So I had a new bargain watch show up this week, and it has ridiculously short lugs - I'm actually not sure what I'm going to be able to get in there, since even the thinnest nato strap I have won't fit. But in my attempt just now I managed to slip and stick the back of my finger with the strap change tool. And oh my god does it hurt. I currently am sporting a very stylish Daniel Tiger bandaid as it was the first one I could find.

Some pics:

The watch - an automatic Elgin with a very interesting dial and no lugs basically:



Not too bad for $30. Needs a sharper photo to really see the dial detail.

And the stylish finger cot:

 

I really started to appreciate drilled lugs after I inadvertently drilled holes into my fingers a couple of times with the F. The S doesn't quite find purchase with the shorter lugs.

 

I was on a really boring work call once and decided to change a strap while half listening to whatever someone was blathering on about. Managed to slip to springbar tool right under my nail deep enough to draw a decent amount of blood.

Of course that was the moment someone decided to ask my thoughts on whatever we were discussing that day.

 

Sorry to see this. Happy to send you a Paw Patrol band-aid to wear instead.

 

It seems to me that those spring bars are too thick.

 

Agreed - they are the ones that came with the watch. But even then IDK what is going to fit. It's so little clearance.

 

I'm not sure but looking at image 2 on Forstner's site, their Klip bracelet might just do it. ...

EDIT - I don't know the lug width of your watch though.

 

Probably needs curved spring bars.

 

Not a successful watch night unless there is blood involved
Most likely that watch had a specific bracelet- which you will never find.
Best advise is as has been suggested with curved spring bars and a slim strap- no thicker than 2mm as that fold over the top needs to stay under 1mm.
1.5mm strait bars could also work with a 2mm strap, but the curve would buy you a little more leeway.

 

Oh and I have those too. Along with some Minions, Charlie Brown, and whatever else we've picked up for the kids when they "need a bandaid".

 

19mm

 

Yes they are, how do I know

 

I learned the hard way how sharp the blade on a mandoline slicer is.

 

So did my step-father years ago- the phone call to my mother started with "there is so much blood....my god, so much blood!"

 

Thats a weapon, If not veryyy careful your fingertips will go away

 

Oh yeah, I did the same thing on a spiralizer - got my fingernail caught and took 3/4 of it off. Actually same finger I injured above - I have no lasting impact from that accident, but the picture I took of it at the time was not pretty. I'm guessing that no one here wants me to share that.

 

any idea on where to get 19mm curved spring bars? 20mm may work as well, possibly. The depth of the lug is 5mm, but that's only at the lug,a and as you can see the curve of the watch extends up into that space. It's definitely going to prove a bit difficult to wear this one...

 

kitchenknifeforums.com has a thread for injuries like that if you want to compare with like-fingered people.

 

no thank you

 

I couldn't stop the bleeding. What a mess! My wife and I laugh about it now, but it wasn't too funny at the time.