Offshore strap Change tool

[bund]

Does anyone use this tool from APbands to change the strap on their offshore. Is it any good. Do I need to order another screwdriver with that tool or everything I need is included.





I seen my watchmaker use 2x screwdriver but worried I might slip.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Noak]

Originally Posted by bund

Does anyone use this tool from APbands to change the strap on their offshore. Is it any good. Do I need to order another screwdriver with that tool or everything I need is included.





I seen my watchmaker use 2x screwdriver but worried I might slip.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I did not find this tool necessary when I switch my straps. On the watch case side, both ends are equipped with short screws and a bar sits in between. I have been switching between straps using just 1 screw driver.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[bund]

Originally Posted by Noak

I did not find this tool necessary when I switch my straps. On the watch case side, both ends are equipped with short screws and a bar sits in between. I have been switching between straps using just 1 screw driver.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Ah thanks! I seen my watchmaker normally use 2 but the last time I went he only used 1 and it seemed easy. Might give that a shot then!



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[bund]

This is the screwdriver I got will that work or do I need to order a 1.6





Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Noak]

Originally Posted by bund

This is the screwdriver I got will that work or do I need to order a 1.6





Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I am using a 1.4 and it’s fine. The screws did not need a high torque to start turning so chances of slipping would be low.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[AshAP]

These are the 4 tools that I use. 2x Bergeon 1.6mm screwdrivers. 1 x Bergeon spring bar tool, 1 x tweezers.

My only advice is to buy decent screwdrivers.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[GS93108]

As above, you need two decent screwdrivers. I have two Bergeon's. You also need the springbar tool to remove the buckle. Once you've done it a couple of times it's dead easy.
Beware of slipping and blood stains on white straps...
Also, it's easy to miss, but each strap has a long bar that goes through the strap and the lugs, the middle section of each strap that's fitted to the watch from the factory has a metal sleeve, it's easy to leave that in the original strap and not even know it's there and thus miss installing it in the replacement strap.
When removing the original strap there is one screws, one long bar that runs the from lug to lug that has a screw end and a metal sleeve in the middle section that the long bar runs through.

I've edited this as even my own short term memory failed me. There's only one screw, the long bar itself also has a screw end.

[AshAP]

Originally Posted by GS93108

As above, you need two decent screwdrivers. I have two Bergeon's. You also need the springbar tool to remove the buckle. Once you've done it a couple of times it's dead easy.
Beware of slipping and blood stains on white straps...
Also, it's easy to miss, but each strap has a long bar that goes through the strap and the lugs, the middle section of each strap that's fitted to the watch from the factory has a metal sleeve, it's easy to leave that in the original strap and not even know it's there and thus miss installing it in the replacement strap.
When removing the original strap there are two screws, one long bar that runs the from lug to lug and a metal sleeve in the middle section that the long bar runs through.

I learnt something today, thanks Gary. I didn’t know about the long metal sleeve, I’m guessing that mine is long gone by now in a thrown away strap.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[GS93108]

Originally Posted by AshAP

I learnt something today, thanks Gary. I didn’t know about the long metal sleeve, I’m guessing that mine is long gone by now in a thrown away strap.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

It's only the middle section that has the sleeve, it's precisely the same width as the middle strap section between the lugs, so not long at all. I didn't notice it the first time I changed straps and it certainly doesn't make any visual or noticeable difference whilst installed. It's just another 'attention to detail' feature of AP that makes me smile that they gone to that trouble.

I'm going to take the plunge and install the camo strap today, so I'll post a pic of the parts.

[AshAP]

Cool! Look forward to seeing it.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[GS93108]

Here are a couple of pics showing the parts and tools for a strap change on an offshore.








Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[bund]

Thanks guys!!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Apflorio1]

Originally Posted by GS93108

It's only the middle section that has the sleeve, it's precisely the same width as the middle strap section between the lugs, so not long at all. I didn't notice it the first time I changed straps and it certainly doesn't make any visual or noticeable difference whilst installed. It's just another 'attention to detail' feature of AP that makes me smile that they gone to that trouble.

