Quick release spring bars?

[DoxaDavid]

Hey,

Curious if anyone has tried or uses quick release spring bars on their Rolex? If so, impressions?

I saw this version online and thought the concept had merit for those that like to switch straps regularly and unfortunately Rolex doesn’t make it particularly easy.

[Lawrence of Alabama]

I haven’t tried them but I’d love to. It’s a total you know what to change straps and bracelets as you have pointed out so I’m just better off leaving the bracelet on my subs. I’m gonna have check those bars out though.

[Andad]

Wouldn’t work on a Rolex bracelet.

I have found that even releasing one side of the spring bar didn’t allow the end link to slide out due to the tight tolerance.

Might work on a strap with the required cut out?

[Son Volt]

I have used quick release spring bars on several leather/canvas/rubber straps for my Sub 14060M, both from Barton (a well known strap maker) and the lesser known Fin Watch Straps in Helsinki.

Very convenient, and I've never had an issue with one failing in any way, but they are not anywhere near the diameter of the lug hole, so there is some minor wiggle (only noticeable when the watch is not on your wrist and you purposefully wiggle the band - on the wrist, the tightness of the band prevents any noticeable wiggle). Some have theorized that this wiggle, or the undersized shaft diameter in relation to the lug hole, could deform the inside of the lug hole, but if mine has suffered, I can't spot it.

Nevertheless, once I sort of settled on a leather strap I liked the best (a black Horween from Fin Watch Straps), I removed the quick change bars and put it on the original Rolex spring bars, for no other reason than peace of mind.

But I wouldn't hesitate to use quick change again.

DeWayne

[subtona]

I have them as oem on 2 different brands. They are a pleasure to use.

Which watch/model are you considering them for?

My main concern is how well are the ones you are considering made vs oem?

Note I was not so impressed by the cheaper after market types that I have used.

Ps the original and most elegant solution of the quick release spring bars was the beautiful and discontinued lughole.

[Andad]

Do they only work with certain straps?

I see they are a standard fitment on my DH watches.

[Rashid.bk]

Rolex doesn’t want you messing with their (your) watch. I even think in the future they’ll make the bracelet removable by proprietary tool.
In an age where many brands offer flexibility, Rolex wants to keep their design oem intact.

I would love to have a quick switch system particularly on their divers but for whatever reason, heritage, tradition, etc, they won’t nor will any option on the market work.

[subtona]

Originally Posted by Rashid.bk

Rolex doesn’t want you messing with their (your) watch. I even think in the future they’ll make the bracelet removable by proprietary tool.
In an age where many brands offer flexibility, Rolex wants to keep their design oem intact.

I would love to have a quick switch system particularly on their divers but for whatever reason, heritage, tradition, etc, they won’t nor will any option on the market work.

Come on over to the 5 digit reference. Will be glad to have you

[kilyung]

I use them on all my strap watches. Cut the slots myself with my Bergeon tool. Fantastic option for a former ‘Risti. Won’t work on bracelets though.

[Phil t 32]

Had a new strap for a citizen diver delivered from Nick Mankey yesterday, it came with new spring bars, the same as these, wasn’t sure why they had nibs on till I saw them move when I was fitting them...doh!! Then this thread is on here this morning!!!


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[Rashid.bk]

Originally Posted by subtona

Come on over to the 5 digit reference. Will be glad to have you

My wife wouldn't like you lols.
I am lusting after a 14060M, it looks amazing on leather straps.

[Onikage]

Two release latches would work.. Someone just has to make some..

[aussiejoe]

All the quick release spring bars I have found on the internet have 0.8mm pivots. The Sub and Explorer have holes designed for 1.2mm pivots. These 0.8mm ones would flop around potentially increasing wear.

Have people found 1.2mm pivot versions?

Cheers

[Andad]

Originally Posted by Onikage

Two release latches would work.. Someone just has to make some..

[enjoythemusic]

Have used quick release many, many times. The only thing you need to remember is many have 1.6 or 1.8 ends, and you might need 2.0 at the ends for tight fit onto the body of the timepiece. 1.8 works fine, yet you will notice a bit of wiggle at the attachment side of the band.

[DoxaDavid]

Excellent information. I’ll have to try them and look for ones with 1.8 diameter pins if possible.

Yes, I understand they wouldn’t work with a bracelet unfortunately but was thinking leather or rubber straps.

Thanks!