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Old 16 June 2023, 07:45 PM   #1
btwistround
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Recommended tool

What's the best tool you guys use to change straps?

I have a Tudor GMT and thinking of changing to Rubber B strap for hte summer and the choice of tools is immense.

Rather have something that's recommended from here that chance my luck and get a duff kit that breaks.
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Old 16 June 2023, 08:08 PM   #2
Walster
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Great question that I have been trying to answer myself. I am currently trying to decide between the Bergeron 6825 or 7825 tool. Looking forward to others’ responses.
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Old 16 June 2023, 08:23 PM   #3
watchluvr4ever
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This is the one you want…

https://www.esslinger.com/horofix-spring-bar-tweezers/

I wouldn’t waste money on the Bergeon model cause the replacement tips are ridiculously expensive to replace and it will be a matter of time till you break one. I’ve had my Horofix unit for years and have never broke a tip and they are used frequently since I’m a watchmaker. The Horofix also comes with replacement tips. There is a small learning curve to using these and a steady hand is needed, and if you are untrained I’d suggest taping your lugs when using these to prevent scratches.
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Old 16 June 2023, 08:35 PM   #4
robinmgb
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I use and recommend the Bergeon 7825, also have the 6825 but the 7825 is the one.
In reference to the above post, I’ve used the 7825 for several years now and never broken a tip
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Old 16 June 2023, 08:51 PM   #5
77T
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The tweezer is more expensive and a unitasker.

So - this is under $18 and more versatile. Works on lug end springbars and clasps too.

I have the older one from 20 years back. Never broke a tip but bent the pointed end once doing bracelet work.

True, you will need practice with any tool but simpler is better IMHO.


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Old 16 June 2023, 10:26 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by watchluvr4ever View Post
This is the one you want…

https://www.esslinger.com/horofix-spring-bar-tweezers/

I wouldn’t waste money on the Bergeon model cause the replacement tips are ridiculously expensive to replace and it will be a matter of time till you break one. I’ve had my Horofix unit for years and have never broke a tip and they are used frequently since I’m a watchmaker. The Horofix also comes with replacement tips. There is a small learning curve to using these and a steady hand is needed, and if you are untrained I’d suggest taping your lugs when using these to prevent scratches.
+1

Tweezers make it so easy.
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Old 16 June 2023, 10:26 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 77T View Post


The tweezer is more expensive and a unitasker.

So - this is under $18 and more versatile. Works on lug end springbars and clasps too.

I have the older one from 20 years back. Never broke a tip but bent the pointed end once doing bracelet work.

True, you will need practice with any tool but simpler is better IMHO.


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I have one of those but i never seem to succeed to get the bracelet removed without damaging the endlink, lug or springbar. It’ll be just me i guess.
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Old 16 June 2023, 10:31 PM   #8
Bill D
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Nam Hing Tool
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Old 16 June 2023, 10:46 PM   #9
Brich436
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Bergeon 7825 is worth the money. Works better on Rolex than Tudor but just tape the lugs and use the proper tool and it will be pain free.
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Old 16 June 2023, 10:54 PM   #10
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I would personally go for a tweezer style tool rather than the tool bar. The tool bar is harder to get the strap back on.. also easier to scratch the lugs.

I find the tweezer style tools easier to use. Use electrical tape on the lugs - should help with accidental scratches!
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Old 16 June 2023, 10:54 PM   #11
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Old 16 June 2023, 11:25 PM   #12
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I found the Nam-hing Premium Spring Bar Removal Tool easier to use than the Burgeon. Works for everything. Can be found on the Esslinger website
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Old 16 June 2023, 11:38 PM   #13
joli160
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Tweezers, Rolex own or the Bergeon
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Old 16 June 2023, 11:42 PM   #14
Gearjockey
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Regarding springbar tweezers, I would get the Horofix from Esslinger over the Bergeon.
They're less money, they include extra tips and they are very high quality.
Most of the higher-end watches have very tight clearance in the endlinks to case, so the spring bar tool will not work without scratching, only the tweezers (unless you’re an octopus).

