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Best quality spring bars

Untame
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I just got my first vintage Omega (1973 Genève), and one of the spring bars connecting the bracelet to the case is incorrect (1.5mm instead of 1.8). I would like to replace both of them just for peace of mind. The lug width measures at a tight 9.5mm, and because it is an integrated bracelet it appears to be set up for a quick release spring bar (came with one).

What brand spring bar should I get for the best quality and reliability, and what should be the actual size for this watch?

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Untame
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The 1.8mm quick release has a pin size of 0.9, and the 1.5mm spring bar has a pin size of 0.8. Doubtful that either of these are original.
 
Archer
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I would use Omega bars...they are very good quality.
 
Untame
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Archer Archer
I would use Omega bars...they are very good quality.
How does one go about getting Omega bars?
 
Untame
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The sizing is a bit mystifying. Are they all in round mm lengths? My lug spacing is 9.5mm, and the barrel of the one 1.8mm pin I have measures 9.38mm in length.
 
Untame
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This is proving to be more challenging that I thought. The parts department of Swatch Group USA said that the spring bar is discontinued and not in stock (part number 068ST9908). They did not have any specifications listed in their computer. I am guessing that I will need a 9mm spring bar (1.8mm diameter) because the lug width measures at 9.5mm, and there are no 9.5mm spring bars on the market. I would also assume I need double-flange spring bars because the lugs are not drilled.

So far i cannot find any 9mm double-flanged spring bars from a reputable source, and nothing Swiss-made. (I have an e-mail in to Otto Frei, but nothing is listed on their site.) The only thing I have found is an assortment on Ebay that includes 9mm in the 1.8mm diameter. $25 for the assortment, and I will probably have to get these and hope that they are up to the task. I am nervous trusting Chinese (?) spring bars.

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Untame
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Untame Untame
The sizing is a bit mystifying. Are they all in round mm lengths? My lug spacing is 9.5mm, and the barrel of the one 1.8mm pin I have measures 9.38mm in length.
OK, so I measured both of the bars that came with the watch, and the 1.5mm diameter spring bar collapses to a length of 10mm. I suppose this is possible because only one pin needs to be compressed in order to remove the spring bar. Perhaps I should be looking for a 10mm spring bar (this would be much easier).
 
Archer
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Untame Untame
This is proving to be more challenging that I thought. The parts department of Swatch Group USA said that the spring bar is discontinued and not in stock (part number 068ST9908).

These are not discontinued - they are still available to order. You need to call back and tell them to order them in from Switzerland for you.




Cheers, Al
 
Dsplash
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Hey!
Sorry to somewhat hijack your thread!
Are all the 18mm for various 50/60’ seamasters/seacheros/2639/suverans etc the same? If there is a « one spring bar fits all », I’d be very pleased to get its reference! 😁
Thanks!
 
Untame
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Archer Archer
These are not discontinued - they are still available to order. You need to call back and tell them to order them in from Switzerland for you.

Cheers, Al

Ridiculous. I will call them back.
 
JwRosenthal
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Untame Untame
Ridiculous. I will call them back.
I’ve had this happen with BMW parts where I’m told by the local dealer that it’s not available- but when I provide a part number and tell them to check in Germany, they find it.
Don’t be too surly with the AD, they only go by what’s in front of them. When we can provide more detailed info (like a part number), it takes the guessing out of the equation.
 
Untame
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OK. I called back and ordered them. They are on back order (4-6 weeks). $5 per spring bar. I ordered 4 so I would have a pair of spares for the future. Said they would ship from New Jersey.

Once again, the customer service agent in the parts department seemed annoyed that I had called them.
 
Untame
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JwRosenthal JwRosenthal
I’ve had this happen with BMW parts where I’m told by the local dealer that it’s not available- but when I provide a part number and tell them to check in Germany, they find it.
Don’t be too surly with the AD, they only go by what’s in front of them. When we can provide more detailed info (like a part number), it takes the guessing out of the equation.
Thing was THEY were the ones who gave me the part number and said it was discontinued.
 
JwRosenthal
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Untame Untame
Thing was THEY were the ones who gave me the part number and said it was discontinued.
Ugh. 🙄
 
SkunkPrince
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Untame Untame
Once again, the customer service agent in the parts department seemed annoyed that I had called them.
I've had that experience as well. Fortunately you can still order.
 
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