what is good quality tooling to change straps?

M

Posts

15

Likes

4

mans7755

·Oct 26, 2021

hi,

could you kindly point me to tools that are of good quality to change straps?
i want to avoid damaging screws, etc
thank you!

 

Posts

285

Likes

356

amfalconer

·Oct 26, 2021

https://www.bergeon.swiss/

 

M

Posts

15

Likes

4

mans7755

·Oct 26, 2021

amfalconer

https://www.bergeon.swiss/

thanks...i just watched a youtube video on how to change a strap and it doesn't seem too complicated in principle but the guy is slipping a lot...
if I make the strap change at an Omega boutique, do they charge for it? do they also sometimes do scratches on the case or they can do this safely?

 

Posts

285

Likes

356

amfalconer

·Oct 26, 2021

I've never asked a boutique to change a strap so wouldn't know if they charge for it, I'd expect not as it'd take a technician a couple of minutes and they're all about the customer service.

Whether your technician scratches it or not is another question, I'd wager even the most experienced tech will scratch a watch every now and again.

My advice, try it yourself, the up the back of the lugs if you like and don't worry, the watch will pick up scratches, a couple more won't kill it.

 

Posts

7,682

Likes

14,207

Evitzee

·Oct 26, 2021

M mans7755

thanks...i just watched a youtube video on how to change a strap and it doesn't seem too complicated in principle but the guy is slipping a lot...
if I make the strap change at an Omega boutique, do they charge for it? do they also sometimes do scratches on the case or they can do this safely?

They don't charge you for it, but never assume the person wielding the spring bar tool or screwdriver is any more competent than yourself. And you have a lot more interest in having the job done right than anybody else. Get a good springbar tool and screwdriver and do the job yourself. Tape the lugs for added security. Surprisingly many posters here don't mind making a mess of the lug's undersides with repeated strap changes, but the goal should be to prevent any errant scratches. Even being super careful you might have a nick once in awhile, but overall try for good work.

 

M

Posts

15

Likes

4

mans7755

·Oct 26, 2021

makes sense, thank you guys. I guess a bergeon springbar tool it will be then!
maybe i'll put tape at strategic places to mitigate risk/damage

 

Posts

1,835

Likes

3,728

TimeODanaos

·Oct 26, 2021

Bonus 2c: if you have a good relationship with your WM they will usually throw in a couple quick strap changes for free - and they genuinely are more competent than me!

Edited: Oct 26, 2021

 

Posts

489

Likes

2,018

ckhaing

·Oct 26, 2021

probably there is no single best tool for different watches / strap or spring bar designs
i found out sometimes a small flat head screwdriver works better, sometimes tweezer and so on
the best thing is quick-release straps for me, without needing a tool

 

Posts

5,636

Likes

5,810

SkunkPrince

·Oct 26, 2021

I like the Bergeon 6111 (or 8111 more fancy) because it IS the best tool. Flat fork for leather strap. Small fork for bracelet, pin tool for when the lugs are drilled.

 

M

Posts

15

Likes

4

mans7755

·Oct 26, 2021

ckhaing

probably there is no single best tool for different watches / strap or spring bar designs
i found out sometimes a small flat head screwdriver works better, sometimes tweezer and so on
the best thing is quick-release straps for me, without needing a tool

Sorry for the n00b question but are quick release spring bars available for Omega watches?

 

Posts

1,162

Likes

6,031

impalla62ss

·Oct 26, 2021

I am partial to the Bergeon 3153

 

M

Posts

15

Likes

4

mans7755

·Oct 27, 2021

Thanks to everyone for their help. Great community 😀

 

Posts

236

Likes

908

mzzleather

·Oct 27, 2021

bergeon 6767 A and F always does the trick!

 

E

Posts

337

Likes

288

eldiano84

·Oct 27, 2021

M mans7755

Thanks to everyone for their help. Great community 😀

My dude if you are going to the OB just buy their tool set, it’s 10 bucks and comes in a nice kit that can store your bracelet, and extra springs. If you butter the boutique enough you might have them give you spare straight and curved ones or if they are uptight charge 4.99 each pair LOL. When the watch technician changed mine at the boutique he did it with lightning speed though LOL