What is the safest way to crimp this bracelet?

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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?
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How about a sort of needle nose pliers?

What a lovely old bracelet!
 
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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
 
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I figure that would scar the metal.
Use a chamois or one of those rubber squares for gripping jar lids,
 
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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.
 
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This will give you control, just add leather as mentioned above, or some tiny stick-on door bumper dots for cabinets.

Edited:
 
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I have no useful advice but must say that your Omega is gorgeous! Neat bracelet too.
 
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a padded vice would help in steadying the watch. that is a super gorg omega tank. the case and dial detailing, love it!
 
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Smooth jawed pliers, or add some padding to prevent marking.
 
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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,