One other suggestion is that I use a clamp with a cloth on table to eliminate the necessity of holding it in your hand with a springbar tweezers in the other, makes it a lot easier to keep from damaging it when you install or remove springbar with endlink. Also keep applying light pressure to tweezers as you remove endlink, ie: don’t just let the spring pressure relieve into the case as you remove springbar/endlink. That is how scratches occur. Like someone mentioned, shallow learning curve.
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Old 16 June 2023, 11:51 PM   #15
watchluvr4ever
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While a standard springbar tool may help you remove your bracelet, it really won’t help you re-install it without the likely possibility of scratching your lugs, especially if your watch has very tight tolerance SEL. The springbar should never come into contact with the lugs. The tweezer style is the industry standard for SEL. I don’t care whether you waste your money on the Bergeon or more economically priced Horofix, just use the right tool for the job.
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Old 17 June 2023, 01:41 AM   #16
Agamemnon
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Quote:
Originally Posted by watchluvr4ever View Post
This is the one you want…

https://www.esslinger.com/horofix-spring-bar-tweezers/

I wouldn’t waste money on the Bergeon model cause the replacement tips are ridiculously expensive to replace and it will be a matter of time till you break one. I’ve had my Horofix unit for years and have never broke a tip and they are used frequently since I’m a watchmaker. The Horofix also comes with replacement tips. There is a small learning curve to using these and a steady hand is needed, and if you are untrained I’d suggest taping your lugs when using these to prevent scratches.
Thank you
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Old 17 June 2023, 01:46 AM   #17
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Thank you for this, you just made my year
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Old 17 June 2023, 02:13 AM   #18
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These are my faves, but also have one of pretty much all the others mentioned on this thread.

https://www.esslinger.com/premium-sp...-removal-tool/

Imho one tool does not work for / on all. Get the above, the tweezers, and the 'stick'.
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Old 17 June 2023, 02:34 AM   #19
Agamemnon
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Thank you for this, you just made my year
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Old 18 June 2023, 05:45 AM   #20
joli160
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Quote:
Originally Posted by watchluvr4ever View Post
While a standard springbar tool may help you remove your bracelet, it really won’t help you re-install it without the likely possibility of scratching your lugs, especially if your watch has very tight tolerance SEL. The springbar should never come into contact with the lugs. The tweezer style is the industry standard for SEL. I don’t care whether you waste your money on the Bergeon or more economically priced Horofix, just use the right tool for the job.
Rolex 3202, the blue one in the background
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Old 18 June 2023, 06:13 AM   #21
btwistround
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Thanks for the responses everyone. tweezers it is then
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Old 18 June 2023, 06:22 AM   #22
CarlOver
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I like these:

https://www.esslinger.com/horofix-wa...ers-band-tool/

You can set the stop for the amount of movement you want. This helps to not launch a spring bar across the room.
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Old 18 June 2023, 06:24 AM   #23
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Rolex 3202, the blue one in the background
It's made for watches with lug holes, I still tape the lugs to prevent an accidental scratch. Because even for me that blue one can still be tricky...
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Old 18 June 2023, 08:41 AM   #24
joli160
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It's made for watches with lug holes, I still tape the lugs to prevent an accidental scratch. Because even for me that blue one can still be tricky...
Tell me about it, I have created more scratches than I am willing to admit. Luckily all on the back side. I always forget to use tape until it is too late once more. The glass fibre scratch pens help a lot to disguise my clumsiness.
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Old 18 June 2023, 12:55 PM   #25
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Here’s my little tutorial: https://minus4plus6.com/maintenance.php#removal



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Old 29 July 2023, 07:35 PM   #26
Jordonc2
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Hey guys having trouble finding the Horofix springbar tweezers. Can anybody help?
I am in the USA.
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Old 29 July 2023, 07:54 PM   #27
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https://www.esslinger.com/bergeon-78...-bar-tweezers/
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Old 30 July 2023, 03:12 AM   #28
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Thank you for this, you just made my year

Same one I have. Pricey, but worth it, when you’ve spent thousands on one wrist watch.

Kat


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Old 30 July 2023, 07:50 AM   #29
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I have the Bergeon tweezers, but lately i've been using the Omega-branded spring bar tool that came with my PloProf. Very nice quality.
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Old 30 July 2023, 08:02 AM   #30
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Horofix spring bar pliers. Buy and and move on. Best to you!
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