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Safest Springbar tool for removing 3861 speedmaster bracelet?

D
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Hi OF, could I get some kind advice on which springbar tools (pliers/tweezers?) I should get that is best suited for removing a 3861 bracelet safely without too much risk of marking the lugs?
I managed to get the bracelet out once with a simple one sided tool, but it got a little scary and I almost ended up carving the side of the lugs (polished surface facing outside), so i hope to find a better tool.
Also, I don't live in the US or EU ( Im in APAC), so some advice on where to buy online with a reasonable shipping charge would be appreciated too!
Thanks in advance!
 
SkunkPrince
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The Bergeon 7825 is what my watchmaker uses. I am insufficiently coordinated to use my cheaper Horotec version, so I just live with the scratches.

I don't know what APAC is so I can't advise you on shipping or anything but now that you know what to look for you should be able to find it nearby?
 
D
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SkunkPrince SkunkPrince
The Bergeon 7825 is what my watchmaker uses. I am insufficiently coordinated to use my cheaper Horotec version, so I just live with the scratches.

I don't know what APAC is so I can't advise you on shipping or anything but now that you know what to look for you should be able to find it nearby?
Hi Thanks for your reply! APAC refers to Asia Pacific.
 
SkunkPrince
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D dcl_88
Hi Thanks for your reply! APAC refers to Asia Pacific.
Ah, thank you from this ignorant American. I should think you can get that tool from Australia....
 
riimar
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Bergeon 7767-SF is my favourite or similar with small fork end like 1.2mm

The tweezers like bergeon 6825 and 7825 is expensive and not worth it. I tried and found out standard springbar tool is easier to use.

Bergeon 7825 fits better for rolex since they use single flare spring bars. Omega use double.

Edit: I used esslinger.com, they ship worldwide.
Shipping to EU was about $50, so might not be cheapest alternative if you only need 1 tool 👍
 
JimInOz
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I get my tools from here.

The B-6767-F is quite affordable and you can also get spare tips to ensure worn tips don't slip/skid after being used for a while.
 
amfalconer
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You'll scratch the lugs eventually, I was heartbroken when I did mine, but now, it's not a concern.

Tape up the back of the lugs before starting and that should help.
 
SkunkPrince
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riimar riimar
Bergeon 7767-SF is my favourite or similar with small fork end like 1.2mm

The tweezers like bergeon 6825 and 7825 is expensive and not worth it. I tried and found out standard springbar tool is easier to use.

Bergeon 7825 fits better for rolex since they use single flare spring bars. Omega use double.

Edit: I used esslinger.com, they ship worldwide.
Shipping to EU was about $50, so might not be cheapest alternative if you only need 1 tool 👍
Many of my Omega spring bars are single flange….
 
blueteg
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This Bergeon 7767-SF tool (specifically the end with the 6767-AF 1.2mm tip) is great for bracelet/endlink removal.
I've used it on my Speedmaster and a 60's era Seamaster. Very easy to use even for a novice. As mentioned, taping the lugs with some thick painters tape that won't leave a residue is good insurance in the event the spring bar does not want to cooperate.
 
20210603_171838.jpg
applebook
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Unless you're an expert, remember to tape the back of your lugs before using any tool 👍
 
Cenzo
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applebook applebook
Unless you're an expert, remember to tape the back of your lugs before using any tool 👍
Someone on Ebay is selling these. They are made for the 1861 and not sure how they would fit on a new speedmaster. There are a couple of areas (circled) which still expose some of the watch. The creator told me it was to accommodate the tight fit of the bracelet
Capture.JPG
.
 
Donn Chambers
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D dcl_88
… I managed to get the bracelet out once with a simple one sided tool, but it got a little scary and I almost ended up carving the side of the lugs (polished surface facing outside), so i hope to find a better tool…

I have managed to scratch the inside of the lugs and bottoms of the lugs (and have never been concerned with it), but I can’t really imagine how one can scratch the outside of the lugs! You were doing this from the underside (back) of the watch and not the top? I could maybe see this happening if you were trying to pry out the spring bars from the top, but that’s not how this is supposed to be done!
 
D
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amfalconer amfalconer
You'll scratch the lugs eventually, I was heartbroken when I did mine, but now, it's not a concern.

Tape up the back of the lugs before starting and that should help.
I tried taping them, but the spring bars end up slipping underneath the tape and scratching the lugs, if that makes any sense. Am I using the wrong tapes?
Cenzo Cenzo
Someone on Ebay is selling these. They are made for the 1861 and not sure how they would fit on a new speedmaster. There are a couple of areas (circled) which still expose some of the watch. The creator told me it was to accommodate the tight fit of the bracelet
Capture.JPG
.
That looks great, I hope it fits the 3861.
amfalconer amfalconer
Any chance of a link?

EDIT - No need - https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Omega-Sp...-/254815392813?_trksid=p2349624.m46890.l49286
Thanks very much for the link! I left the seller a message asking if it fits the 3861 or he’s making one for it
Donn Chambers Donn Chambers
I have managed to scratch the inside of the lugs and bottoms of the lugs (and have never been concerned with it), but I can’t really imagine how one can scratch the outside of the lugs! You were doing this from the underside (back) of the watch and not the top? I could maybe see this happening if you were trying to pry out the spring bars from the top, but that’s not how this is supposed to be done!
Uh, what happened was that the tool slipped from my hand and the sharp tip landed near the watch. My heart skipped a beat.
I know accidents can be unavoidable sometimes, but im wondering if the pincer type tools would be easier to manoeuvre and less likely to cause scratches? Since it seems you could pull the spring bar out as a whole rather than removing only one side only each time with the straight tool
 
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amfalconer
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As I said, you'll scratch then eventually and further ones won't matter, I used a thick masking tape on mine, but it lifted anyway, there's not enough room to angle the bracelet end links up and out the way.
 
Donn Chambers
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I purchased one of those expensive plier tools several years ago and found it was quite hard to set up and get to work. I found the single prong tool a lot easier and quicker to use, so I sold the pliers. Your mileage may vary.
 
SkunkPrince
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Donn Chambers Donn Chambers
I purchased one of those expensive plier tools several years ago and found it was quite hard to set up and get to work. I found the single prong tool a lot easier and quicker to use, so I sold the pliers. Your mileage may vary.
Yeah, me too, I don't use mine, either. My watchmaker is a whiz with them but he is a watchmaker, so....
 
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