Bergeon 7825 and Submariner - did I mess up the springbar hole?

[Rahul718]

Hey all,

So… I ordered the Bergeon 7825 tweezer. I’ve been using the 6767F with great results so far by taping up the lugs, but everyone has raved about the 7825 so I decided to buy it.

I practiced on a less nicer watch and it worked perfectly, so off I went to the Submariner Date. The technique I used was what all the tutorials said —> move the watch head away while keeping the end link stationary. I thought I did a good job, but apparently I did not. See the pictures. 2 photos at different angles of the same springbar hole.

It looks like I slightly dished out one of the lug holes. Does it look like the integrity of the lug hole is compromised or is it cosmetic only? Do I need to worry the springbar hole will only get bigger from here on out? Will the watch last or is the longevity compromised? Mostly just concerned about structural issues this might result in.

And please, no comments about how I should I have taken it to a professional. I already feel bad enough. I’ve been using springbar tools for a very long time with hardly ever any issues as a result. This was just being new to the 7825 tweezer, even after I had practiced on another watch.

Appreciate any feedback

[Old Expat Beast]

I wouldn't worry about the lug hole, but it looks like there might be a chip out of the actual lug, just northwest of the hole. (Also not really concerning, though).

[Gearjockey]

I wouldn’t be that concerned with lug hole.
It’s the LUG I’m interested in. You will see that with bracelet installed.

[physicist]

Finish the operation you were in the process of completing and forget about it.

[Tools]

I suspect that the true point of this thread is to show the great macro-photos.

[Walster]

I would not worry about the integrity of the spring bar hole.

But I’m more curious about the actual hole. It appears that there is a bushing or bearing inserted into the hole. Wonder if that is a replaceable item by RSC??

Would love to hear from Bas on this.

[BillA]

Huh?

[Kreyzhorse]

Done is done. Move it on and forget about it.

[dg8dg7]

No concerns whatsoever to integrity or longevity, so don't fret at all.

Honestly, happens to everyone an those tweezers do take some time to get used to - sometimes the pins still slip from the tips, so it happens. Don't worry about it and enjoy the watch!

Sent from my SM-S916W using Tapatalk

[omar-rye]

Originally Posted by Rahul718

Does it look like the integrity of the lug hole is compromised or is it cosmetic only? Do I need to worry the springbar hole will only get bigger from here on out? Will the watch last or is the longevity compromised?

No, no, and nothings compromised.

[KatGirl]

“Fuhgedaboudit!” You’re fine.

Kat


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[SaddleSC]

Were you installing the end link from the top of the lug, rather than from the bottom side of the watch? The spring bar hole is not compromised, but it looks like you took a heck of a ding out of the top of the lug, which would be visible with the bracelet installed...that would drive me absolutely crazy!

[Scottyboy]

If a tree falls in the woods and nobody was there to see or hear it, did it even happen?

Apply that here OP... once the bracelet or strap is on you will never know this even happened.

[Rahul718]

Thanks to all who commented. No, the bracelet was removed from the back of the watch, never from the top. I’m glad to hear that I didn’t compromise the lug hole. I’ve had watches where, over time, the lug holes got “worn” anyway, even when the bracelet was never even removed, so maybe I should just look at this as just some expedited wear and tear.

And yes, of course when the bracelet goes back on this isn’t noticeable. But if it wasn’t clear before, it’s not really the cosmetics that bother me, but what this damage means long term in the sense of functionality (ie, will I need a new case, will the hole get bigger now, do I need to get it laser welded). Otherwise, I’m completely fine with scratches and dings :)

Another pic just because I forgot to share it prior

[Gearjockey]

Still would like to see a pic from top of lug, looking at face of watch where it meets end link.
Please

[Rahul718]

Originally Posted by Gearjockey

Still would like to see a pic from top of lug, looking at face of watch where it meets end link.
Please

It’s not very noticeable. Here it is. With the bracelet on, it’s not noticeable at all without a loupe

[DavidSB]

Originally Posted by Tools

I suspect that the true point of this thread is to show the great macro-photos.

How are you taking the photos? What equipment/setup?

[Gearjockey]

Probably an electron microscope.

It doesn’t look as bad as I thought. Leave it alone

[Rahul718]

Guys it’s literally just a new IPhone lol. I zoomed in 3x and bam

[worldofoyster]

it looks fine, nothing to worry

[Rahul718]

Thanks all, appreciate the feedback

[Watchsprings]

Originally Posted by Rahul718

Guys it’s literally just a new IPhone lol. I zoomed in 3x and bam

I need a new IPhone!

[bk01]

I’m in the same boat. I bought the same tweezers to install a Rubber B strap that I did not like and returned.

Upon reinstallation of the oyster bracelet, the springbars popped out a couple of times before I could secure it in the holes (I think taping the lugs made everything a bit more complicated as the endlinks were gripping a tiny bit when being inserted in the lugs).

Two of my lugs now look EXACTLY like yours with a tiny tiny dent at the sharp edge. They are barely visible to my 50 years old eyes without using a loupe. But definitely similar to yours.

I'm sure RSC will restore this to perfection when it's time for service.

[Rahul718]

Originally Posted by bk01

I’m in the same boat. I bought the same tweezers to install a Rubber B strap that I did not like and returned.

Upon reinstallation of the oyster bracelet, the springbars popped out a couple of times before I could secure it in the holes (I think taping the lugs made everything a bit more complicated as the endlinks were gripping a tiny bit when being inserted in the lugs).

Two of my lugs now look EXACTLY like yours with a tiny tiny dent at the sharp edge. They are barely visible to my 50 years old eyes without using a loupe. But definitely similar to yours.

I'm sure RSC will restore this to perfection when it's time for service.

Very interesting, thanks for sharing. Do you happen to have pics of the springbar hole where that dent occurred? Very curious to see if there’s similar damage…

[jtorrebl]

The hole barely has a scratch just outside of it. This will affect the spring bar once it’s back in place since that part of the hole is completely intact

[bk01]

Originally Posted by Rahul718

Very interesting, thanks for sharing. Do you happen to have pics of the springbar hole where that dent occurred? Very curious to see if there’s similar damage…

I noticed the little dents after replacing the bracelet. And I'm not removing it again to take a picture

[Commander C.]

Why don't Rolex and other watch/strap manufacturers use quick release spring bars? My Vaer A12 has those on the straps and bracelets, and changing the strap/bracelet, which I do frequently, is quick and easy, without damage to the lugs. I've never had the spring bars release on their own. Is there some disadvantage to quick release spring bars that I'm missing?