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theyare · 1 June 2011, 05:20 AM

How easy is this (or possible) to do on a Sub for a noob?
Something I could potentially due to switch up on a weekly basis or so?
Or would I need to bring it in to a watch center anytime to have it done?

Grumpy Badger · 1 June 2011, 05:22 AM

Easy once you've done it once or twice, easier still if your sub has lug holes!

slcbbrown · 1 June 2011, 06:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grumpy Badger

Easy once you've done it once or twice, easier still if your sub has lug holes!

It's simpler with lug holes, but easy enough without. However, you do need a springbar tool if you don't have lug holes.

KiKo · 1 June 2011, 05:24 AM

Doesn't seem very complicated. All you need is a spring bar tool for the newer subs without lug holes. I just ordered my first Nato strap for my sub last week. I should be removing my bracelet for the first time any day now.

Go on youtube and look it up. I found a few instructional videos on there. I would send you a link but youtube is blocked at my job

Grumpy Badger · 1 June 2011, 05:28 AM

The biggest thing to watch out for is those pesky little spring bars go into orbit if you let go when they're compressed... We've all done it and spent the next hour crawling around the floor with a torch!

bighaole · 1 June 2011, 01:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grumpy Badger

The biggest thing to watch out for is those pesky little spring bars go into orbit if you let go when they're compressed... We've all done it and spent the next hour crawling around the floor with a torch!

I'm still looking for my missing one. Luckily a kindly jeweler replaced it for me for only $1.

ecsub44 · 1 June 2011, 05:46 AM

I switch mine weekly...give or take. Every time I do it, it becomes easier. But the first time was pretty straight forward.

I've got lug holes...which helps a lot. For me, the trickiest part is getting the end link in place while I'm setting the spring bar. Tricky at times...but surely not difficult.

stockae92 · 1 June 2011, 10:44 AM

one suggestion, its much easier to get the right tool to do the job :-)

Runnin' Rebel · 1 June 2011, 11:47 AM

it took me like 45 mins the first time, I hope it gets easier the next time, it was a GMT Master II though, not that it makes a difference. Did it last week, I like the look

ecsub44 · 1 June 2011, 12:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JAGERVEGAS

it took me like 45 mins the first time, I hope it gets easier the next time, it was a GMT Master II though, not that it makes a difference. Did it last week, I like the look

45 minutes? Wow. I'd have to say you're doing something "wrong".

To go from SS bracelet to NATO it might take 2 min start to finish. Going back to the bracelet might take a minute or 2 longer.

Not that it matters...but it might be worth trying to get some help...maybe start a separate thread to get some pointers.

And yes, by the way, your watch looks awesome with the NATO. :)

Runnin' Rebel · 1 June 2011, 12:18 PM

well. I didn't have my glasses on for starters and I aint much of a mechanical type guy, but I got it done, it will be easier next time. I was nervous about that spring bar shootin across the room

Andad · 28 July 2011, 05:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JAGERVEGAS

well. I didn't have my glasses on for starters and I aint much of a mechanical type guy, but I got it done, it will be easier next time. I was nervous about that spring bar shootin across the room

You can change the springbar inside a plastic bag - take a deep breath first.

ecsub44 · 1 June 2011, 12:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JAGERVEGAS

well. I didn't have my glasses on for starters and I aint much of a mechanical type guy, but I got it done, it will be easier next time. I was nervous about that spring bar shootin across the room

Yeah...you do have to be careful with the springbars. I have some spares...so I'm OK if I lose one from time to time (although I never have...yet).

I don't mean to be critical with the amount of time it's taking you. I'm just trying to be helpful. Keep at it and I'm sure you'll get faster.

ecsub44 · 1 June 2011, 01:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bighaole

I'm still looking for my missing one. Luckily a kindly jeweler replaced it for me for only $1.

