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Is it possible to put on a new strap and not scratch the watch?

winndixie
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YVR785 YVR785
I totally get this school of thought but it’s really tough to live like this. Life’s too short to worry about your possessions getting damaged.

The only damage I worry about when it comes to watches is drops on concrete/tile floor. Speaking of which, I dropped my SMP 300M on tile (accidentally) recently. It wasn’t fun.
I have a longines that I am going to send in for maintenance. I dropped it on a tile floor. Alas, something seems off and I haven't worn it in ages. One reason is that it is complicated, so setting it is a nuisance. Once they service it, I will put it in a watch winder.

I am okay with damage. But if severe enough, I want it fixed right. I also had a ford f150 that was sideswiped (guy that hit me plowed into an f350 behind me, killing his daughter who was in his lap). They replaced the rear axle with an aftermarket axle instead of OEM. I swear I could hear the axle grinding. So with the other car, the self steering just didn't seem right any longer. That was one of the main reasons I bought the car (Santa Cruz, nice little car).

Alas, I have fewer days ahead of me. I sign up for Medicare soon.
 
winndixie
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dsio dsio
Having good tools makes a big difference as does using good quality new springbars each time. The only time I've damaged a watch changing straps is when it's a vintage watch with an old crusty springbar or even worse a twist-o-flex bracelet.

I've mentioned this in the past, when I'm dealing with an uncooperative springbar on an old strap or twist-o-flex, I don't even mess around with it I just grab the Knippex tin-snips, cut the bracelet or strap off about a half-inch from each lug, then I cut the springbar right down the middle and replace it with a brand new set of OEM Omega springbars.

I then use a Bergeon 6767 and they come off pretty easily. I used to use the cheap eBay copies of the 6767 and they weren't sharp enough and bent easily, I kept using them until one of them snapped and a flying tip bounced off my eyeball, since then I only use the overpriced Bergeon one so if I end up wearing an eyepatch I'll blame the Swiss.
I got, as a Father's Day gift, a speed master Velcro strap. (I asked for it). I am a little hesitant to change it out after reading this thread. Is masking tape really the way to go, or is there a better, less sticky tape? My daughter got me the Omega spring bar tool to go with the strap.
 
bsowers34
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winndixie winndixie
I would care. Depends on how deep and can it be seen. Alas, I hate things that are damaged. Sold my car after 6000 miles. At 1600 miles, someone side swiped me. I had it repaired, but it felt off. Could be my neurosis. Ended with a new car. Money out the door.
I sold a new car with 5000 miles on it because it got hurt. Not terribly badly, but enough that I didn't want it anymore.
 
Dan S
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bsowers34 bsowers34
I sold a new car with 5000 miles on it because it got hurt. Not terribly badly, but enough that I didn't want it anymore.
Physically, or emotionally?
 
1
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Thank you for all the replies. I passed on the new strap. I just couldn’t find one I actually thought was better than what I had.
Edited:
 
jets
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1 1ststatestereo
hi all. I’m on vacation. The watch store has this nato strap I think would look great on my speedy. They have a watch maker on premises. I hear so many stories about scratched watches and new straps. Is it possible to change straps, without damaging the watch?


I know this question is dramatic and over the top, but I really dont want a scratch. I also want a new strap. Am I being ridiculous with my worry?

Thank you.
How do you think it was installed in the first place?
 
bsowers34
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jets jets
How do you think it was installed in the first place?
By someone used to working on the mechanicals inside it and with a lot steadier hands....
 
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