Rubber Straps

[Oyster Perp]

Is it just me or are rubber straps a pain to affix ?., Im trying to fit my first but the bars just wont go in. I'm reliably advised that its the correct size for the watch and bars. Is there a magic knack to this ? Dont know why I bothered, Im not too pleased with the aesthetics anyway.

[214270Explorer]

I just purchased two rubber Everest straps (super $$$$ !!!) for my old 5-digit Rolex Submariners.
My Subs are older with through-holes in the lugs.
These STIFF rubber Everest straps are a BEE__YOTCH to install.

The first time, I tried for an hour and then gave up. My bars would just not go in, either. Very frustrating.

The second time, a few days later, I was successful.

Try this:
For through-hole lugs --- Examine the watch and strap as you place them together in alignment. (Do not have the spring-bars in the strap at this point.) Depending on your strap brand, you may find that positioning the strap at a certain angle will aid in getting all holes aligned.

Then try installing the straps with the angle in mind.

For non-through hole lugs - the plan is the same - try to figure out the best alignment you can by looking at the strap and watch lugs. Installation is likely going to be more difficult to figure out and install with this type of lugs as you cannot see through the lugs to observe the strap holes.



The second attempt I made to deal with this hot mess went a lot better, and I did not even scratch up the lugs (but tape them accordingly for safety.)

ADDED: TAKE CARE to position yourself and your work area as the spring-bars may slip and "launch" themselves. I took one in the chest, but if it had gone the other way . . .

My point is that this is quite the learning experience, and you may have to go slowly and figure it all out as you go. Much patience is going to be required.

Alternatively, a trip to a good watch service tech may be in order. I almost had to go that route, but my stubbornness and determination eventually won out.

Keep trying and figure it out!! It will be rewarding to be successful at this task.

(OH and by the way - - - this was MY first attempt too, with rubber straps.)


My straps were replacing the very badly worn bracelets, which I do not care to have restored at this point. My 16613's bracelet is about to fall apart due to 21 years of wear.

[DTV]

Honestly for me it was quite easy. Yet you need a tool to do it with, obviously Bergeon tools are just insanely expensive for a 1 time job.

I recommend looking at any online retailer and picking something up they call a "spring bar tool" that look kinda like a compass. Super easy with those, just make sure to position everything correctly as to avoid scratches.