Strap Change Advice

[Ranger822]

I recently acquired a 5627A-001 and am interested in trying different straps with the watch. It comes with two strap and I am also interested in trying out one of the Rubber B straps for it.

I read some postings about the difficulty in changing the straps because there is a screw that needs to be removed that retains the pin-bar at both both lugs and also one for the deployant clasp.

Does anyone happen to know the correct size or flat head screw driver that fits these retaining screw heads?

Would it be wiser to just take it to an AD and have them swap out the strap for me? It would seem that if I have the correct tool, it should be simple enough. Clearly, I would prefer to not mark up my watch trying out different straps, so any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[soundserious]

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[Ranger822]

Yesterday I went to my AD at Tyson's Corner and had my strap changed from the black croc to a Rubber B. During the interchange the AD was very helpful in listing all the tools necessary for changing the strap, if I wanted to do it myself. Which he indicated wasn't difficult but require some care to avoid unnecessary scratches to the watch.

There appears to be no mystery regarding the change of the strap. The screws are all made of stainless steel and do not require any special metal screwdriver. The screws are not set with any sort of lock-tite. The main thing is to not try to over tighten the screws.

Here are the tools the AD indicated were needed:

Three different flat head screwdrivers - the exact sizes were not itemized, but I was told if I purchase a standard set of 8-10 jewelers screwdrivers the sizes needed will be found from within the set available from one of many of the watch sites like Bergeon. In looking at the screw head sizes and comparing to a millimeter scale the sizes are pretty easy to figure out. However, a good set of screwdrivers is going to cost between $100 and $200. The screwdrivers needed include:

1 head is needed to loosen/tighten the screw that sets the wrist size.

1 head is needed to loosen/tighen the screw that holds the pin in place for the deployment clasp to the strap.

1 head is needed to tighten/loosen the set screws for the retaining pin for two straps held at the lug end of the watch case head.

In addition to screw drivers you will need a push-pin to push the retaining pins out for the deployant and the straps. The AD also suggested using a rubber or plastic strap holder to steady the case/strap in order to push the pin out.

The AD indicated that the pusher tool that is included with he 5627 could be used with care or if one encountered some difficulty, the superior tool combination is a pin drift used in conjunction with a small jewelers rubber hammer to gently tap out the pin. Lastly, the AD recommended using a set of jewelers loops to allow for precision placement of the screw driver head and the pin pusher to avoid scratches to the case or strap.

In looking at various websites, the pin pushers, hammer, and case/strap holder can be purchased for anywhere between 10-25 dollars sans shipping.

Those not interested in the DIY project can always go to your own AD and they will do it for you. Mine charged me $20 dollars and was done in less than 15 minutes without any issues. I was grateful to have the strap changed an to have the watch repairman share the info with me, showing me the tools he used and explaining the rather simple process. So, if you like changing straps frequently it would probably be worth your money to invest in the proper tools to do the job correctly, else, as the previous post indicated - AD can do it pretty quickly, easily and for a very modest price.

[joerivers1961]

I say go for it It's really not that difficult. Just be very careful not to break a screw. I did It on mine because couldn't deal with the croc strap and have not looked back. If you are wearing the watch daily like I do its the best.

P.S. If Im not mistaken yours is a 5726?

[Ranger822]

5726 is correct