Was going to change the bracelet to a strap and it seems the spring bar is probably jammed. Does anyone have any suggestions short of going to a watchmaker?

 

Is that bottom endlink cracked?

 

No it’s ok, just the light

 

I'll take the problem off you! Sell it to me

 

Sure.......for a million dollars tada! [emoji12]

 

You can open the last link on the watch end. Slip it off the spring bar, then cut the bar... be careful!
.

 

I don't think that's the best plan for a bracelet so valuable(for your average Joe) I would leave it to a pro if it's totally seized. Not worth slipping and causing damage.

 

+1 for the involvement of the pros. Or you could try using one of these - just remember to tape up the lugs to avoid scratches

 

Why would you ask pros?


I mean they're good at some things but seized spring bars?

 

I have used a Dremel with a very thin circular cutter to sever spring bars in the past

A steady hand & a steadier nerve required

 

can you make a good picture from backside. Would like to see "problem"

 

Is this issue happening on both spring bars? If so it may be you.

If not then you may find better access to the jammed one once you remove the other and perhaps pry it open.

 

Are you responding to OP's post, or @Tubber 's above?

 

Sometimes these have those old quick release bars installed - they are a major pain in the arse. If that's what's in these, you have to find the little "handle" on the bar (it often spins around away from the slot in the end link) and then use something to compress the handle like a small screwdriver.

I've had some that are so plugged up with dirt or seized so badly that I could only free them after running the case/bracelet through the ultrasonic tank (after removing the movement obviously).

I would definitely not recommend using a dremel - this will end in tears and borders on being reckless. If I have to cut one out I use a screw head slot file...

 

Unfortunately, this seems to be the best I can do right now.

 

Only one side can’t come off, the other side is fine actually.

 

Thanks! I think I’ll either go see a watchmaker or just leave it on bracelet.

 

I would get it fixed. If it is jammed it could actually break or pop because it has no give. Better to pay a few dollars for someone to fix it than the whole watch popping off.

 

Have the spring bar cut off. Using pliers can actually bend lugs.

 

Someone might have forced an oversized bar in between the lugs, happened with a 351 bumper I picked up with a stretch band. I sacrificed the band but that's not an option for you. Wish I could offer some constructive advice.