How/Which?! Thanks!

Hi All

I have a bit of a first world problem here. I have a funky watch, with a funky bracelet. They did not come together.


Where is the problem you ask? How is that fit 😒

I am pretty adept at using a springbar tool...but this is beyond me. I might be able to get the bracelet installed, with some serious scratches to the backside of the lugs, but there is zero chance of getting it back out again using a Springbar tool (I refuse to use dremels and chainsaws on watches).

It looks as though this bracelet was made for quick-release springbars 😕😕😕

My question is thus : which ones are best? I assume there some with a removable lever? All links welcome!

All serious and not-so-serious advice welcome 😀

On the bright side, think how much money you’ll save having to buy additional straps for the watch 👍

On a more serious note - I think you’re correct about needing a quick release. Just make sure the lever lines up with the pre cut rectangles. On my leather straps, I slide the majority of the spring bar through the hole and it angles in. Obviously leather is more pliable, but I’m not sure why this couldn’t work here?

Best angle I can get...nothing sliding nowhere anytime in the next 1000000 years...

Can you pull one of the sides up to get the knob/lever/quick release thing in the channel? Then simply fold it back down and leave the quick release in there indefinitely

Taking a Dremel to the watch isn't an option that you'd consider, but what about taking one to the bracelet? 2mm on each side (perhaps as a 2x2 U-channel) of the underside of the end link would allow you to grab the shoulder of the spring bar, would it not? This bracelet appears to have been intended for a watch with drilled lugs, or some other sort of spring bar that never caught on.

Thats a great idea @jsducote ... I don't believe the stability will be compromised either...I just don't possess a dremel 😀
In the name of 'vintage preservation' I will try and find some springbars which may work, but failing that, your idea (which is somehow out my box) is a good one...thank you.