Make sure it's of the same quality as the real Rolex springbars. I received replacements from a jeweler that were pretty awful.

evanvito · 1 June 2011, 02:02 PM

You should be able to do it with a springbar tool. No need to bring it to a watch center

glimmer · 1 June 2011, 02:19 PM

I just started doing this on my own last week...I finally got my own springbar tool. As they say, it takes some time getting used to, but after you're over that it's quite easy. Never will I have to go to my watchmaker again

Here's a link to the tool I bought:

http://www.mywatchmaker.net/springbartool.htm

Johny · 2 June 2011, 12:07 AM

hi i changed mine over on my 16610 lv for the first time on sat. i used the bergeon 6111 tool and found it to be very easy to use. this tool comes with the fine fork for the non lughole models. i first tried the maratac mil 20mm black strap and now have a green one on.

dalip · 2 June 2011, 01:36 AM

The Bergeon 6111 is the easiest tool to use. A bit of practice and it gets much easier. As has been said watch those springbars !!

Plow Boy · 8 July 2011, 05:06 PM

You all just saved me a lot of time. Thanks!

520Matt · 8 July 2011, 06:12 PM

It's not the tool, it's the technique, once you done it, it's not so bad, put some tape on the lugs and have at it!

Mistry · 8 July 2011, 06:29 PM

I did it first time last week, it was super easy!

have earings to side the bars closed,

use them to slide the bar together so it pops out of the wholes and the bracelet slides off easy.

put back the pins

look at the youtube vid of how to fit a nato.

5 mins job :)

dddrees · 8 July 2011, 08:39 PM

So far I have only done it with my one watch which has lug holes. Very easy and straight forward. Besides I would think the newer models might be a bit top heavy on a Nato.

Mistry · 8 July 2011, 09:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dddrees

So far I have only done it with my one watch which has lug holes. Very easy and straight forward. Besides I would think the newer models might be a bit top heavy on a Nato.

i did it on my ss sub with lug holes and my TT sub without holes

both easy peasy

also because the natos are straps that be adjusted easily the wieght issue doesnt apply

dddrees · 8 July 2011, 09:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mistry

i did it on my ss sub with lug holes and my TT sub without holes

both easy peasy

also because the natos are straps that be adjusted easily the wieght issue doesnt apply

Thanks, I just might give it a shot with no lug holes at some point, however I do like the bracelet. I will soon have a second watch with lug holes and may not really find a need to do so.

SUBversive · 8 July 2011, 10:31 PM

Go to the spring bars from the back of watch, so you don't scratch anywhere on top. Once you change to one NATO you can slip in and out other styles in 2 seconds without taking the bars out again.

TSW · 8 July 2011, 11:18 PM

With the right tools (Bergeon) it's both fast and easy!

rdb8879 · 9 July 2011, 12:38 PM

I bought the Bergeon 6767f tool. I still haven't been able to. I have the new sub-c. I just can't seem to make it work for me. I had to grind\sand the fine forks down to even fit the holes. Nevertheless, I still can't get the bracelet loose.

xjeeunitx · 9 July 2011, 05:07 PM

Shoot, I use the pointy part of a flat end screw driver and push the lug up. Once one side is popped out, I put pressure on the lug until I pop the other side out. Too easy. Like what others said, watch out for the spring bars flying everywhere.

ALSO, make sure you tape up the lug area so you don't scratch it up.

leerecords · 28 July 2011, 02:10 AM

Anyone have any instructional sites or videos. I bought the Bergeon 6111 tool and can decompress one side, but once i toy with the other side, the first side always pops back in. Quite frustrating. I must be using a wrong technique....

astrazen · 28 July 2011, 02:57 AM

Ive tried to love the NATO straps and I have a few but to be honest, unless you dive and want to feel your watch is secure then I really wouldnt bother.

Completely spoils the look of a fantastic watch.

