Replacing watch bracelets yourself...?

zuckuss07 · 06-17-2016, 10:20 PM

Hey guys,

I recently just starting to get into timepieces. I picked up a decent entry level Tudor piece with a stainless bracelet which is nice, however, I like to swap between that and a NATO strap during the warmer time of the year.

As I've come to learn, most newer style watches use spring pins to attach the band to the case. What tools do you guys use to swap out bands? Or do you have an AD do it for you every time you wish to swap out bands or bracelets?

Seems a little cumbersome to have a dealer do it everytime.

overcoil · 06-17-2016, 10:33 PM

This might be useful

http://www.tztoolshop.com/FB_Catalog..._Removers.html

jtodd_fl · 06-18-2016, 08:36 AM

I went with a Minathor "Swiss army" knife. A little pricey, but has lots of good tools.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/WENGER-BERGE...-/160659860657

Sephiroth · 06-18-2016, 10:47 AM

http://www.ofrei.com/page235.html

Likely every tool you would ever need is available there

porshah · 06-19-2016, 08:23 PM

Bergeon Spring Bar 6767-F has been my most valuable tool for this task. Good steady hand and lighting will go a long way.

Aatish · 06-20-2016, 12:49 AM

I got a little screw driver kit from Joanne Fabrics. Does the job well.

csu87 · 06-20-2016, 10:36 AM

I use either a small flathead screwdriver or a thin knife. I change out my straps every few months to keep it interesting.

TortugaX5 · 06-20-2016, 02:47 PM

Depending on the model of Tudor you've purchased you may need to get two tools. If your SS bracelet has removable lugs, you'll want to get yourself a pair of needle nose tweezers to help you toggle both pins at once to secure the lug to the case and bracelet to the lug.

I own a 79260 Tudor Prince Date - a real treat to own and I swap between leather, stainless, and perlon bracelets.

https://www.amazon.com/Bergeon-6767-...pring+bar+tool

https://www.amazon.com/Needle-Stainl...zers+for+watch

PS. Don't let a dealer do any of this work, they are essentially taking money from you. When doing cosmetic work the main requirements are patience and a steady hand. Bring it in when it stops working...

Irishsig · 06-20-2016, 03:24 PM

You'll also want to get a screw case back opener for battery replacement.
They usually charge $20 for 5 min of work of swapping out battery.

http://www.ebay.com/sch/sis.html?_nk...72.m2749.l2658

csu87 · 06-21-2016, 08:22 AM

Does Tudor even have a quartz movement?

OP, for a case back opener, get one of the rubber ball openers. I havent come across a case back that I couldnt open with it, and it is easy to use and doesnt scratch up the back. Ive taken off 40 year old watch backs on Divers that im pretty sure were never removed during the life of the watch with them.

https://www.amazon.com/Friction-Ball.../dp/B0058EDAUA

finaloption · 06-22-2016, 09:01 AM

+1 for Bergeon tool

i prefer the 6111 over the 6767-F

quality product

06-17-2016, 10:20 PM	#1
zuckuss07 Private First Class 32 Rep 114 Posts Drives: F30 328i M 6-Speed Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: SoCal iTrader: (0)	Replacing watch bracelets yourself...? Hey guys, I recently just starting to get into timepieces. I picked up a decent entry level Tudor piece with a stainless bracelet which is nice, however, I like to swap between that and a NATO strap during the warmer time of the year. As I've come to learn, most newer style watches use spring pins to attach the band to the case. What tools do you guys use to swap out bands? Or do you have an AD do it for you every time you wish to swap out bands or bracelets? Seems a little cumbersome to have a dealer do it everytime.
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

