Please advise about the proper installation of a Speedmaster 1499 bracelet.

I've never made use of the bracelet that came with the Speedmaster so thought to give it a try for the summer.

Is the bracelet suppose to attach with a standard spring bar? This one seems to have "pre-fitted" spring bars nestled in their little holes that aren't designed to be removed and the bracelet's spring bar "pins" don't protrude enough to effectively secure the watch.

An internet search hasn't unearthed a parts diagram of the 1499 bracelet.

Am I to assume that these are just normal spring bars that are stuck?

After I examined this arrangement I determined to reinstall the strap until I could further investigate this. It was at that point that I noticed that a bit had fallen unnoticed onto the mat.



I've never dealt with the bracelet before. A watchmaker removed it and installed the strap while watch was being serviced after acquisition.

Before I "get a bigger hammer" or resort to high explosives I wanted to post an inquiry on the Forum.

 

I don't believe the springbars are built in. See this for example.

 

The springbars are stuck because their diameter are larger than the holes in bracelet. Simply apply more pressure to push those springbars out.

 

Do the small screws seen beside the springbar holes in the photo provided act as set screws, retaining the springbars?

I went back to the bracelet but the springbars won't budge.

Y'all don't cause me to have to bring out the high explosives.

 

No set screws involved. I'd clamp the band securely in a vise (plastic or nylon jaws, of course), then drive out the old springbar with a punch or drill bit just slightly smaller than the hole.

 

I don't know squat but I love, love, love the Texican just fixin' to explode in Y'all!
Good luck, Bryan!
Have a tequila shot and sit back, folks here'll get'er figured out.

Nice watch, by the way!

 

Thanks Jim.

I will try wsfarrell's suggestion first which apparently involves getting a bigger hammer.

 

Professional help is always an option!

(Same thing my Bride tells me).

 

Can anyone tell me what those tiny screws beside the spring bars retain on the last link on the bracelet?

 

Hy,
First. Those 2 screws hold probably that polished part of endlink.

If I see correct on your photo you have a "broken" springbar. Head of the spring bar feel out. It happens. No biggi. Like this.


You need new 1,8mm tick spring bars for 20mm between lugs. Has to look like this when you start:


i use my toumb too push bracelet in the case and screwdriver. first i put one head of spring bar in the case (not in the hole in case) then i push other springbar head into the case. All time I am holding endlinks with 2 fingers to control up-down position.Both heads are in so i just need to slide it to holes.







And done

 

I thought I remembered that for the bracelet 19mm springbars are used, but 20mm for straps.

 

If you remove the screw(s) the polished segments can be removed from the solid, brushed endlink.