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Things I hate - flexi bracelets and suicide spring bars

  1. JimInOz Melbourne Australia Apr 8, 2014

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    My latest addition is a nice little watch, but it came with a flexi bracelet. Worse still, it was one of those "one use clamp on" style of end pieces. :mad:

    And even worse, suicide spring bars. Once fitted, they're there to stay as there is no collar or flange to grab, and the style of end lug on the bracelet prevents a good grip anyway. :confused:

    BUT!

    There are ways my friend, ways to remove these horrors...................:D

    (WARNING - Professional W
    atchmakers, cover your eyes NOW :eek: )

    P1030256.JPG

    Luckily the lugs didn't get those infamous gouge rings that some gold cases get when these bracelets are used.

    P1030257.JPG



    And onwards with the rehabilitation.
     
  2. dsio Ash @ ΩF Staff Member Apr 8, 2014

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    I have taken one of those bracelets off and left blood and flesh behind on the watch case...
     
  3. adam78 Adam @ ΩF Staff Member Apr 9, 2014

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    Another reason why I love lug holes.
     
    dsio and UncleBuck like this.
  4. lenny Apr 9, 2014

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    It's mighty decent of you to hide the identity of the innocent watch.
     
  5. STANDY schizophrenic pizza orderer and watch collector Apr 9, 2014

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    Even better. Mini bolt cutters can pick them up for $10

    mini bolt cutters.jpg
     
  6. woodwkr2 Apr 9, 2014

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    Now why didn't I think of that. :whistling: Brilliant!
     
  7. Privateday7 quotes Miss Universe Apr 9, 2014

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    The tools of the month :D. A new item for everyone DIY watch maintenance tools list.
     
    STANDY likes this.
  8. Archer Omega Qualified Watchmaker Apr 9, 2014

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    I have a pair of side cutters in my drawer for cutting stems, and yes for stuck spring bars too.
     
  9. dsio Ash @ ΩF Staff Member Apr 9, 2014

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    Amen to that, never had a 1680 Submariner fail to co-operate when I wanted its springbars out.

    I was pleased to find my Cenenary 2500 also had lug holes, which was a nice touch on a gold model.
     
  10. JimInOz Melbourne Australia Apr 9, 2014

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    Just making sure I didn't scratch or mark the case while I was doing surgery.

    And a "Second That" on lug holes, makes quick changes so easy and lessens the risk of scratching the case.:thumbsup:
     
  11. JimInOz Melbourne Australia Apr 10, 2014

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    Well it came up OK for a quick external clean, now to get it on a strap.

    Does anybody know if the caseback should be polished or brushed, I need to remove the evidence of prior tampering :mad:

    P1030261.JPG

    P1030258.JPG

    P1030260.JPG
     
  12. dsio Ash @ ΩF Staff Member Apr 10, 2014

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    Love the dial, looks great
     
    rhetoric likes this.
  13. Privateday7 quotes Miss Universe Apr 10, 2014

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    +1, well done, mate....
     
  14. speedbird Apr 10, 2014

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    I've had that happen before. Instead of cutters I use a dremel rotary tool and cut the spring bar in half and take it out in two pieces. No slipping to worry about and no bleeding necessary
     
  15. JimInOz Melbourne Australia Apr 10, 2014

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    Curses, foiled again :mad:

    Rhett rhetoric sent me a strap for it, however this watch takes 16.8mm straps, not 18mm.

    Oh well, the hunt is on, 17mm should fit OK.
     
  16. rhetoric Apr 10, 2014

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    Bugger! Oh well, you'll find something. :thumbsup:
     
  17. woodwkr2 Apr 10, 2014

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    Used this little trick--though with slightly less manly looking clippers--today. It worked like a charm and took me all of 1 min (55 seconds were finding the clippers).

    Cheers!
     
  18. JimInOz Melbourne Australia Apr 10, 2014

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    To get to my Dremel I would have had to move the car out of the garage, too much muckin around, and my bolt cutters are blunt after cutting up reo bar.

    But it's a good reason to hit the hardware store for a new pair ;)

    Never mind Rhett, I'll just have to scout for a watch with 18mm lugs and a blue dial :D
     
  19. STANDY schizophrenic pizza orderer and watch collector Apr 10, 2014

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    I use these to cut trebles that get embedded in fishing mates also

    treble stuck in hand.jpg
     
  20. woodwkr2 Apr 10, 2014

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    Yeah?--ask me why I ALWAYS wear a hat when I'm fishing, and have done so ever since the age of 7. :whistling: