What is a good reasonably priced spring bar removal tool for a modern manual wind 1861 speedy? I have seen on U Tube it is better to get one with a small U tip. I am not looking for collectors tools just want something to work well and reduce the likelihood of damage to the watch at a budget price, but being good enough for clean removal and strap attachment.

Also what is the best advice to prevent any damage to the lugs? Masking paper based tape wrapped around the lugs may be a good way to prevent damage. Any other ideas?

 

No need for tape. Just get a Bergeon Spring bar remover. Not sure of number but others will know off the bat.

Or the top one in the below site

http://www.ofrei.com/page252.html

I can do it with a piece of braided fishing line if it's not a bracelet. Which is the best way to stop scratches. Google or YouTube it.

 

Thanks Standy. I wonder which one they offer would be suitable at a reasonable price? I wonder how the one in a V shape works?

 

Any of the top two on the page. You don't have to over think this one. I have one that is worth less than $10 that @JimInOz put me onto. (Aussie seller)

 

Thanks!

 

Golden rule is always be sitting in the lounge room with carpet when you change straps or use a spring bar tool. Too many dropped on the tiles whilst standing in the kitchen over the years

 

Just use these guys.

http://www.quicktest.co.uk/acatalog/For-changing-watch-straps--altering-watch-bracelets-p1.html

 

Which item from the web page you sent me do you recommend?

 

Anyone that looks the same as the Bergeon.

If you can afford the Bergeon get that as they are good, but there is no need for it to be anything more than a £10 one.

 

Thanks will order the one from the website you gave me. There is one there for £10.42 looks like the Bergeon. This tool is primarily for the Speedy. Is the bar suitable for other watches as well with rubber straps etc? Last question, are the original bars on the speedy ok for NATO and leather straps?

 

Will do.

Spring bars are OK for NATOs. I buy the thicker ones for replacements, @Nobel Prize had a post the other day with some info on better springbars.

 

Thank you Standy for the help.

 

You may want to consider the Bergeon 6111 - it has a flat "spatula" like end tool that's great for leather straps and the tips won't scratch the lugs. It also has a small forked end for the bracelet as well as a swappable pin pusher for bracelet resizing. Best tool for the job, really.

 

Can someone please post the link of how to remove strap with braided fishing line? I couldn't find it

 

I have had a few. And this one by Bergeon is the best made and very affordable compared to the others. And the Casker Co. is used by a lot of watchmakers.
http://www.jewelerssupplies.com/product1122.html?_ga=1.24891322.1827171639.1452785570

 

I bought mine on eBay as part of a cheap kit of basic watch tools (case opener, bracelet pin remover, etc).
Basically this:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/13pc-Watch-...293610?hash=item2ee314e76a:g:dAcAAOSwT6pVgoPrPurchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network

The tool comes with both a wide fork and a narrow one, and works great.

Another tip: Instead of a carpeted floor, I use my bed as my "workbench" when changing straps - so if anything falls, it's a short way down to a nice soft surface.

 

I am so afraid that I will scratch my watch by suing that small tip >.>

 

I purchased an alternative from a online seller but cancelled the order. I will go for a Bergeon there is the 6111or 6767F. The 6767F is £20 and the 6111 is £45 - £49. I read that the 676F has the same small end the 6111 has, we need to use the small end on the Speedy as it has a SS bracelet. So I will order a Burgeon 6767F for the speedy and a second tool cheapie with small and large fork for the Boctok Amphibian and my vintage Omega Geneve.

 

Where in the UK sells genuine Burgeon tools?