Need Input for Speedmaster Bracelet Design

fergusm · Jul 20, 2020

On the FOIS. Looks really great. Need to figure out how to remove a few links.

JwRosenthal · Jul 20, 2020

fergusm
On the FOIS. Looks really great. Need to figure out how to remove a few links.

You need one of those mechanical pin things- ain’t gonna happen with a paper clip....I tried- lol.

https://www.esslinger.com/watch-band-pin-remover-tool-little-giant/

fergusm · Jul 21, 2020

JwRosenthal
You need one of those mechanical pin things- ain’t gonna happen with a paper clip....I tried- lol.

https://www.esslinger.com/watch-band-pin-remover-tool-little-giant/

Thanks - I didn't know that was even a thing. Ordered one on Amazon.

JwRosenthal · Jul 21, 2020

fergusm
Thanks - I didn't know that was even a thing. Ordered one on Amazon.

If you look underneath, there are little arrows that show you the direction the pins push out- they are unidirectional. Push out pin with device and it will prodrude from the other side- slide it out. Do same with next pin (the one beyond that it you need two out), then put the ends together on the bracelet and reinsert pin from other side (the side from which it came out) and push until finger tight- they lay it on its side and tap in- use tool from that side to drive it home if you need. Reinsert extra pin back into the empty slot on the spare links to save it. Note the pins have a thicker part at one end-that goes in last on reinsertion to hold the friction fit.
It’s important to note, if you need more than one pin out, you need to verify that the bracelet has been evenly shorted. Close the clasp and hold the watch by the head and let the bracelet hand down. The clasp should be hanging directly below the head. If it is lopsided, then another pin needs to be removed from the other side or one returned to the shorter side. You should have it set so it hangs evenly and you have room either side inside the micro clasp to move- preferably within the last 4 holes. it may take a little trial and error but you will get the hang of it and will be easier in future bracelets.

W210 · Jul 22, 2020

Hi everyone,

Received the US flat link bracelet. Record time!! 7 days to Spain.
It looks great !!!!

Socks · Jul 22, 2020

W210
Received the US flat link bracelet. Record time!! 7 days to Spain.

bazderome
Some very quick shots of my freshly arrived flat links (8 days shipping only to France) with my Holzer too,

Seems others are having better luck than me! 19 days to the UK & counting... It's rattling round Heathrow somewhere according to USPS.

Blackdog · Jul 22, 2020

Socks
Seems others are having better luck than me! 19 days to the UK & counting... It's rattling round Heathrow somewhere according to USPS.

Don't feel too bad. My 19mm BoR took three weeks to arrive in The Netherlands...
Now awaiting a Holzer. One week and counting... Hoping things are getting better with the shipping times...

fergusm · Jul 23, 2020

Mine’s in Dublin and already in use. V happy.

Skyblue44 · Jul 24, 2020

I received my flat link bracelets, one all brushed and the other polished.

I am having some trouble with the installation though, as the end links are hollow and also very tight. Dovyou guys have some tips on installation? Some scratching of the backside of the lugs also seems inevitable.

Pazzo · Jul 24, 2020

By tight you mean from the sides or from the top and bottom?
If from the sides, you need to file them down gently and evenly.
And if from the top and bottom, you need to widen them up slowly and just enough for them to slide in.

Skyblue44 · Jul 24, 2020

Pazzo
By tight you mean from the sides or from the top and bottom?
If from the sides, you need to file them down gently and evenly.
And if from the top and bottom, you need to widen them up slowly and just enough for them to slide in.

I meant from the sides. I mean they fit well, but just not so easy to get the push pin to snap into place, with one side that refuses to go in, keeps popping out and scratching the lug.

Blackdog · Jul 24, 2020

Skyblue44
I meant from the sides. I mean they fit well, but just not so easy to get the push pin to snap into place, with one side that refuses to go in, keeps popping out and scratching the lug.

I think it is a good idea to clean all the edges of the endlinks with sandpaper before attempting the installation. That includes the sides, and this will ease the installation later.
I also gently rounded all the inside edges of the little ears that sit against the back of the lugs.
The finish of the top of the endlinks is excellent, but the edges are basically unfinished, probably as they come out of the stamping process.
It would be great if Uncleseiko would have these better finished in the future.

I used grits 240 and 400 on mine, and I plan to do the same for the other bracelet currently I'm expecting.

