Spring Bar Questions

[stockjock1975]

Logic would dictate that spring bars are the weakest point on a Rolex (or any watch for that matter). So this got me wondering if spring bars ever get worn out, lose their strength/integrity, and need to be periodically replaced? Along these lines, if you are purchasing after-market spring bars...perhaps for strap changes?....are their varying qualities of spring bars or spring bar manufacturers?

Final question....has anyone here on TRF ever lost a watch or had a watch come off the wrist due to a spring bar malfunction?

[Old Expat Beast]

The only broken springbars I recall seeing on TRF are on watches worn with a nato, which have "saved" the watch by only breaking or dislodging the springbar on one side.

[TickTockChuck]

I haven't lost any watches due failed bars, but would likely replace then every 5 years especially on frequently worn watches. My 2 cents.

[Tools]

Originally Posted by stockjock1975

Logic would dictate that spring bars are the weakest point on a Rolex (or any watch for that matter). So this got me wondering if spring bars ever get worn out, lose their strength/integrity, and need to be periodically replaced? . . .

Spring-bars get old, corrode, and even break inside. This is usually caught when taking the bracelet off and the spring-bar comes out in pieces.

They should be replaced every few years or if they get bent or damaged.

[Javier2.0t]

I've had a spring-bar fail on a Citizen. I bought a small box of them on Amazon and they weren't great quality. One bent, but luckily it was on a Nato. If you buy spring bars just make sure you're getting good ones.

[Brenngun]

If you lose a watch while wearing it on a bracelet or 2 piece strap and you don't find it there could be many reasons but a failed spring bar would have a high probability percentage. There are many cheap replacement spring bars so look for a quality replacement. I've found Otto Frei to carry some high quality Swiss made spring bars (link below).

www.ofrei.com

[JimSnyder]

A NATO work best with spring bars on lug holes.

[Johny]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

The only broken springbars I recall seeing on TRF are on watches worn with a nato, which have "saved" the watch by only breaking or dislodging the springbar on one side.

[Andad]

A spring bar on a bracelet is in shear.
A spring bar on a NATO could have the stress point at the centre of the spring bar where it could fail at a much lower force.

[subtona]

I always replace springbars with original parts from rolex.

The cost is minor and quality among after market can vary greatly.

I replace them every 5 years or so, depending how often you wear the watch.

[mmalek1]

I prefer to only use Rolex springbars. I ended up ordering an extra set for my blnr for a cost of 20.00 through a nearby AD.

[Cryten]

I've seen a few like this now (photo from the internet):

[Cryten]

(Damn tablet posted before I was finished)

That wear is caused by the bracelet and will clearly cause failure eventually.

As for quality, never buy those cheap packets of springbars from the internet. They are junk. A friend almost lost his watch (a Seiko) because one just popped out and it was on a bracelet too. I gave him a pair decent Swiss ones before he lost his watch permanently.

You can feel the difference in the springs and the tubes are much thinner and very easy to bend. If you put a watch on a Nato with Chinese springbars you're virtually guaranteed to lose your watch.

[kirksingleton]

How can you tell if you have Rolex brand springbars ? They all look the same to me.

[Cryten]

Originally Posted by kirksingleton

How can you tell if you have Rolex brand springbars ? They all look the same to me.

Buy them from someone reputable who will sell you what you ask for.