Patek Philippe

Dear All, I just visited my local AD yesterday, and found that the tiny screws used in the adjustable links of the bracelet of Nautilus have all been changed to the pins. The change is not only limited to the 2012 new versions (e.g. white dial 5711, 5726/...  

This is a bit disappointing. I am about to purchase the 5712. I was confident there were screws in the bracelet. Having switch to pins is a step backwards for Patek.

.... now i wonder why? and in which way is better

3712 for service. I just took it out from the safe and checked the bracelet with a loupe. Luckily there are screws in the bracelet. By the way: has anybody else noticed that the bracelet of 3712 is thinner that the one of 5712? Best, Kari

As I recall, you are correct that the 3712 bracelet is "thinner" than on the 5712--meaning it has slightly less width at the clasp.

I think it is clearly thinner. I am going to Patek when they open and then I'll check. Best, Kari

I have a new 5726/1A that also has the pins. Each link is held in place with 2 pieces, an outer sleeve that is the length of the narrower polished center link and a full-length pin that snap-locks into a detent in the outer sleeve. IMO this is a much more... 

My AD also told me that pin is better than screw in the way that it won't get loosen after a long period of time. But I still think that the vibration generated during hammering the pin is not that good to the delicate movement. Anyway, I have no choice i... 

Does anyone have a pic of the link/pin assembly?

appearance of the screws, they are a better solution to a problem encountered with a number of references. The lady's Twenty-4 was notorious for screws backing out, even after using adhesive. The Nautilus presented other problems with the screws locked do... 

Rolex stopped using pins a long time ago and have used screws very succesfully. Rolex never do anything withut thinking about the long term so I'm left sceptical about the reversion to pins with the Nautilus. I wouldn't buy it based on the use of pins alo... 

The problem with pins is that they wear out and eventually fall out from the bracelet. I had this happen on an Omega bracelet. That is why Omega switched to screws. Rolex bracelets are just superb. The problem with Nautilus bracelet can be that the links ... 

This is a surprise to me. Always imagined they would be more screw-based than otherwise. The problem with pins is more about the problem with the installer. If they're installed by a professional watchmaker, we don't have a problem, if they're installed b... 

I believe that the switch from screws to pins is driven in the name of efficiency in production. Assembly becomes faster compromising i think the some values which they parade in their glossy ads. Patek philippe seal??? Think again. Thats the problem when... 

The problem with pins is that they wear out and eventually fall out from the bracelet. I had this happen on an Omega bracelet. That is why Omega switched to screws. Rolex bracelets are just superb. The problem with Nautilus bracelet can be that the links ... 

Shouldn't everything be top notch, no matter what the cost, and no matter what the difficulty? They never hesitate to add multi-thousands to their watch prices every couple years... This sort of thing bugs me about the brand.

in the least. But, there are a lot of folks who have experienced problems with the screws. I'm not talking so much about "us" (on the forum), as much as the folks who wear the same watch pretty much all of the time. So, I understand Patek's approach, don'... 

The phasing out of old machines in Patek to produce the screw. Everything is done in house but maybe the machine has finally conked out and is end of life? Just guessing...

Just talked to the staff of PP service center in Hong Kong. They confirmed that all Nautilus bracelets are changed to pins. The reasons being numerous incidents of broken screw heads. They said that the screw is glued to the link to avoid loosening, thus ... 

Who's the responsible? Are there so many owners who have tried to set the bracelet? Or are the ADs unable to safely unlock a screw? Come on, these are excuses, before to unscrew the screw you have to heat it for a while and melt the glue... It's just a wa... 

...as you can see the fixing is in two pieces as explained by jim251 and for a watch you may only wear now and again it would be fine but a daily wearer it may be a problem in around 5 years, a friend of mine had her 24 slip off her wrist as the pin had w...  

Hi, I just purchased the Nautilus 5712A. Lovely watch. I want to take out some links from the bracelet. There is no arrow marking on the liks showing in which direction to push out the link. Does it matter in which direction I push the link out? Thank you... 

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At the ADs in Hong Kong, I also saw brand new 5980/1A ( Blue dial and black dial) with screw link recently. But all the white dial 5980/1A are with pin links already. Cheers Henry

Hello, My mother has a Patek Philippe watch and the bracelet it's too tight. If i want to buy a link for the watch how i will proceed? What is the price for one link ? Here is some details of the watch from the authenticity certificate: - Reference: 4830/... 

Both systems work fine and are reasonably easy to change...if you have the right tools. I have a tool set provided by my AD which makes either process straightforward, though of course one needs to be comfortable working with small pieces and tight tolera...