1 June 2011, 05:20 AM	#1
theyare Banned Join Date: May 2010 Location: USA Posts: 39	Switching between NATO strap & bracelet How easy is this (or possible) to do on a Sub for a noob? Something I could potentially due to switch up on a weekly basis or so? Or would I need to bring it in to a watch center anytime to have it done?

1 June 2011, 05:22 AM	#2
Grumpy Badger "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Real Name: Mark Location: Bonny Scotland Watch: 14060M Sub (cosc) Posts: 5,280	Easy once you've done it once or twice, easier still if your sub has lug holes! __________________ Don't mind me. I'm full of scotch, bitterness and impure thoughts! "You have enemies? Good! That means you stood up for something, sometime in your life." Sir Winston Leonard Spencer-Churchill KG, OM, CH, TD, PC, DL, FRS.

1 June 2011, 05:28 AM	#5
Grumpy Badger "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Real Name: Mark Location: Bonny Scotland Watch: 14060M Sub (cosc) Posts: 5,280	The biggest thing to watch out for is those pesky little spring bars go into orbit if you let go when they're compressed... We've all done it and spent the next hour crawling around the floor with a torch! __________________ Don't mind me. I'm full of scotch, bitterness and impure thoughts! "You have enemies? Good! That means you stood up for something, sometime in your life." Sir Winston Leonard Spencer-Churchill KG, OM, CH, TD, PC, DL, FRS.

1 June 2011, 05:46 AM	#7
ecsub44 "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: US Watch: Sub Posts: 3,175	I switch mine weekly...give or take. Every time I do it, it becomes easier. But the first time was pretty straight forward. I've got lug holes...which helps a lot. For me, the trickiest part is getting the end link in place while I'm setting the spring bar. Tricky at times...but surely not difficult. __________________ *侘寂 -- wabi-sabi --* acceptance of transience and imperfection by finding beauty in that which is imperfect, impermanent, and incomplete Commissioner of WEIRD POLICE , Badge # ecsub44

1 June 2011, 11:47 AM	#9
Runnin' Rebel "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Real Name: Mark Location: 🤔 Posts: 8,424	it took me like 45 mins the first time, I hope it gets easier the next time, it was a GMT Master II though, not that it makes a difference. Did it last week, I like the look Attached Images __________________ ♛

1 June 2011, 05:24 AM	#4
KiKo Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Florida Watch: M Series 16610 Posts: 45	Doesn't seem very complicated. All you need is a spring bar tool for the newer subs without lug holes. I just ordered my first Nato strap for my sub last week. I should be removing my bracelet for the first time any day now. Go on youtube and look it up. I found a few instructional videos on there. I would send you a link but youtube is blocked at my job

1 June 2011, 10:44 AM	#8
stockae92 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Socal Posts: 4,964	one suggestion, its much easier to get the right tool to do the job :-)

1 June 2011, 12:18 PM	#11
Runnin' Rebel "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Real Name: Mark Location: 🤔 Posts: 8,424	well. I didn't have my glasses on for starters and I aint much of a mechanical type guy, but I got it done, it will be easier next time. I was nervous about that spring bar shootin across the room __________________ ♛

1 June 2011, 02:02 PM	#15
evanvito "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Real Name: Lennard Location: Fremont, CA Watch: Explorer 214270 Posts: 408	You should be able to do it with a springbar tool. No need to bring it to a watch center

1 June 2011, 02:19 PM	#16
glimmer Banned Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Here, everywhere Posts: 1,244	I just started doing this on my own last week...I finally got my own springbar tool. As they say, it takes some time getting used to, but after you're over that it's quite easy. Never will I have to go to my watchmaker again Here's a link to the tool I bought: http://www.mywatchmaker.net/springbartool.htm

2 June 2011, 12:07 AM	#17
Johny "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Real Name: john Location: Scotland Watch: sub 16610Lv Posts: 13,523	hi i changed mine over on my 16610 lv for the first time on sat. i used the bergeon 6111 tool and found it to be very easy to use. this tool comes with the fine fork for the non lughole models. i first tried the maratac mil 20mm black strap and now have a green one on. __________________ "AFTER DARK" BAR AND NIGHT CLUB GM.

