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9 September 2021, 05:03 PM | #1 |
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1675, 1680, 1655 springbars....does size matter?
Vintage Rolex models like the 1675, 1680, 1655 1601 and 1019 etc. they all have 20mm lug widths.
So is there a standard size for all these watches in terms of springbar length and thickness? Are aftermarket springbars recommended? Recently, I got supplied with springbars (non-genuine I believe), which although suitable in length for 20mm lugs, the tips which go into the lugs are stepped and the thickness of the main body of the springbar where it passes through the Jubilee bracelet is narrower (1.8mm) than previously used (2mm). Does it matter? Does something so outwardly generic need to be exact and "Rolex" in brand??? Is there any compromise to quality and function or performance? Please help me, I'm feeling the pain.....
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9 September 2021, 09:20 PM | #3 |
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My old Tudor 7021 was found with a spiedel band and small springbars. They had a small diameter but measured about 20mm. They essentially bored out the springbar hole in the case. The bar should be snug and not jiggle around in the hole. I hope I don’t get banned for that haha
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10 September 2021, 02:18 AM | #4 |
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My preferred are the single shoulder 20mm / 2mm - AM or Authentic.
. As this pic, borrowed from the net. . |
10 September 2021, 03:36 AM | #5 |
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On my watches I go with function over authenticity….if I am wearing it on anything other than the factory bracelet (which I then make sure to use OEM spring bars), I like to use the Seiko 2.5mm (I think) thick spring bars….it makes me feel better when my watch is on a nato…which it normally is.
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10 September 2021, 03:59 AM | #6 |
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1675, 1680, 1655 springbars....does size matter?
Full high resolution chart: https://docs.google.com/viewerng/vie...r.pdf&hl=en_US That chart is for aftermarket Esslingler spring bars for just about all vintage case numbers. It comes from their blog at: https://blog.esslinger.com/generic-r...ing-bar-chart/ All the cases you asked about use the same replacement spring bar (highlighted below) For the most part, if you are using a genuine bracelet, they are 1.8mm. But if you order a size up (i.e., 2.0mm) - like the 9291 - be aware that the nominal pin length may be slightly longer. By doing that the pins may protrude a bit (“stand proud”). I don’t use generic spring bars unless I’m bending them to accommodate a leather strap with curved ends. That’s not because I have any knowledge of they are inferior to Rolex - in fact, I believe Rolex outsources their bars anyway.
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10 September 2021, 04:12 AM | #7 |
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Hi Steve,
The 1675, 1680, 1019, 5513 use the same spring bars (23-1220). The 1600, 1601, 1665 use (23-9290) The 1655 uses (23-9293) all are 20mm. |
10 September 2021, 06:32 AM | #8 |
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I am not sure if they are genuine or aftermarket but don't they also make a shorter version of the spring bars for 20 mm watches.
The explanation I remember is they were commonly used on watches with thin lugs. |
11 September 2021, 12:02 PM | #9 |
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I sent a 1675 GMT TT bracelet away to Hong Kong to get serviced/refurbished.
Got the bracelet back and I can't fit the standard spring bars through the links. Hong Kong guy says "Just use thinner spring bars." like for a DJ. Not real comfortable with this advice.....as thinner spring bars will be less secure (I do wear this watch riding a 1,100cc motorbike and at work) and thinner spring bars will be way less than the diameter of the lug holes.
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11 September 2021, 01:09 PM | #10 |
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If it’s a jubilee band then the end loops should be capable of being opened slightly to accommodate the correct 2mm bar. I’ve had my watchmaker do this to a Tudor 6248-20 which wasn’t designed for a submariner. He was able to open up the ends. Don’t put a smaller bar into a 1675 case
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11 September 2021, 01:28 PM | #11 |
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Yeah, that's what I was thinking.
I'm in lockdown at the moment, so I'll have to wait until the watchmakers re-open.
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11 September 2021, 01:38 PM | #12 |
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But is there any difference in 1675 springbars for a Jubilee bracelet as opposed to an Oyster bracelet for the same model watch?
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Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be. ~Abraham Lincoln Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of a bike ride. ~John F. Kennedy ROLEXploitation - yeah I'm a victim |
11 September 2021, 03:34 PM | #13 |
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What is preventing the bar from attaching to the band? Is it the first link of the band or is it the endlink? Some endlinks have loops that don’t have a bore large enough for the correct bar. I’m pretty sure the bar is the same for both bracelets
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11 September 2021, 09:11 PM | #14 |
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The size of the hole in the last link of the The size i of the hole in the last link of the Jubilee bracelet is the problem. The end link is captured and retained by the spring bar passing through the last link of the bracelet.
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11 September 2021, 09:42 PM | #15 |
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They are the same Steve.
