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aaamax · 6 February 2015, 05:55 AM

The idea of a beater watch might be an exaggeration, but I have an older GMT that I use for everyday, around the ranch, not-too-careful-about what-is-being-done, usage.
Well my friends, after several hours of misc chores over the weekend I feel something flapping against my wrist. Low and behold one of my spring bars had given out at some point. Had I not been wearing my watch on a zulu (which by the way ALL my everyday work watches reside) the watch would have been lost. The realities of finding something as small as a watch head in the grass lands of where I live is nill.
So the moral to the story is… They may not be the best looking strap design on the planet, but damn if they don't earn their keep.
Cheers.

Brian Page · 6 February 2015, 06:02 AM

There have been several discussions on the forum about NATO vs bracelet and the ramifications of each with spring bar failure - glad your situation worked out for you! By the way - I hope you replaced the other spring bar as well....

Solo118 · 6 February 2015, 06:04 AM

Close one... glad you didnt lose it!

KBM · 6 February 2015, 06:13 AM

Nice to see you didn't loose it! I prefer the bracelet myself, but a colored nato/zulu can be a fun change of pace!

Ferdelious · 6 February 2015, 06:19 AM

Not a bad beater! Glad its safe and sound.

phan655 · 6 February 2015, 06:40 AM

Great looking "beater"

Racerdj · 6 February 2015, 07:17 AM

Great looking beater.

aaamax · 6 February 2015, 09:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian Page

There have been several discussions on the forum about NATO vs bracelet and the ramifications of each with spring bar failure - glad your situation worked out for you! By the way - I hope you replaced the other spring bar as well....

Yes, absolutely, new spring bars are one of the cheapest and best spare parts you can get from Rolex. "The weakest link" and all that.
The other consideration one should take when using a nato/zulu is to make sure there is no pressure between the bars, watch side and strap. If you go with leather make sure whoever makes it for you thins out that area.

bbressler · 6 February 2015, 01:03 PM

Your pics and story inspired me to order a leather NATO from Crown and Buckle for my 16710

tkerrmd · 6 February 2015, 01:06 PM

Glad all is well, cool watch!

ec51 · 6 February 2015, 01:08 PM

Yep. NATOs & ZULUs are safer. It would take a double spring bar failure to lose the watch.

T01 · 6 February 2015, 01:16 PM

Phew! Happy to hear it's not lost!!

aaamax · 7 February 2015, 04:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by T01

Phew! Happy to hear it's not lost!!

Lol, yes, one gets that strange chill on the back of one's neck when something irreparable has happened… time skips a beat there for a moment. Then the deep breath and a slight grin appears after the realization the brain has triggered the "all clear."
Cheers

Thatguy · 7 February 2015, 05:11 AM

Glad to hear you didn't lose it! To add fuel to the fire...would it have broken if on a bracelet?

time2see · 7 February 2015, 05:18 AM

Rugged beauty. Good to hear it was not lost.

997.2 · 7 February 2015, 05:26 AM

Awesome!!

Old Expat Beast · 7 February 2015, 06:24 AM

I read somewhere that leather natos and zulus will do that to tne springbars over time.

EricM · 7 February 2015, 06:48 AM

Very cool first pic with the sheep!

I'm glad that you saved your watch with the Nato. I think it's a good look as well as being highly functional.

Eric

Jason71 · 7 February 2015, 09:24 AM

It looks as if you have a GMT with non-drilled through lugs. If you wear it on a NATO a great deal, I recommend using shoulderless spring bars. This prevents having something to catch the NATO on (the shoulder), and possibly causing the bar to dislodge. I have had this happen to me while diving. Of course you have to cut the bar out when you decide to put it back on the bracelet, or a 2 piece leather strap, or a rubber strap, etc.........but it is Quite secure until that time.

YMMV

Bangel · 7 February 2015, 09:41 AM

I can almost hear your sigh of relief!

With the benefit of hindsight, do you think there could have been signs beforehand that the spring bar may have been worn? Is there any benefit in preventative changing of spring bars?

I'm only wondering because I have no knowledge about this and would hate for this to happen to anyone again.

I realise sometimes things just happen no matter what. You can have bad luck (spring bar failure) just as you can have good luck (having it on a strap when the spring bar fails).

aaamax · 7 February 2015, 08:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bangel

I can almost hear your sigh of relief!

With the benefit of hindsight, do you think there could have been signs beforehand that the spring bar may have been worn? Is there any benefit in preventative changing of spring bars?

I'm only wondering because I have no knowledge about this and would hate for this to happen to anyone again.

