What is the safest way to crimp this bracelet?

Posts

2,959

Likes

6,320

Modest_Proposal

·Feb 20, 2022

I recently bought a bracelet for my silver Omega, but I'm cautious about crimping it around the delicate silver fixed bars. It's not something I have experience with.

I also don't like the idea of shipping this off to my watchmaker just to close the loop.

Would a small rubber mallet work well enough?
.

 

Posts

3,788

Likes

20,211

ahsposo

·Feb 20, 2022·Most fun screen name at ΩF

How about a sort of needle nose pliers?

What a lovely old bracelet!

 

Posts

2,452

Likes

9,965

Rman

·Feb 20, 2022

That’s a gorgeous combo D,
I reckon any competent jeweler could do it on the cheap, but I’ve done a similar move with adjustable vice grips and a piece of leather to protect against scratches
Best
R

 

Posts

2,959

Likes

6,320

Modest_Proposal

·Feb 20, 2022

ahsposo

How about a sort of needle nose pliers?

What a lovely old bracelet!

I figure that would scar the metal.

 

Posts

3,788

Likes

20,211

ahsposo

·Feb 20, 2022·Most fun screen name at ΩF

Modest_Proposal

I figure that would scar the metal.

Use a chamois or one of those rubber squares for gripping jar lids,

 

Posts

24,599

Likes

54,625

Dan S

·Feb 20, 2022

A small vise if you have one, protecting the ends with strips of leather. Pliers would also work (soft jaws, or protect jaws with leather), just a bit less controlled. I could also imagine using a crystal press with a plastic die. Just depends on what you have handy.

 

Posts

8,633

Likes

61,409

TexOmega

·Feb 20, 2022

This will give you control, just add leather as mentioned above, or some tiny stick-on door bumper dots for cabinets.

Edited: Feb 20, 2022

 

Posts

2,824

Likes

4,933

DirtyDozen12

·Feb 20, 2022

I have no useful advice but must say that your Omega is gorgeous! Neat bracelet too.

 

Posts

236

Likes

910

mzzleather

·Feb 20, 2022

a padded vice would help in steadying the watch. that is a super gorg omega tank. the case and dial detailing, love it!

 

Posts

29,898

Likes

77,330

Archer

·Feb 21, 2022·Omega Qualified Watchmaker

Smooth jawed pliers, or add some padding to prevent marking.

 

Posts

8,742

Likes

69,463

Darlinboy

·Feb 21, 2022

Archer

Smooth jawed pliers, or add some padding to prevent marking.

This. Have used this method for Bonklip bracelets. I wrap a few layers of painter’s tape on the jaws, or similar, to provide extra protection,