Bracelet sizing, case back opener...etc tools. Where to buy?

[openwheelracing]

Hi, I want to size my new watch: An Omega PO.

Where can I purchase a proper sizing tool locally?

[SLS]

ottofrei.com in Oakland, CA

[openwheelracing]

I was thinking locally. I am in Orange County. I just want to get the tools and size the watch RIGHT NOW so I can wear the watch. :)

[SLS]

Come on, Oakland is only 8 hours away! Maybe have an AD adjust it for you.
Scott

[openwheelracing]

my AD wants $25 to size it (I bought from another BB&B which discounted heavily). I figure I can just get the tools instead.

[JJ Irani]

Originally Posted by openwheelracing

Hi, I want to size my new watch: An Omega PO.

Where can I purchase a proper sizing tool locally?

Just a word of caution, buddy.

OMEGA bracelets are held together by pins and sleeves - NOT screws like Rolex.

With Rolex, it's easy to do your own resizing; but with OMEGA, this job can be very tricky and frustrating. The pins have to be literally knocked out with a watchmaker's mallet using a special stand to hold the bracelet upright.

The pins have small sleeves on either end to hold them in place. If you haven't done it before, the whole procedure can turn out pretty messy and clumsy......and, worse still, damaging!!

Best you take it into a professional.

Just my 2 cents.

Good luck - JJ

[Tools]

Here's how you do it... You don't need any special tools........

But you can spend a whole lot more in tools than the cost to have it sized... which most dealers should do for you..... And you've tossed in a case-back opener.....

Omega uses pins to hold the bracelet together. To confound this, the nice clasp they provide does not have any micro-holes for adjustment..

But you can do it:

First you need a couple of simple tools.

Either a bracelet pin removal tool...or
A pin punch the approximate diameter (smaller) of the pins.
A small hammer to tap the pin out.
A pair of small pliers to pull out and insert the pin.

Something like this:


Looking at the links from the backside, some small arrows can be seen etched in the removable links. The pins are pushed out in the direction of the arrows.

Place the bracelet in a padded vice, or hold sturdily on a piece of padded wood....or two with a small space between for the pin to have room to come out. After the pin is started out, it can be pulled the rest of the way with the pliers. This photo shows two pins partially out.


Here we see the parts. You will notice we have two full links and one 1/2 link. The other parts are the locking tube and the pin. This photo also shows that the center links are actually three pieces and it is possible to mis-align the thin outside pieces..


Unfortunately it is trial and error to know if you need a link out/added or a half link, or several, so don't put it together tightly unless you try it on "mocked up" first.

When you have the size you want, it's time to reassemble. The locking tube is inserted first in the center link, the link is mated up, and the pin is inserted. It is important that you notice that the pin has a long smooth side and a shorter side with a crimp. The crimp is what locks into the locking tube so it is important to insert the long end first. Push it in against the arrow (opposite of removal)

This shows the proper assembly order:

[SLS]

Originally Posted by Tools

Here's how you do it... You don't need any special tools........

But you can spend a whole lot more in tools than the cost to have it sized... which most dealers should do for you..... And you've tossed in a case-back opener.....

Omega uses pins to hold the bracelet together. To confound this, the nice clasp they provide does not have any micro-holes for adjustment..

But you can do it:

First you need a couple of simple tools.

Either a bracelet pin removal tool...or
A pin punch the approximate diameter (smaller) of the pins.
A small hammer to tap the pin out.
A pair of small pliers to pull out and insert the pin.

Something like this:


Looking at the links from the backside, some small arrows can be seen etched in the removable links. The pins are pushed out in the direction of the arrows.

Place the bracelet in a padded vice, or hold sturdily on a piece of padded wood....or two with a small space between for the pin to have room to come out. After the pin is started out, it can be pulled the rest of the way with the pliers. This photo shows two pins partially out.


Here we see the parts. You will notice we have two full links and one 1/2 link. The other parts are the locking tube and the pin. This photo also shows that the center links are actually three pieces and it is possible to mis-align the thin outside pieces..


Unfortunately it is trial and error to know if you need a link out/added or a half link, or several, so don't put it together tightly unless you try it on "mocked up" first.

When you have the size you want, it's time to reassemble. The locking tube is inserted first in the center link, the link is mated up, and the pin is inserted. It is important that you notice that the pin has a long smooth side and a shorter side with a crimp. The crimp is what locks into the locking tube so it is important to insert the long end first. Push it in against the arrow (opposite of removal)

This shows the proper assembly order:

Nicely done Larry!
Scott

[Idle Swede]

Larry, your tutorials are phenomenal.

[openwheelracing]

JJ: I am in a DIY kind of mood today :)

tool: that's a great tutorial. I sort of figured it out looking at my SMP's spare links/pin/tube. Now I just need to find a store that sells the pin remover.