I realise sometimes things just happen no matter what. You can have bad luck (spring bar failure) just as you can have good luck (having it on a strap when the spring bar fails).

Jason had a very good suggestion, shoulderless spring bars. Assuming you don't want to change straps often unless you are using thin material that you can thread through the space.
As some of you have pointed out, a bracelet would seem to offer more protection to the bars and I agree, but offer zero margin for mishap.

I for one would love to see a Rolex come out with solid bars with good width/space. Something along the lines of a Pam. Talk about the perfect tool watch. I'd stand in line for that!

Bangel · 7 February 2015, 08:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aaamax

Jason had a very good suggestion, shoulderless spring bars. Assuming you don't want to change straps often unless you are using thin material that you can thread through the space.
As some of you have pointed out, a bracelet would seem to offer more protection to the bars and I agree, but offer zero margin for mishap.

I for one would love to see a Rolex come out with solid bars with good width/space. Something along the lines of a Pam. Talk about the perfect tool watch. I'd stand in line for that!

Thanks for the feedback. Great informative thread.

TimeToGo · 7 February 2015, 10:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

I read somewhere that leather natos and zulus will do that to tne springbars over time.

I agree!

travisb · 7 February 2015, 10:25 PM

Close call. Great looking daily!

OmegaJJH · 7 February 2015, 11:21 PM

Phew!

themaninblack · 13 April 2015, 11:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

I read somewhere that leather natos and zulus will do that to tne springbars over time.

Correct. The thick leather zulu puts pressure on the springbars spring ends. So they help solve the problem that they cause in the first place. That said I changed over from a bracelet to a conventional leather strap tonight on one of my watches and one of the old springbars was dangerously close to gone. Good idea to check them periodically.

SemperFi · 13 April 2015, 11:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OmegaJJH

Phew!

Or more likely ewe!

Jim Smyth · 13 April 2015, 11:53 PM

Spring bars are almost 100% overlooked by everyone. They should be swapped out with new ones at least every 5 years. They are cheap, easy to acquire and to replace. Anytime I buy a used watch thats the first swap out! Otto Frei has kits and packs of well made Swiss spring bars for every size.

bdex75 · 14 April 2015, 12:36 AM

Shoulder less spring bars are a must for me with nato/Zulu. I have this one waiting to go on my dssd for the summer, but need to get to the ad to get the proper springbars.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

watchwatcher · 14 April 2015, 12:50 AM

Glad the watch is safe.

6 February 2015, 05:55 AM	#1
aaamax "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Sweden of yore Posts: 483	Lost a GMt…almost. The idea of a beater watch might be an exaggeration, but I have an older GMT that I use for everyday, around the ranch, not-too-careful-about what-is-being-done, usage. Well my friends, after several hours of misc chores over the weekend I feel something flapping against my wrist. Low and behold one of my spring bars had given out at some point. Had I not been wearing my watch on a zulu (which by the way ALL my everyday work watches reside) the watch would have been lost. The realities of finding something as small as a watch head in the grass lands of where I live is nill. So the moral to the story is… They may not be the best looking strap design on the planet, but damn if they don't earn their keep. Cheers. Attached Images __________________ * * * -Friends Don't Let Friends RSC-

6 February 2015, 06:19 AM	#5
Ferdelious 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: May 2013 Real Name: Matt Location: Tampa, FL Watch: Hulk/SD4K/SeaQ/P39 Posts: 3,203	Not a bad beater! Glad its safe and sound. __________________ Why is it, "A penny for your thoughts," but, "you have to put your two cents in?" Somebody's making a penny.

6 February 2015, 07:17 AM	#7
Racerdj 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Indianapolis Watch: Patek-Philippe Posts: 16,832	Great looking beater. __________________ Rolex and Patek Philippe

7 February 2015, 09:24 AM	#19
Jason71 "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Real Name: Jason Location: USA Watch: Rolex/Tudor Divers Posts: 7,973	It looks as if you have a GMT with non-drilled through lugs. If you wear it on a NATO a great deal, I recommend using shoulderless spring bars. This prevents having something to catch the NATO on (the shoulder), and possibly causing the bar to dislodge. I have had this happen to me while diving. Of course you have to cut the bar out when you decide to put it back on the bracelet, or a 2 piece leather strap, or a rubber strap, etc.........but it is Quite secure until that time. YMMV __________________ Best Regards, Jason Just Say "NO" to Polishing Card-Carrying Member of the Global Association of Retro-Grouch Curmudgeons LIfe is too short to wear inexpensive watches PLEXI IS SEXY

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6 February 2015, 06:02 AM	#2
Brian Page "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: USA Posts: 6,625	There have been several discussions on the forum about NATO vs bracelet and the ramifications of each with spring bar failure - glad your situation worked out for you! By the way - I hope you replaced the other spring bar as well....

