Before shelling out £360 for a genuine Omega strap and clasp for my Speedmaster '57, I'm going to try a few cheapies first. I need to buy a spring bar tool to do this. Are there any that are specifically for my watch or are they all the same? Also, any recommendations for leather strap manufacturers in the U.K - I quite like the look of those tan ones with a single stitch either side of where the spring bar goes through if you know what I mean. Thanks.

 

I have 3 tools:

1. The Omega tool that comes with recent Speedmaster models in the large Moonwatch box. This tool works well.
Here is my Speedy, with Apollo 11 35th Anniversary dial conversion.


2. A Bergeon 6767-F. This is fairly low cost and works as well as the Omega tool. It is easy to buy through Amazon or eBay.



3. A Bergeon 7825 set of tweezers. I like using this tool for removing and installing metal bracelets. I find it beneficial to be able to hold the watch head firmly with one hand, then hold the tool with the other hand and grab both sides of the spring bar with the tool at the same time making it easy to remove/install. This tool does not work with leather/rubber straps and it is also quite pricey. This is also available on eBay.

 

Those tweezers look handy for removing solid end links. Oyster bracelets are a massive pain in the ass to get out using regular means.

 

Yep. Yep.

 

I always wonder why tool nr 2 is not made from hard plastic for those with a unlucky day....

 

Recommend for leather strap. Try Toshi Straps I have just ordered one they look the business

 

Thanks gostang9 - I've ordered the Bergeon 6767F.

 

A tool I purchased from Aliexpress that is VERY similar to the above mentioned tool, but mine was $12 with free shipping and I've had it about 1.5 years with absolute satisfaction!

 

I paid just over £14 delivered for my Bergeon one - some sellers were asking up to £30!

 

I bought mine 1 year ago for $21.50 USD and I believe it came with spare tips.

Edit: that is ~ £16.72 or €18.32 at current FX rates.