No Holes in Case = Impossible to Remove Bracelet

[USMCsilver]

Okay, I've been cussing at my GMT now for about 15 minutes. I got a NATO strap that I'd like to install, but I can't get the damned bracelet off the watch!

I've got a little tool, but only one side of the pin can be pressed in. I try to compress it, then slide the end link down just a hair and move to the other side, but the pin just snaps back into the hole!

I think I'm gonna just give up unless someone has some worthy advice.

Stupid thing!

[GoldenBear]

Take it to a jeweler. My AD switches mine for free (good customer) a closer one just charges me $5. Worth it not to screw up my nice watches.

[Gedanken]

Dude, that's what toothpicks were made for.

Take it as a sign - your GMT doesn't want to wear a NATO!

[Tools]

I do not have any advice......been there, done that..


Post a video or pics so we can get a good laugh at your trials and tribulations...



Oh, you could just take it to a jeweler and ask politely if they will take it off for you......

If you have a thin feeler gauge, slip it in so the pin does not go back in the hole.

[Paulie]

Or upgrade to an older model with lug holes.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by Paulie

Or upgrade to an older model with lug holes.

Could not agree more,non lugs holes humbug,give me a lug hole case anytime.

[Erix]

Originally Posted by USMCsilver

Okay, I've been cussing at my GMT now for about 15 minutes. I got a NATO strap that I'd like to install, but I can't get the damned bracelet off the watch!

I've got a little tool, but only one side of the pin can be pressed in. I try to compress it, then slide the end link down just a hair and move to the other side, but the pin just snaps back into the hole!

I think I'm gonna just give up unless someone has some worthy advice.

Stupid thing!

I swap my braclet from time to time.
You only need a toothpick or similar thingy to stop the pin from snaping back in.
Then you compress the other side and gently pull.
I do this with a little swiss army knife. compressing with the knife + plastic toothpick to stop the pin from snaping back in + compress the other side. 2 min job when you get the hang of it.

Congrats on the Nato, I have tried several straps but always go back to the Nato.
Nato is IMO the most comfortable strap you can have.

Good luck

[David1971]

Check this thread.
http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=19513

-David

[Ronnie Rolex]

Sterling,

Jocke also had an example on his forum where he used one of those thin, plastic Metrocards to prevent the pin from going back in the hole. His example used the card to help place the second pin when INSERTING the band but I think it would also work in helping you keep the pin from going back into the hole.

http://www.wwrforum.com/viewtopic.ph...90891c985ffb34

[USMCsilver]

Thanks folks.

I think I'm going to save myself the scratches and the swearing and just take it somewhere the next time I'm out.

Stupid ass case!

[JJ Irani]

Originally Posted by Gedanken

Take it as a sign - your GMT doesn't want to wear a NATO!

You took the words right out of my mouth, James!!

[USMCsilver]

Oops.

[SPACE-DWELLER]

Just to like this guy does:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=27V7dzXUKa4



Also: Just listen to the wacko way he speaks!

BTW: This IS in fact a "no holes" case

[Letsgodiving]

I have the same problem with my SD and it comes with its own tool! I need to try the toothpick idea though.

[mike]

Originally Posted by padi56

Could not agree more,non lugs holes humbug,give me a lug hole case anytime.

[GoldenBear]

My AD swapped out 2 bracelets for me today. One on my Breitling and one on my Sub. He also put in 2 new Rolex spring bars in my Sub. He charged me $5 for everything.

[walds11]

I have a Y series Sub Date with holes in the case. I don't think I would mess with the bracelet and no reason to.

[Henry T]

The solid end link (SEL) is more difficult to slide out if only one side of the spring bar is depressed. You would have no such problem if the end links are the older non-SEL.

Someone posted a spring bar removal tool (Bergeon, I think) which works like a tweezer where you depress both sides of the spring bar simultaneously. Very handy.

I would just take the watch to the watchmaker.

[leopardprey]

Use a toothpick! Place in one side when you push the pin in, to hold pin in. And then do the other side and it will pop right out.

[USMCsilver]

Originally Posted by leopardprey

Use a toothpick! Place in one side when you push the pin in, to hold pin in. And then do the other side and it will pop right out.

I tried, but just gave up and took it to my AD. Got the NATO on and I'm happy. Wife took the camera and put it in her pocketbook, so pictures will follow this evening.

[jeffrb]

I made a horrible mistake and interchanged my Daytona 116520 bracelet with my GMT-II bracelet with hole case. It fitted well but when I was trying to take it back I realized that the GMT II bracelet doesn’t have a gap to access the spring bars and the Daytona case where I installed it doesn’t have holes. Kinda stuck, any suggestions are welcome. Tnx.

[Onikage]

Originally Posted by jeffrb

I made a horrible mistake and interchanged my Daytona 116520 bracelet with my GMT-II bracelet with hole case. It fitted well but when I was trying to take it back I realized that the GMT II bracelet doesn’t have a gap to access the spring bars and the Daytona case where I installed it doesn’t have holes. Kinda stuck, any suggestions are welcome. Tnx.

One other person has done this that I can remember. There is nothing you can do except swap the clasps over and try to forget about it. Or drill slots into the back of the endlinks..

[Old Expat Beast]

Please start a new thread, rather than digging up a 13 year old one. Thanks.