6 February 2015, 06:04 AM	#3
Solo118 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: USA Watch: Daytona Posts: 6,091	Close one... glad you didnt lose it!

6 February 2015, 06:13 AM	#4
KBM 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Real Name: K. Location: 780 Posts: 10,460	Nice to see you didn't loose it! I prefer the bracelet myself, but a colored nato/zulu can be a fun change of pace!

6 February 2015, 06:40 AM	#6
phan655 "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2013 Real Name: Ryan Location: Kansas City Watch: 16710,16613 Posts: 297	Great looking "beater"

6 February 2015, 01:03 PM	#9
bbressler "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Texas Watch: Exp, GMTII, Sub Posts: 1,184	Your pics and story inspired me to order a leather NATO from Crown and Buckle for my 16710

6 February 2015, 01:06 PM	#10
tkerrmd "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Real Name: Tom Location: In a race car! Watch: ME RACE PORSCHES Posts: 24,123	Glad all is well, cool watch!

6 February 2015, 01:08 PM	#11
ec51 Banned Join Date: Apr 2011 Real Name: Eric Location: NY Watch: 14060M Posts: 1,642	Yep. NATOs & ZULUs are safer. It would take a double spring bar failure to lose the watch.

6 February 2015, 01:16 PM	#12
T01 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Real Name: T Location: AZ, NV, CA Posts: 6,490	Phew! Happy to hear it's not lost!!

7 February 2015, 05:11 AM	#14
Thatguy "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Real Name: Wayne Location: California Watch: Rolex, PAM Posts: 3,302	Glad to hear you didn't lose it! To add fuel to the fire...would it have broken if on a bracelet?

7 February 2015, 05:18 AM	#15
time2see "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Real Name: Fabian Location: California Posts: 462	Rugged beauty. Good to hear it was not lost.

7 February 2015, 05:26 AM	#16
997.2 Banned Join Date: Jul 2013 Real Name: Chaz Location: Cherry Hill, NJ Posts: 2,721	Awesome!!

7 February 2015, 06:24 AM	#17
Old Expat Beast TRF Moderator & 2024 SubLV41 Patron Join Date: Jul 2013 Real Name: Adam Location: Far East Watch: Golden Tuna Posts: 28,826	I read somewhere that leather natos and zulus will do that to tne springbars over time.

7 February 2015, 06:48 AM	#18
EricM "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: SoCal Posts: 71	Very cool first pic with the sheep! I'm glad that you saved your watch with the Nato. I think it's a good look as well as being highly functional. Eric

7 February 2015, 09:41 AM	#20
Bangel "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Australia Watch: 116610LN Posts: 15,802	I can almost hear your sigh of relief! With the benefit of hindsight, do you think there could have been signs beforehand that the spring bar may have been worn? Is there any benefit in preventative changing of spring bars? I'm only wondering because I have no knowledge about this and would hate for this to happen to anyone again. I realise sometimes things just happen no matter what. You can have bad luck (spring bar failure) just as you can have good luck (having it on a strap when the spring bar fails).

7 February 2015, 10:25 PM	#24
travisb 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Real Name: Travis Location: FL / NYC Watch: Yes.. Posts: 33,493	Close call. Great looking daily!

7 February 2015, 11:21 PM	#25
OmegaJJH "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2013 Real Name: James Location: UK Watch: Rolex & Omega Posts: 6,668	Phew!

13 April 2015, 11:53 PM	#28
Jim Smyth Banned Join Date: Nov 2013 Real Name: Jim Smyth Location: Florida Watch: DD Posts: 1,842	Spring bars are almost 100% overlooked by everyone. They should be swapped out with new ones at least every 5 years. They are cheap, easy to acquire and to replace. Anytime I buy a used watch thats the first swap out! Otto Frei has kits and packs of well made Swiss spring bars for every size.

14 April 2015, 12:36 AM	#29
bdex75 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Real Name: Brandon Location: Indianapolis Watch: my money vanish Posts: 8,506	Shoulder less spring bars are a must for me with nato/Zulu. I have this one waiting to go on my dssd for the summer, but need to get to the ad to get the proper springbars. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

14 April 2015, 12:50 AM	#30
watchwatcher "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Real Name: Larry Location: Kentucky Watch: Yes Posts: 35,047	Glad the watch is safe.

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