Fitting a 1479 bracelet to a modern Speedy?

phrede · May 25, 2020

I got hands on a barely used 1479 bracelet.
But it doesn't fit my Speedy from 2019...?? What can be done? Can I file the end links or what??

Bill Sohne · May 25, 2020

phrede
I got hands on a barely used 1479 bracelet.
But it doesn't fit my Speedy from 2019...?? What can be done? Can I file the end links or what??

IF it does not fit ... then buy another Speedy to use with that bracelet.

I would never cut endlinks .... !!! you can never go back and the value of the bracelet is greatly reduced.

bill

pascs · May 25, 2020

I have to agree on not modifying the end links. Throughout the years many of the Speedmaster cases have also changed very slightly the position of the spring bar holes, so even though the cases may look practically the same, the position of the spring bar holes mean that not all end links will fit correctly on each case, especially those solid tight fitting end links.
Modifying the end links may still not ensure a good fit and would seriously reduce the value of the bracelet.

killer67 · May 25, 2020

Not recommended. If they are 812 ELs it would be a shame to damage them.

base615 · May 25, 2020

I don't have a 1479 or a new Speedy but I have a Speedy from 2000 that I think is still classed as modern and can use both 1498 and 1171/633 on it. The 1171 seems like it won't fit at first but there's just a knack to getting it on as it must be perfectly aligned and the spring bars need to be pushed in from both sides after alignment. Not sure if that makes sense.

It also helps if you can deal with stressful situations in order to try it. Most people would probably abort for fear of damaging their watch.

zoohannover · May 26, 2020

Make sure that it is really a 1479 with 812 end links and not a Omega Dynamic bracelet Ref. 1571/871 or a mix of 1479 bracelet and 871 end links.
At first glance they look the same, except the Speedmaster clasp engraving, but the end links are higher.
(from own experience 😉)

phrede · May 26, 2020

It is in fact the 1479 bracelet and 821 end links. I'll try other endlinks before selling the bracelet (won't ruin it ;-) )

Wabi-sabi · May 27, 2020

I had the exact same problem a few days ago, after buying a used 1479 bracelet with 821 end links off Ebay..

In the end, I had to slightly file the "flat" end of the link to get it to fit.. Not much, but finally managed to get it on.. It's a very tight fit though, but's it's on, so I'm chuffed!!

phrede · May 27, 2020

Wabi-sabi
I had the exact same problem a few days ago, after buying a used 1479 bracelet with 821 end links off Ebay..

In the end, I had to slightly file the "flat" end of the link to get it to fit.. Not much, but finally managed to get it on.. It's a very tight fit though, but's it's on, so I'm chuffed!!

wow ok, so it IS doable withour too much hasle...!
Any chance you could post a few pictures of it?
Any c

Wabi-sabi · May 27, 2020

Yes, most definitely doable without too much hassle.. with a standard set of needle files. But again, you don't want to take too much off and want to go super slow on the filing.. as you merely want a fraction off.

I've circled the (inner) area of the lug which had to be filed (Google pic).. as I don't want to run any other risks by removing it again to take pictures, but you can see it's fitted to my modern Speedy (yes, the lugs are quite scratched from previous bracelet fittings).

Minor correction to my previous post. The correct end link reference is 812. Not 821.. I'm probably somewhat dyslexic.. 📖🤪

phrede · May 27, 2020

Wabi-sabi
Yes, most definitely doable without too much hassle.. with a standard set of needle files. But again, you don't want to take too much off and want to go super slow on the filing.. as you merely want a fraction off.

I've circled the (inner) area of the lug which had to be filed (Google pic).. as I don't want to run any other risks by removing it again to take pictures, but you can see it's fitted to my modern Speedy (yes, the lugs are quite scratched from previous bracelet fittings).

Minor correction to my previous post. The correct end link reference is 812. Not 821.. I'm probably somewhat dyslexic.. 📖🤪

GREAT!! A huge thanks!! I'll get on it this afternoon and report back 😀

phrede · May 27, 2020

I DID IT

phrede · May 27, 2020

Wabi-sabi
Yes, most definitely doable without too much hassle.. with a standard set of needle files. But again, you don't want to take too much off and want to go super slow on the filing.. as you merely want a fraction off.

I've circled the (inner) area of the lug which had to be filed (Google pic).. as I don't want to run any other risks by removing it again to take pictures, but you can see it's fitted to my modern Speedy (yes, the lugs are quite scratched from previous bracelet fittings).

Minor correction to my previous post. The correct end link reference is 812. Not 821.. I'm probably somewhat dyslexic.. 📖🤪

MANY MANY THANKS

phrede · May 27, 2020

One more picture!

Wabi-sabi · May 27, 2020

Excellent! It's an awesome feeling, once it's finally on!

phrede · May 27, 2020

Yes, SUCH a nice bracelet!!

Fitting a 1479 bracelet to a modern Speedy?

phrede

Bill Sohne

pascs

killer67

base615

zoohannover

phrede

Wabi-sabi

phrede

Wabi-sabi

phrede

phrede

phrede

phrede

Wabi-sabi

phrede

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