Community Stories

Bracelet Tool?

rob#1
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I just swapped out the NATO for the bracelet on my speedie and used the supplied Omega tool which works great. I hadn’t had the bracelet on for a while and noticed a number of scratches, scrapes, etc. but I figure that it is what it is. After being disappointed when I first scratched a lug, I’m now much more circumspect - the watch is designed to be worn, it’s a tool watch, it’ll get knocked from time to time, if I worry about it it’ll only cause stress, and I have some polywatch. Scratches? I’ll try not to, but if it happens, it happens. I agree with @Darlinboy - taping is for WUSses!

At the end of the day it tells time, looks awesome and I get a buzz looking down at it throughout the day 😀
 
PhilF
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Hands90 Hands90
Honestly I do not understand how people claim to change the straps especially when tapped without scratching the lugs.
I've gone back and forth with this on a number of watches and no matter what I do there will be scratches.

The simple act of taking the bracelet off like this in the Omega manual will scratch your watch lugs.
The spring bars will create hair line scratches (I believe these just don't bother people like they bother me.)

For me I think it's time to break down and buy the Bergeon 7825.
I've determined this is the only way to take off the bracelet.

I wonder what Omega uses? (also do not be surprised if you google "AD scratched my lugs")
I just received my Bergeon 6825 today, hopefully try it tonight, I'll post after I try it. Like you, I've removed a lot of straps, done Strapcode bracelets on my Seikos, but this Omega bracelet just intimidates me with the thought of scratching it. I guess the thought of a $900 bracelet on a $5000 watch is, for me, a bit sobering.
 
Hands90
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PhilF PhilF
I just received my Bergeon 6825 today, hopefully try it tonight, I'll post after I try it. Like you, I've removed a lot of straps, done Strapcode bracelets on my Seikos, but this Omega bracelet just intimidates me with the thought of scratching it. I guess the thought of a $900 bracelet on a $5000 watch is, for me, a bit sobering.
On a Speedy?
I'm trying to take off my bracelet on my PO.
 
PhilF
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Yes, a Speedy, can't believe how precisely the bracelet end fits the lugs. I guess a precision job requires precision tools....a different attitude and a lot of care. On my next visit to my AD or a OB, I'll have to look more carefully at the PO and other dive watches, perhaps get a demonstration on strap changing.
 
Hands90
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PhilF PhilF
Yes, a Speedy, can't believe how precisely the bracelet end fits the lugs. I guess a precision job requires precision tools....a different attitude and a lot of care. On my next visit to my AD or a OB, I'll have to look more carefully at the PO and other dive watches, perhaps get a demonstration on strap changing.
If you do I'd kill to know what they do.
 
PhilF
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I would imagine they do it so often, they don't really think about it.
Re: the Burgeon tool, illumination, magnification and practice on a loose springbar 1st, just to visualize how it is positioned properly. I've decided to use only Qmega springbars, apparently the ones (usually) supplied with the NATO straps are a different part #068ST2208, the ones that eventually came with/for the strap seem to be the same as the 4 extras that came with the kit in the huge Speedmaster case that came with my watch. Perhaps one of the more Omega-savvy members here can provide a primer for us on the differences in Omega 20mm springbars, what to use where/when and correct part #'s.
 
rob#1
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#068ST2207 is the part number for spring bars for the bracelet - I’ve found that it’s practically impossible to put the bracelet on with the strap bars (#068ST2208).

I remember reading on the OF Oracle somewhere that the shorter spring bars work for the bracelet because the strength in the bracelet holds the bar straight, while the longer ones are needed for the strap as the ends of the straps flex a bit so an extra mm keeps it secure. Something like that anyway...
 
PhilF
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That makes sense, kept my bracelet bars with the bracelet, used the ones supplied with the NATO. Wondering if there's a 3rd type for the leather straps. I guess the Boutiques know all about this, you'd think Omega would address this in their paperwork, like a " Guide to Springbars" for those of us out in the boonies.
Thanks for the #'s & explanation, helpful, had deducted that there was a difference. I operated on the presumption " if a band/bracelet comes with bars, use them!"
 
PhilF
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Actually a official card with actual-size springbars depicted with descriptions and "where to use" instructions as well as part #'s would be ideal, perhaps including the micro-adjust bars which are easy to "launch" if you're not attentive. I'm one of those OCD types that likes to have spares of easy to lose parts. I'd gladly purchase a small parts box with all the bars labeled.
 
SantaCruz
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This is what I was given from my Boutique when I bought my alligator/rubber strap with deployant.
I keep my spring bar pliers in the case now also.
Much better tool than the Omega tool provided.
B7C992AD-F7A4-4E0C-8345-EA683CFC346E.jpeg
 
wsfarrell
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I'm looking at this tool on eBay. In addition to removing spring bars, it will (1) break meters and (2) augmentize the holes in a watch strap. Hard to beat.

spring_bar_tool.jpg
 
chanbar
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I like the Bergeon 7825. Actually using it right now
3154131B-631F-409A-B5FC-D79D98C3A33E.jpeg
 
whyboddau
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Practice makes perfect. Tools are important but even the omega supplied strap tool will break when used by someone that doesn’t know how. Take your time. Good luck!
 
PhilF
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whyboddau whyboddau
Practice makes perfect. Tools are important but even the omega supplied strap tool will break when used by someone that doesn’t know how. Take your time. Good luck!

So right! Learn your tools, generally if you have to force something, you're doing something wrong, stop and think before proceeding. Watch videos, check forums, learn a bit before you start, if possible, ask a professional.
 
PhilF
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Ok, thanks to a lot of helpful tips and suggestions, have pretty much got the bracelet & NATO strap thing under control. I still want to pursue getting a leather strap with a deployant clasp, very much prefer Omega OEM. I saw the black Omega strap on a Speedmaster when I bought my 311.30.42.30.01.005 w/bracelet. Looking for a brown or tan leather strap, 20/18 with a Omega 18mm clasp. Cannot find anything about straps otherwise than NATO on their website. Will most likely order from my AD when he returns from vacation, but would like to get some reference on what's available in the meantime. Suggestions?
 
Hands90
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Hands90 Hands90
If you do I'd kill to know what they do.
chanbar chanbar
I like the Bergeon 7825. Actually using it right now
3154131B-631F-409A-B5FC-D79D98C3A33E.jpeg
I should just break down and buy this tool.
 
speedytoronto
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I have successfully removed and replaced the bracelet on my Speedmaster with the Omega supplied tool with no scratches. Today I borrowed a friends Bergeon 6767-F to try. It was so much easier to use, didn’t slip off the springbar once. Here’s a macro shot of the business end of both, Bergeon on the left. Surprised at the pitting on the Omega tool, supplied with my watch purchase this past April. I will be buying a Bergeon now.
 
01065325-3FBF-4AFF-81C9-44053ACC8164.jpeg
befobe
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Hello, I'm also a beginner, and I use this tool, great to remove bracelets according to me, not so expensive... If it can help...
 
Screenshot_20190809-122139.png
gostang9
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PhilF PhilF
Y....a different attitude and a lot of care. On my next visit to my AD or a OB, ..., perhaps get a demonstration on strap changing.
A word of warning (maybe not for you but as a record for anyone else who might stumble upon this thread in the future), there have been many horror stories of people having big scratches (almost gouges) when they left an OB or AD to change their straps. Changing straps is simple but requires patience, practice and some level of dexterity / fine motor skills.
 
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