Speedmaster strap change

[Mr. K]

Is it hard to change the strap to a bracelet. I have both and wanted to put the bracelet on. I do not however want to damage the watch.

Is it easy to do or should I take it in and pay 10 bucks to have someone do it for me?

Thanks guys.

[Widows Son]

Most jewelers will do it for free if you know them. Especially if you bought the strap from them!! I would pay rather than scratch up the case.

[el-piloto]

Originally Posted by Widows Son

Most jewelers will do it for free if you know them. Especially if you bought the strap from them!! I would pay rather than scratch up the case.

x2

Originally Posted by Mr. K

Is it hard to change the strap to a bracelet. I have both and wanted to
put the bracelet on. I do not however want to damage the watch. (...)

Although eventually there will always be some little scratches there...
If you'd like to flip bands, you'll end up with a few scratches underneath the
lugs... but this would be nothing to worry about... I mean in the end, these
watches are supposed to be worn and enjoyed... so one or two little scratches
won't do any harm... and especially underneath the lugs. (Though, admittedly
I do understand your fear...)

[Mr. K]

Thanks guys, unfortuately I did not buy from an AD but pre-owned. Anyone at the mall or a chain store will charge me to change the strap.

Little scratches I am not worried about, I just don't want to try something and really mess it up.

[SLRdude]

It is really easy.

I constantly change between OEM bracelet, OEM Kevlar/Carbon Fiber and after market black alligator with contrast stitching.

Very easy. I just use an eye class screwdriver and the whole process takes less than a minute, with no scratches.

[timetravel125]

If it were me, I would invest on a Bergeon tools, and patience! Either way, doing it yourself or having someone do it for 10 bucks or free, it will get scracthed. It is a better feeling, IMHO, putting the scratches yourself, rather than other people.

Just my two cents.

Cheers.

Originally Posted by Mr. K

Is it hard to change the strap to a bracelet. I have both and wanted to put the bracelet on. I do not however want to damage the watch.

Is it easy to do or should I take it in and pay 10 bucks to have someone do it for me?

Thanks guys.

[applebook]

I agree with timetravel. Some watchmakers are not so kind to lugs when they make strap changes. If you have patience and the correct tools, switching out straps on most watches is not too difficult.

[Mr. K]

If I were to do this myself, how do I get to the pins through the leather portion of the strap?

[pdpmojo]

I'd like to know too how one would access the spring bar behind the leather. Is it simply going under it to get to the bar?

[jasper]

Unfortunately the answer to your question is simple and inelegant. I use either a mini screwdriver or a mini swiss army knife and "dig" for the edge of the pin under the strap with the tip of the tool.

You should sort of *pry* the edge of the leather back and you'll see a little shoulder on the pin which you can hook your tool under. You only need to compress the pin less than a millimetre. Get the end out of the hole and bring it up. Put your finger over the end of the pin in case it wants to "sproing" across the room.

It's all very small, wear your reading glasses obviously and go slowly. You'll be allright.

Good luck -

[Perdu]

Taking the bracelet off or a leather strap off is easy as pie, but getting that bracelet on is really tricky, at least for me. Spend $10.00.