Leather Nato Strap Help

[GM101526]

So I am a first time owner of a watch at the ripe age of 30. I purchased a Rolex GMT Master II 116710LN. I see a lot of images online of people wearing their rolex's with nato leather straps. I really like the idea of having versatility with my rolex and not always having to wear the steel band. Being a newby, I have done some reading on this forum and other sites online and have tried to learn what other people are doing to make it possible to switch out their bands. Please tell me if I am wrong in what I have read.

I could buy a Bergeon 6767-F and remove my steel band on my GMT Master II myself. Then apply a nato leather band that I have purchased. I would use the same Bergeon tool to put my steel band back on? This is easy and quick to do myself? So I could make band decisions based on what I'm wearing and where I'm going?

Who else changes their bands on their rolex often and how do you do it?

Thanks.

[eeh100773]

I change out almost daily - from nylon/leather NATO, alligator/leather/rubber straps and of course my 93150 bracelet. I have a 14060, with lug holes, so it's easier than the no lug case. Good luck 👍

[GM101526]

Originally Posted by eeh100773

I change out almost daily - from nylon/leather NATO, alligator/leather/rubber straps and of course my 93150 bracelet. I have a 14060, with lug holes, so it's easier than the no lug case. Good luck 👍

What do you use for a tool to remove your bracelet? And would it be the same for me even though my new watch doesn't have lug holes?

I can wait to start playing around with nylon and leather nato straps.

[eeh100773]

Originally Posted by GM101526

What do you use for a tool to remove your bracelet? And would it be the same for me even though my new watch doesn't have lug holes?



I can wait to start playing around with nylon and leather nato straps.

Playing with straps is fun. Been playing with bezels too.

[donq]

With lug holes you can use a toothpick. No holes case requires a special tool. The Bergeron pliers type tool is good. It's tempting to try and put the spring bars back in and slide the NATO strap in afterwards, but don't. It will scrape up a leather strap and ruin it. Trust me. Put the strap in place and then insert the spring bars..

[GM101526]

Originally Posted by donq

With lug holes you can use a toothpick. No holes case requires a special tool. The Bergeron pliers type tool is good. It's tempting to try and put the spring bars back in and slide the NATO strap in afterwards, but don't. It will scrape up a leather strap and ruin it. Trust me. Put the strap in place and then insert the spring bars..

Very good advice. Thanks for the tip. When I try it for the first time, I will definitely keep this in mind.

[ltmgeller]

You will need something like this:Spring Bars PLIERS 6825

[kam1]

Just checked on Otto Frei's website and they recommend the 6825-PF, which supposedly has finer forks for Rolex. Disclaimer, no personal experience using either.

http://www.ofrei.com/page252.html

[GM101526]

Originally Posted by kam1

Just checked on Otto Frei's website and they recommend the 6825-PF, which supposedly has finer forks for Rolex. Disclaimer, no personal experience using either.

http://www.ofrei.com/page252.html

I went to your link you posted and this is what it says.....

"This Bergeon Tool was designed to help with the installation of new modern bracelets like those made by Omega and a few others. Does not work on Rolex® Bracelets, for those use the First-Quality Spring Bar Tool or the Bergeon 6825-PF with fine fork tips. Otto Frei, www.ofrei.com is not affiliated or sponsored by Rolex® Watch U.S.A"

[wisguy]

Get a Bergeon tool, a regular spring bar tool will not be as good for you.

I have found Rolex to be harder to remove and reinstall a bracelet than other brands.