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12 September 2021, 04:34 PM | #16 | |
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Quote:
You can open up the “loops” enough on the bracelet that hold the spring bars with a couple household tools (ex: hammer and nail) and some patience. You just need to find something with a slightly larger diameter than the loops and push them through. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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12 September 2021, 09:18 PM | #17 | |
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Quote:
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14 September 2021, 01:36 AM | #18 | |
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I will send you a Private message to see if I can help you fix this trouble |
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14 September 2021, 04:16 PM | #19 |
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The standard size springbar for this GMT TT Jubilee bracelet will not fit due to the bracelet holes made too small and welded shut.
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14 September 2021, 04:27 PM | #20 |
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oh no
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14 September 2021, 08:16 PM | #21 | |
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I just picked up a 7017/0 that needs new spring bars and I was unsure which were correct |
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14 September 2021, 09:47 PM | #22 | |
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Quote:
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14 September 2021, 10:14 PM | #23 | |
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1675, 1680, 1655 springbars....does size matter?
Quote:
You can see where the repair tech put some weld or solder on the underside each loop. The topsides are solid of course. This appears to be the older USA type oval link jubilee bracelet, Steve. There are parts (about $45 per loop) that will have the right dimensions for the nominal dimension springbars. That means 4 of them, plus labor pulling apart the terminal SS links on each 20mm end and re-pinning them again. Or .2mm smaller diameter springbars. The pins that insert into the lugholes would be the same diameter as the ones you have. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
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14 September 2021, 10:51 PM | #24 | |
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1675, 1680, 1655 springbars....does size matter?
Quote:
I know how frustrating that must be. Do you know if that springbar is 2.0mm or is it 1.8mm? I believe 1.8 is the standard size and if that’s what won’t fit, then a calculated risk whilst on the motorbike if you found some 1.6mm springbars. Only you know how aggressive the vibrations are on your rides. I think a bund strap or NATO could be your riding companion for the GMT if it’s a worry. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
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15 September 2021, 12:13 PM | #25 |
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Before I sent the bracelet away to Michael Young, the standard 2mm spring bars were used with the bracelet. That was stock standard. When I get the watch back, the standard 2mm spring bars do not fit.
Apart from the issue of strength, I can well imagine if I take the watch to Rolex for service they will say the bracelet has been modified and they will refuse to work on the watch. I didn't send the watch away and pay US$445 so that the bracelet will no longer fit with the watch using the standard size spring bars.
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15 September 2021, 12:17 PM | #26 |
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Yes, thanks for that. I can see it now.
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15 September 2021, 12:22 PM | #27 | |
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1675, 1680, 1655 springbars....does size matter?
Quote:
Agree with your viewpoint. It could be a free fix if you share that point with M. Young about the 2mm bars. He should be able to fabricate new loops. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
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15 September 2021, 01:28 PM | #28 |
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Steve, take the watch to a jewelry store that has a jeweler that can solder gold. Also take along a correct spring bar and end link.
Have the jeweler cut the solder open on the rings on both sides of the bracelet and have the jeweler open up the rings until the 2mm spring bars properly fit through the rings. Then, the jeweler needs to place the rings into the end link and ensure the spring bar still fits through the rings. Once they are properly fit, have the jeweler solder up the rings again. Based on the photo of your end rings, they appear to be too close to the bracelet. When this happens, even if the spring bars fit through the rings without the end links attached, once the end rings are placed through the end links, there is is a good chance the spring bars will not go through the end rings because the rings are not going into the end links far enough. Below are some photos for comparison to your end rings. The bracelet in my photos has not been cut or altered in the past. It has plenty of stretch!!! Good luck. jP
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15 September 2021, 02:20 PM | #29 | |
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Sorry to hear about that Steve. Have you raised this with M Young and asked for this to be rectified?
I had an issue after M Young serviced a watch for me and it stopped running within a week or two of getting it back. M Young and his team rectified the issue for me at no cost to me (including shipping) and the watch has been running fine ever since. Quote:
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15 September 2021, 05:49 PM | #30 | |||
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Quote:
I sent a covering letter with the bracelet expressly stating "ROLEX 1675 GMT BRACELET" US$445 later I get the bracelet back and low and behold the bracelet will not accept my standard Rolex 1675 springbars previously used anymore, as the end-holes on the bracelet are welded closed. First I'm told: Quote:
Second response I'm told: Quote:
Suffice to say I didn't have a great day........ I sent the bracelet to Michael Young in a solid cardboard box so it could not be crushed/damaged. Michael Young sent the bracelet back to me in an envelope (without any protection) and now I've notice that one of the end links is now bent where it has been crushed in shipping back to me. Added to that the declared value of the bracelet by Michael Young was HKD$20 (USD$10) and FedEx called me to advise they did not believe that to be a true value, I then spent the following week proving (via multiple phone calls and emails) to FedEx that I had sent the bracelet away for repair 2 months previously Talk about the repairer from hell......
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