Skyblue44 · Jul 24, 2020

Blackdog
I think it is a good idea to clean all the edges of the endlinks with sandpaper before attempting the installation. That includes the sides, and this will ease the installation later.
I also gently rounded all the inside edges of the little ears that sit against the back of the lugs.
The finish of the top of the endlinks is excellent, but the edges are basically unfinished, probably as they come out of the stamping process.
It would be great if Uncleseiko would have these better finished in the future.

I used grits 240 and 400 on mine, and I plan to do the same for the other bracelet currently I'm expecting.

Thank you. I will definitely try that. I also think it would be great for US to add solid end links as an option for purchase later.

rainking · Jul 24, 2020

Blackdog
I think it is a good idea to clean all the edges of the endlinks with sandpaper before attempting the installation. That includes the sides, and this will ease the installation later.
I also gently rounded all the inside edges of the little ears that sit against the back of the lugs.
The finish of the top of the endlinks is excellent, but the edges are basically unfinished, probably as they come out of the stamping process.
It would be great if Uncleseiko would have these better finished in the future.

I used grits 240 and 400 on mine, and I plan to do the same for the other bracelet currently I'm expecting.

This is why I won't be buying any of these bracelets, as much as I want to, I hate to say. I'm not going to rely on myself to sand/mod the end links and hope they don't scratch up my Speedmaster. It's just not worth it to me.

SkunkPrince · Jul 24, 2020

Skyblue44
I meant from the sides. I mean they fit well, but just not so easy to get the push pin to snap into place, with one side that refuses to go in, keeps popping out and scratching the lug.

It’s tight, just push a little harder. Get magnification so you can see which direction.

redzer007 · Jul 24, 2020

this is all pretty standard for hollow end links IMO - links and watch cases are various different shapes and sizes - its why hollow endlinks have the tabs - you gotta bend, push and fanangle to get a good fit. Check out the rattle that has tormented 1171 wearers for decades! having solid endlinks here would not be practical - even the cases and spingbar holes on Speedmaster professionals have changed to such a degree over the years that many speedy pro SEL bracelets will not fit other years etc or midcases from different suppliers etc.

but agree if you dont want inside or under your lugs scratched then agree, probably not for you, maybe not any hollow end links. Personally for me - I can live with it, on what i consider a tool watch. (expensive and of limited use tool, but a tool none the less 😀 )

JwRosenthal · Jul 24, 2020

Skyblue44
Thank you. I will definitely try that. I also think it would be great for US to add solid end links as an option for purchase later.

I think that would be impractical as he would need to stock endlinks for every speedy variation made as they all seem to be slightly different for the offset.

When Forstner eventually releases their spring linked Flatlink with solid endlinks (wow-that was a mouthful), they will need to let us know which specific Speedmaster they used as their template as it won’t fit all of them.

janice&fred · Jul 24, 2020

SkunkPrince
It’s tight, just push a little harder. Get magnification so you can see which direction.

There's a joke in there somewhere, but I'm not sure where or if I should try. 😁

Pazzo · Jul 24, 2020

JwRosenthal
...

When Forstner eventually releases their spring linked Flatlink with solid endlinks (wow-that was a mouthful), they will need to let us know which specific Speedmaster they used as their template as it won’t fit all of them.

Hear hear. 😀

Blackdog · Jul 24, 2020

rainking
This is why I won't be buying any of these bracelets, as much as I want to, I hate to say. I'm not going to rely on myself to sand/mod the end links and hope they don't scratch up my Speedmaster. It's just not worth it to me.

The only way to completely avoid the scratches on the back of the lugs and case is to stick to straps.
Maybe I made it sound worse than it actually is.

ALL endlinks, hollow and solid will mark the case and lugs to some extent.
You can only minimize the damage by prepping the endlinks before installation.

Look at pics of early 5-digit Rolex, for instance. Those that used hollow endlinks. The case between the lugs and the back of the lugs will always show signs of wear.
And believe me, those endlinks were very well finished from the factory !

It's the problem with metal to metal contact. Unless it is completely static, there will be wear.

Need Input for Speedmaster Bracelet Design

fergusm

JwRosenthal

fergusm

JwRosenthal

W210

Socks

Blackdog

fergusm

Skyblue44

Pazzo

Skyblue44

Blackdog

Skyblue44

rainking

SkunkPrince

redzer007

JwRosenthal

janice&fred

Pazzo

Blackdog

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