I'm going to take the plunge and install the camo strap today, so I'll post a pic of the parts.

Are you using 1.4mm or 1.6mm screw drivers? I’m ordering some new straps and want to be prepared.

From what I have read the screws that are into the case are 1.6 while the ones into the strap are 1.4. Can you confirm that? Thanks.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[GS93108]

1.4mm for the strap.
The plots’ screws are larger I believe but I haven’t ever needed to remove them.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Apflorio1]

Thank you


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[srvrf]

Originally Posted by bund

Does anyone use this tool from APbands to change the strap on their offshore. Is it any good. Do I need to order another screwdriver with that tool or everything I need is included.





I seen my watchmaker use 2x screwdriver but worried I might slip.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I use one with a second screwdriver and like it. My only problem was that I needed to use my dremel to make the tip fit in a thinner slot, but I find it easier to do than two screwdrivers.

[bund]

Thanks for the help guys!
Was able to swap out the bracelet using only 1 screwdriver.
Makes swapping back and forth so much easier now that I can do it on my own






Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[macrowatch]

Very useful thread all, thank you.

One follow up question, why is there a need for two screw drivers us just the traditional do one side then the other? What am I missing in understand the need for two?

[GS93108]

Originally Posted by macrowatch

Very useful thread all, thank you.

One follow up question, why is there a need for two screw drivers us just the traditional do one side then the other? What am I missing in understand the need for two?

To be honest I don't know how you can do it with just one screwdriver. The long bar has a screw slot head and the nut also has a screw slot head. If you turn one the whole thing just spins. I need two screwdrivers to release torque when removing the strap and to apply torque when installing the strap.

So, how's it done with one screwdriver?

[bund]

Originally Posted by GS93108

To be honest I don't know how you can do it with just one screwdriver. The long bar has a screw slot head and the nut also has a screw slot head. If you turn one the whole thing just spins. I need two screwdrivers to release torque when removing the strap and to apply torque when installing the strap.



So, how's it done with one screwdriver?

I just hold it down and starts unscrewing and the screw comes out. Lol. Same thing when screwing it in...




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[GS93108]

Originally Posted by bund

I just hold it down and starts unscrewing and the screw comes out. Lol. Same thing when screwing it in...




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Funny. Well done.

[macrowatch]

Makes sense now on both the 1 vs 2 screwdriver approach. Sincerely thankful before I endeavor for my own strap changes!

[bund]

Originally Posted by GS93108

Here are a couple of pics showing the parts and tools for a strap change on an offshore.








Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I took my strap out again and realised my screws looks different from yours.



Makes sense why I was able to do it with 1 screwdriver.



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[GS93108]

Your ROO is 42mm mine 44mm, maybe there's a different system, maybe it's model or age related. Regardless, one screwdriver for you and an extra $15 cost for me for the second screw driver...

[bund]

Originally Posted by GS93108

Your ROO is 42mm mine 44mm, maybe there's a different system, maybe it's model or age related. Regardless, one screwdriver for you and an extra $15 cost for me for the second screw driver...

[mnmallen]

I've used the AP Bands strap change tool for a while now and find it pretty easy to use as it leaves me one hand free to hold the watch

[Raemondo]

Originally Posted by GS93108

Here are a couple of pics showing the parts and tools for a strap change on an offshore.








Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Super useful! What are the tweezers for?

[dolceman81]

Originally Posted by AshAP

These are the 4 tools that I use. 2x Bergeon 1.6mm screwdrivers. 1 x Bergeon spring bar tool, 1 x tweezers.

My only advice is to buy decent screwdrivers.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Is all I need for an offshore 42mm? I have a rubber strap already on the watch? Do i need anything else?

[dolceman81]

Originally Posted by dolceman81

Is all I need for an offshore 42mm? I have a rubber strap already on the watch? Do i need anything else?

The screws on the strap are bigger than on the buckle. Will 1.6mm work for both? I have pics to share but can’t attach to this message

[dolceman81]

Originally Posted by GS93108

Here are a couple of pics showing the parts and tools for a strap change on an offshore.








Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Is the Bergeron spring bar tool model 6767? Is your offshore a 42?