06-17-2016, 10:33 PM	#2
overcoil Major General 3135 Rep 5,582 Posts Drives: M235i 6spd Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Mid-Atlantic iTrader: (0)	This might be useful http://www.tztoolshop.com/FB_Catalog..._Removers.html
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-18-2016, 08:36 AM	#3
jtodd_fl 2nd Asst to Dept Undersecretary 6709 Rep 1,298 Posts Drives: People crazy Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Florida iTrader: (0) Garage List 2015 F82 M4 [9.00] 2016 F87 M2 [0.00] 2011 E92 M3 [0.00]	I went with a Minathor "Swiss army" knife. A little pricey, but has lots of good tools. http://www.ebay.com/itm/WENGER-BERGE...-/160659860657 __________________ This space for rent.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-18-2016, 10:47 AM	#4
Sephiroth 4-6-8 242 Rep 990 Posts Drives: for the fun of it Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Jax, FL iTrader: (1)	http://www.ofrei.com/page235.html Likely every tool you would ever need is available there __________________ M3 E46 PY/Black S2000 AP2 GPW/Tan
	Appreciate 3 Quote

06-19-2016, 08:23 PM	#5
porshah Lieutenant 200 Rep 597 Posts Drives: M4, R8, Huracan - All topdown Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Fairfield, NJ iTrader: (5) Garage List 2018 Audi R8 V10 Sp ... [0.00] 2021 BMW 330e xDrive [0.00] 2017 Lamborghini Hu ... [9.50] 2016 BMW M4 Convert ... [0.00]	Bergeon Spring Bar 6767-F has been my most valuable tool for this task. Good steady hand and lighting will go a long way.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-20-2016, 12:49 AM	#6
Aatish Lofty 3476 Rep 849 Posts Drives: i4 M50, 991.2 C2, RRS Diesel Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: ORD <> ATX iTrader: (0)	I got a little screw driver kit from Joanne Fabrics. Does the job well.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-20-2016, 10:36 AM	#7
csu87 Banned 2131 Rep 3,553 Posts Drives: 09 335xi Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Northern Colorado iTrader: (0)	I use either a small flathead screwdriver or a thin knife. I change out my straps every few months to keep it interesting.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-20-2016, 02:47 PM	#8
TortugaX5 Private First Class 94 Rep 159 Posts Drives: 2016 F15 X5 X35i Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: Columbus, OH iTrader: (0)	Depending on the model of Tudor you've purchased you may need to get two tools. If your SS bracelet has removable lugs, you'll want to get yourself a pair of needle nose tweezers to help you toggle both pins at once to secure the lug to the case and bracelet to the lug. I own a 79260 Tudor Prince Date - a real treat to own and I swap between leather, stainless, and perlon bracelets. https://www.amazon.com/Bergeon-6767-...pring+bar+tool https://www.amazon.com/Needle-Stainl...zers+for+watch PS. Don't let a dealer do any of this work, they are essentially taking money from you. When doing cosmetic work the main requirements are patience and a steady hand. Bring it in when it stops working... __________________
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-20-2016, 03:24 PM	#9
Irishsig In Hoc 316 Rep 626 Posts Drives: 2016 M4 6MT MG/SO Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: SoCal iTrader: (1) Garage List 2016 BMW M4 [0.00]	You'll also want to get a screw case back opener for battery replacement. They usually charge $20 for 5 min of work of swapping out battery. http://www.ebay.com/sch/sis.html?_nk...72.m2749.l2658 __________________ 2016 M4 MG/SO 6MT- Max PSI Intakes - BMS Stage 1 - Swift Spec R - CG Precision Valve controller - 20" DPE Flowtech 5S - AA Midpipe & all the external CF goodies. Last edited by Irishsig; 06-20-2016 at 03:57 PM..
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-21-2016, 08:22 AM	#10
csu87 Banned 2131 Rep 3,553 Posts Drives: 09 335xi Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Northern Colorado iTrader: (0)	Does Tudor even have a quartz movement? OP, for a case back opener, get one of the rubber ball openers. I havent come across a case back that I couldnt open with it, and it is easy to use and doesnt scratch up the back. Ive taken off 40 year old watch backs on Divers that im pretty sure were never removed during the life of the watch with them. https://www.amazon.com/Friction-Ball.../dp/B0058EDAUA
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-22-2016, 09:01 AM	#11
finaloption Captain 189 Rep 632 Posts Drives: '13 f30 n26 Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: NYC iTrader: (0)	+1 for Bergeon tool i prefer the 6111 over the 6767-F quality product
	Appreciate 0 Quote