The poor-man’s flat-link bracelet set-up…

As you are no doubt (Gwen Stefani) aware, the price of a nice 7912/1035 and no. 6/506 end-piece combo remains pricey, and uncommon.

Whilst galavanting through my bracelets parts bin, I came across this interesting combo: a 19mm flat-link, with 560 end-pieces. Normally, they work together like Democrats and Republicans.

Now, I didn’t do this, but someone had their creative hat on, and filed down the first link beyond the end-piece a bit, because it’s too wide to fit into the 560 slot. Or put another way, the 560 slot is smaller than the usual no. 6/506.

So here is the result:



Clearly, it’s not perfect, but definitely adequate for a daily wearer, and a decent option if you’re on a tighter budget, and enjoy a little DIY watch modification. Thanks for looking.

Nice work, Bob. For those among us who are on a budget, want a flat link bracelet, and are not confident in their bracelet modification skills (eg, me), I highly recommend the Omega 1175 bracelet with 640 end links. These are still available in good used condition and can sometimes be found for as little as $500 with a little luck. In my opinion, the build quality is far better than the 1039 and they are much less expensive. I have them on both my ‘69 and ‘71.

A question: do the 640 end-links come in 19mm? If not, and you have a flat-lug, there’s gonna be a whole lotta filin’ goin’ on…

An excellent question for which I do not have an answer. I do know that the 640s can still be ordered from Omega for 20mm lug to lug width. $92/pair plus shipping.