collar would be the definitive solution?

Thanks

nik
Usually it is just wear and tear over time. Dirt can be another issue that also can cause premature wear. Sometimes dirt/body cheese that gets in can actually help hold a wearing pin/collar and when it gets clean(ed) the pins get loose. More frequently this happens on links that have been involved in the adjustment process of a bracelet, but not always.

Yes, a new pin collar would be the best solution, but these are not always readily available. A local watch repair place may have some.
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StrapMeister
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Re: Loose pin on a CW bracelet

Post by StrapMeister »

JAFO wrote: Mon Jan 25, 2021 12:21 pm It's not easy to source pins and collars, is it?
Kip wrote: Mon Jan 25, 2021 12:46 pm Yes, a new pin collar would be the best solution, but these are not always readily available. A local watch repair place may have some.
Try here: https://www.cousinsuk.com/category/fitt ... -bracelets
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H0rati0
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Re: Loose pin on a CW bracelet

Post by H0rati0 »

Kip wrote: Mon Jan 25, 2021 12:46 pm
H0rati0 wrote: Mon Jan 25, 2021 9:19 am
Kip wrote: Sun Jan 24, 2021 8:16 pm Remove the pin and collar.

Take a small pair of cutting pliers and squeeze (gently) the collar in the center to close it up a bit. Test by pushing in the pin to make certain the pin doesn't drop through before reassembly. Not the best solution, but usually works if you don't have spare collars about.
Kip, if you'll indulge me I should like to ask do you know why this happens from your experience? If the pin and collar have been cozy for some time, why should it suddenly work loose - unless there is wear? In which case a new pin/collar would be the definitive solution?

Thanks

nik
Usually it is just wear and tear over time. Dirt can be another issue that also can cause premature wear. Sometimes dirt/body cheese that gets in can actually help hold a wearing pin/collar and when it gets clean(ed) the pins get loose. More frequently this happens on links that have been involved in the adjustment process of a bracelet, but not always.

Yes, a new pin collar would be the best solution, but these are not always readily available. A local watch repair place may have some.
Thanks for that Kip, I do like to understand the root cause if possible.

nik
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Re: Loose pin on a CW bracelet

Post by JAFO »

It would be very handy if all bracelet manufacturers supplied extra pins (and collars if applicable) with any bracelet/watch purchased. Hardly any cost at all, surely, and such a benefit to the recipient. CW, and other manufacturers should also have spare links for sale, should a bracelet not be long enough, although that's probably a rare event. The problem in that case is generally lost links.
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Re: Loose pin on a CW bracelet

Post by jkbarnes »

If (when?) it happens again, I’ll try swapping for another pin/collar set from an extra link. Hopefully that will take care of it....assuming it happens again.
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Re: Loose pin on a CW bracelet

Post by rkovars »

JAFO wrote: Mon Jan 25, 2021 2:28 pm It would be very handy if all bracelet manufacturers supplied extra pins (and collars if applicable) with any bracelet/watch purchased. Hardly any cost at all, surely, and such a benefit to the recipient. CW, and other manufacturers should also have spare links for sale, should a bracelet not be long enough, although that's probably a rare event. The problem in that case is generally lost links.
Half links would be a plus as well.
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tikkathree
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Re: Loose pin on a CW bracelet

Post by tikkathree »

JAFO wrote: Mon Jan 25, 2021 12:21 pm It's not easy to source pins and collars, is it?
Previously I've sourced similar items for an Omega bracelet and, frankly, they are priced way in excess of their material value! :silent: :silent: :silent:
C60 MKI, MKII, MKIII: "some",
C6 & C60 Kingfishers,
C600 Tritechs,
C63 "some",
C65 "some",
C4, C40, C8, C9, C3, C5, C20 & 23FLE
Some other brands
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richtel
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Re: Loose pin on a CW bracelet

Post by richtel »

There’s a compression detent in the centre of the collar which matches a corresponding ‘dent’ in the centre of the pin which together provide a very positive click when the pin has been pushed home as well as stopping it coming back out. It’s feasible that the detent in the collar may have been broached out when an adjustment tool has been used.

Kip’s suggestion to slightly compress the collar is good. I might be tempted to very gently tap a knife edge across the collar indent.
Rich

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