Suggestions on a watch with a movable lug

Posts

1,330

Likes

1,704

Rasputin

·Dec 4, 2021

I’m trying to restore this Venus 140 but unfortunately one of the lugs is missing its hinge. The width (green arrow) is 17mm. Finding a generic watch case for this movement seems like an exercise in finding hens teeth. Any suggestions where I can find replacement hinges or strap/bracelet that would work if I removed the other hinge?

 

Posts

1,330

Likes

1,704

Rasputin

·Dec 10, 2021

Looks like I stumped the forum 😀

 

Posts

6,757

Likes

12,751

Evitzee

·Dec 10, 2021

Maybe you could have a new hinge made using the other one as the model.

 

Posts

4,781

Likes

14,318

DaveK

·Dec 11, 2021·Yoda of Yodelers

Maybe a custom strap along these lines? A combination of this with a bund strap style might suit the watch nicely

 

Posts

1,330

Likes

1,704

Rasputin

·Dec 11, 2021

@Evitzee : I was considering whether a jeweler can fashion a similar hinge as I couldn't find any watchmakers who specializes in such customization.

@DaveK : It's certainly a good idea but it seems every off the shelf wristlet is intended for 3 handers rather than chronographs.

 

Posts

963

Likes

1,250

sleepyastronaut

·Dec 11, 2021

Rasputin

I couldn't find any watchmakers who specializes in such customization.

What you need is an old-school watchmaker.

https://www.watchcaserepair.com/

I found this recommended on the forum, can't vouch for them myself.

 

Posts

27,326

Likes

69,696

Archer

·Dec 11, 2021·Omega Qualified Watchmaker

sleepyastronaut

What you need is an old-school watchmaker.

https://www.watchcaserepair.com/

I found this recommended on the forum, can't vouch for them myself.

He is a very talented case maker, but he is in no way a watchmaker...

 

Posts

963

Likes

1,250

sleepyastronaut

·Dec 11, 2021

Archer

He is a very talented case maker, but he is in no way a watchmaker...

No offense meant, I'm referring to old-school watchmakers, those who would fabricate parts, even fabricate their own tools.

 

Posts

27,326

Likes

69,696

Archer

·Dec 11, 2021·Omega Qualified Watchmaker

sleepyastronaut

No offense meant, I'm referring to old-school watchmakers, those who would fabricate parts, even fabricate their own tools.

Pretty much every watchmaker I know makes their own tools at times - it's not something limited to these mythical "old school" watchmakers. Fabricating parts is less common, but still done. It's not done often for one primary reason - the customer would not want to pay the bill for it.

 

Posts

4,781

Likes

14,318

DaveK

·Dec 11, 2021·Yoda of Yodelers

Rasputin

@DaveK : It's certainly a good idea but it seems every off the shelf wristlet is intended for 3 handers rather than chronographs.

I was thinking of a blend of these two styles (I made the one on the left). But yours would, obviously, need a side opening for the pushers and crown. If you would REALLY be losing-sleep-excited about a strap like this, if it speaks to you, I’d be happy to give it a try making it for you for just the cost of shipping. My Christmas gift to the forum.

no offence taken if it doesn’t float your boat

 

Posts

16,188

Likes

44,586

JwRosenthal

·Dec 11, 2021

Any decent machinist should be able to make you a new part based on the original. We have a “sheet metal” shop at work (generic name for a machinist’s shop- they can fabricate anything) and they can make us the most detailed or intricate parts for our needs on spec.
But as @Archer mentioned- it comes down to if you want to afford it.

 

Posts

1,330

Likes

1,704

Rasputin

·Dec 11, 2021

DaveK

I was thinking of a blend of these two styles (I made the one on the left). But yours would, obviously, need a side opening for the pushers and crown. If you would REALLY be losing-sleep-excited about a strap like this, if it speaks to you, I’d be happy to give it a try making it for you for just the cost of shipping. My Christmas gift to the forum.

no offence taken if it doesn’t float your boat

That’s very kind of you. I may take you up on the offer if I’m unable to find an alternative to using the hinged lugs.
For those in the know, what estimated cost are we talking about to machine new hinged lugs?