TAG Heuer S/el Link Bracelet Tool - Got one!

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While I have several (and have had even more) SELs, I’ve always wrestled with bracelet sizing. Some links require minimal exertion to take apart and others seem impossible without breaking. It turns out that TH offered an SEL-specific bracelet tool. I just grabbed one via eBay.

I’ll post back my results with it when it arrives. For now, attached is a pic and TH’s info on it.

Any others with experience using this tool?

Update/Note: It appears that at least two versions of the tool exist, another picture added.

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Good luck. I remember taking my wife's Sel to be shortened, they couldn't do it, had to send it back to the service centre!
 
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The right tool for the job! It was literally a snap - one second with the Heuer tool.

I tried opening links from either end without the tool, using many other tools and wedges right up to the damage threshold, but to no avail.

The close portion works just as well. I’m really happy with the purchase.

Pic below shows a single link removal which required the end-link to be removed first, then reinstalled.

 
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Nice! Fortunately my remaining two S/EL's have micro adjust on the clasp so hopefully will never need to get involved in this!
 
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Where can I buy this from? can't see on ebay. Can you provide a link please where to purchase this link removal tool

Thank you
 
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Where can I buy this from? can't see on ebay. Can you provide a link please where to purchase this link removal tool

Thank you
They're not made anymore, so you'll need to check sites like eBay for one.

Most of the time, they're missing parts (commonly the parts in the front jaw).
 
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They're not made anymore, so you'll need to check sites like eBay for one.

Most of the time, they're missing parts (commonly the parts in the front jaw).
Thank you for your reply, I appreciate it. Can i ask, from your experience on a full sel bracelet can ALL the links be removed? or is there a few links that are completely closed and cant be seperated ( the few near the dial, shoulder links im told theyre called). this is in reference to the SEL straps only.

A local jewleler tried to seperate the links and many were damaged and broke so im just wondering if this tool is able to safely seperate all the links

for reference the strap code is BA0423
 
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THANK YOU so much, this is a great help, can you beleive not even the TAG Heuer store knew how many links could be removed, and they even made a phone call and still could not give me an answer.

so from their booklet link you sent it clearly states 4 links form each side can be removed (8 from a full size bracelet)

Thank you for your help

if you sell Tags etc please let me know, sounds like you know a lot about this brand.
 
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FYI, all the links can be opened and removed, for sure. It just doesn’t make sense to remove too many as the clasp would wind up on the side of your wrist!

Also, note that there are at least two varieties of links, those with ball bearings and those without. Hence, two tool versions.

Without the tool, breaking/damaging the links is very easy and likely. I know! With the tool, it’s a snap.

Good luck on the tool search.

P.S. That linked instruction booklet is funny as it doesn’t mention the use of the tool. Maybe after selling millions of these watches, a more efficient, non-specific tool method was needed. Whatever the case, it’s obviously much easier with the correct tool.

P.P.S. I think I figured it out by looking at all my S/EL watches. I’m seeing three bracelet variants. One with all no ball bearing links, a second with no ball bearing links near the watch head, but with ball bearing links near the bracelet, and a third, with all ball bearing links.

I’m surmising this is the evolution of adjustability for the bracelet. The early years required the tool for all adjustments. The middle years allowed for owners to adjust their bracelets, but not fully dissemble them. The latter years permitted full disassembly without the tool. But again, the tool makes it opening and closing easier for any and all links.
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