2 June 2011, 01:36 AM	#18
dalip "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Real Name: Dalip Location: Mumbai and Perth Watch: Rolex PAM Omega Posts: 18,656	The Bergeon 6111 is the easiest tool to use. A bit of practice and it gets much easier. As has been said watch those springbars !! __________________ ------------------------------------------------------------ *"The liar's punishment is not in the least that he is not believed, but that he cannot believe anyone else." George Bernard Shaw*

8 July 2011, 05:06 PM	#19
Plow Boy "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Real Name: Gary Location: Germany Watch: Omega Seamaster Posts: 3	You all just saved me a lot of time. Thanks!

8 July 2011, 06:12 PM	#20
520Matt "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Real Name: Matt Location: Tucson, AZ Watch: SD, LV,GMT II Pep Posts: 2,782	It's not the tool, it's the technique, once you done it, it's not so bad, put some tape on the lugs and have at it!

8 July 2011, 06:29 PM	#21
Mistry "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: London/Switz Watch: Sub's/OysterP/... Posts: 236	I did it first time last week, it was super easy! have earings to side the bars closed, use them to slide the bar together so it pops out of the wholes and the bracelet slides off easy. put back the pins look at the youtube vid of how to fit a nato. 5 mins job :) __________________ Its better to be feared than loved, for fear is controllable but love never Last edited by Mistry; 8 July 2011 at 06:32 PM.. Reason: extra info

8 July 2011, 08:39 PM	#22
dddrees "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2010 Real Name: Dan Location: USA Watch: This N That Posts: 34,253	So far I have only done it with my one watch which has lug holes. Very easy and straight forward. Besides I would think the newer models might be a bit top heavy on a Nato. __________________ When it captures your imagination, that's when you know you have found your passion. Loyal Foot Soldier of The Nylon Nation. Card Carrying Member of the Global Association of Retro-Grouch-Curmudgeons

8 July 2011, 10:31 PM	#25
SUBversive Banned Join Date: May 2011 Location: ri Watch: Sun Dial Posts: 14,346	Go to the spring bars from the back of watch, so you don't scratch anywhere on top. Once you change to one NATO you can slip in and out other styles in 2 seconds without taking the bars out again.

8 July 2011, 11:18 PM	#26
TSW "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Real Name: TSW Location: Le Brassus Watch: Rolex & AP's Posts: 27,449	With the right tools (Bergeon) it's both fast and easy! __________________ AP Owners Club IG @swiss.watch.connection

9 July 2011, 12:38 PM	#27
rdb8879 Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Real Name: Roger Location: Georgia Watch: 116610LN Posts: 52	I bought the Bergeon 6767f tool. I still haven't been able to. I have the new sub-c. I just can't seem to make it work for me. I had to grind\sand the fine forks down to even fit the holes. Nevertheless, I still can't get the bracelet loose.

9 July 2011, 05:07 PM	#28
xjeeunitx 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 5,533	Shoot, I use the pointy part of a flat end screw driver and push the lug up. Once one side is popped out, I put pressure on the lug until I pop the other side out. Too easy. Like what others said, watch out for the spring bars flying everywhere. ALSO, make sure you tape up the lug area so you don't scratch it up.

28 July 2011, 02:10 AM	#29
leerecords "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: San Francisco, CA Watch: 16610 Posts: 43	Anyone have any instructional sites or videos. I bought the Bergeon 6111 tool and can decompress one side, but once i toy with the other side, the first side always pops back in. Quite frustrating. I must be using a wrong technique....

28 July 2011, 02:57 AM	#30
astrazen "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Cheshire UK Posts: 328	Ive tried to love the NATO straps and I have a few but to be honest, unless you dive and want to feel your watch is secure then I really wouldnt bother. Completely spoils the look of a fantastic watch.

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