So today I picked up my 12553 Tri from my watch maker after a full overhaul. I asked them to install my new Hirsch strap while I waited (female bars). After about 20 minutes of me ogling watch magazines in the waiting area, he asked if I would approve conversion to male bars as he was afraid of damaging the very costly strap. I said no because I feared diminishing an all original watch. He got it done after another 15 minutes. Had I decided on the conversion would I have made the wrong call?
Gratuitous watch pic:

 

How would they do that? Am I guessing they would cut the spring bars and drill in a little?

If that's the case there's a lot of room for mistake. I think you made the right decision.
No idea if a well-done conversion would affect the value of the watch.

 

Exactly .. these guys are restoration experts, make parts, do Patek/ VC etc so I had full confidence but I could not bring myself to disfigure a perfect watch.

 

Any change would affect originality, in the purist point of view.

 

I'd leave the watch as it is, dysfunctional as it may be.

My solution would be to fit a set of correct spring bars and then use open end straps of the type with the little tabs, like used on trench watches etc.

Or even a NATO.



(Joking about the NATO of course)

 

I think we've all thought about doing this at some stage but the sensible option is to leave well alone.

 

I wouldn't touch them.

 

I'm surprised that the watchmaker made such a suggestion and that you as a collector accepted to do it, no matter how costly is a leather strap, to keep the watch original is primary... I have some female bars watches, of course it's a bit difficult but when you get the trick it can be done quite easily without dammaging the strap.
Imho, to cut and drill holes, everybody can do that but if you want to put the pins back, the soldering will always be visible...
Beautiful Tri-Compax btw !

 

No ... I declined his suggestion. He managed to finesse the band on with female bars. Glad it was him and not me. It was a night mare.

 

i would never have a case drilled unless it is absolutely necessary... on the Compax I have with female bars, I go for softer suede, cordovan straps that are easier to place than stiff alligators.

 

As much as I dislike female spring bars, I would leave it alone. I'm impressed they got that strap on, it's similar to the kind that was giving me a lot of trouble.