Bracelet / Strap attachment favorite.

[HiDive]

What do think is the best attachment method for a bracelet and / or strap.
I think this covers most of them but I am probably missing something. And this is how I feel about each.

Standard springbars and single side drilled lugs. I really do not understand why this is as popular as it is. Basically all current Rolex and most other watches use this system and I think it is one of the worst if not the worst ways to attach a bracelet. I agree thatit is relatively reliable but, I still don't trust them and I keep a stockpile of bars and change them out much more then I probably need to. It is difficult to manufacture / drill the holes and the bars are a more of pain in the arse to remove and install than other systems. I don't know about you but this is the only one of these system that I have had fail on me. one advantage is that it looks cleaner to the eye but that does not carry the most weight with me, maybe for you that is the only important factor.



Springbars with holes all the way through the watch lugs. I find this to be a vast improvement on the previous system. Ten times easier to take the bracelet on or off and the pin ends of the bars are generally much thicker / stronger. Easier to manufacture and I trust this system a lot more than the first in every way. Older subs and SD's used it why not still?



Fixed lug bars if you only use nato / zulu straps this is the best way to go, the chances of breaking a fixed bar are pretty much nil but, if you want to wear a bracelet on your watch you are out of luck. Old military subs had them.

A variation on the fixed lug bar is the is the lug screw bar. I like this sytem a lot and it is always a good choice IMHO. I don't think Rolex has done this one. You need to be careful with the threaded ends but I have never had any issue with them and I always used blue locktite 242 as well. My Dreadnought uses them as well as a Baume & Mercier Diver that I have and there has not ever been an issue.





Now on to my favorite of all of them and I am not sure what to call it but itis the least common of the bunch. I have only seen two examples of this system. It uses a fixed bar on the watch lugs which is the most secure but the bracelets allow removal and quick change by use of a spring loaded latch that attaches the bracelet endlink to the bar securely. IWC uses one variation and my Garmin descent Diving watch / computer uses a similar system.







Now think about this and try not to just say well Rolex does it this way so it must be the best way, because I am pretty sure that is not true. If you really think that is true then fine, but justify it. I have stated my preferences so I am out on the limb here, but I have had a lot of use of each both on land and in the sea.

[M45]

I like the Vacheron qd.

[HiDive]

Originally Posted by M45

I like the Vacheron qd.

Is that similar to the IWC?

[M45]

Originally Posted by HiDive

Is that similar to the IWC?

Very, just more recessed. The lugs are more solid so you can use steel and silicone rubber.