What's your hack when original vintage bracelets don't fit?
So today I finally received the generic 22mm bracelet I ordered to replace the original signed bracelet for my 1974 Technos Chronograph.
The sad reality when I received the watch after purchase was that I failed to ask whether the original bracelet had all its links. It did not. I did not want to do the obvious and put the watch on a strap - I know it's done all the time (especially if you buy a vintage watch from HODINKEE), but I really liked the look on the bracelet - like it was originally intended.
Trying to find an original signed vintage period-correct bracelet with full links from a brand like Technos was nigh impossible, and I'm certain that if I could find one, it would likely have been very expensive.
So I crossed my fingers and ordered a replacement from WatchBand.Direct - the good news is the bracelet looks pretty good for a $25 bracelet. The bad news - the end links were nowhere close to fitting.
So I figured I would attempt a shotgun wedding - marrying the original end links with the new bracelet.
I think it turned out pretty good.
What's your verdict?
Also, any tips or hacks you have for bracelets?
What experiences have you had with these type of challenges?
I really like chronographs especially vintage ones.
You can keep the original bracelet and use a spacer. You will need to purchase the correct width and length spacer which can usually be fitted inconspicuously at the micro adjustment end of the clasp. This method doesn't work if the vintage bracelet has a butterfly clasp, but I think most have the standard fold over type.
You can keep the original bracelet and use a spacer. You will need to purchase the correct width and length spacer which can usually be fitted inconspicuously at the micro adjustment end of the clasp. This method doesn't work if the vintage bracelet has a butterfly clasp, but I think most have the standard fold over type.
Thanks! Great suggestion - I had not tried that before. Will see if I can find spacers for those bracelets that are too small.
Sweet watch! Its design looks like you should be driving a ‘74 Corvette while wearing it.
Sweet watch! Its design looks like you should be driving a ‘74 Corvette while wearing it.
Thanks!
Oh man, I wish! Something like this would be in my garage, if I could ever sneak it past my wife (with absolutely no chance of that). But one can dream...
You can keep the original bracelet and use a spacer. You will need to purchase the correct width and length spacer which can usually be fitted inconspicuously at the micro adjustment end of the clasp. This method doesn't work if the vintage bracelet has a butterfly clasp, but I think most have the standard fold over type.
Just received a eBay link from one of the guys on WUS...
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/381466444753?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=705-154756-20017-0&ssspo=oAledIBNS-m&sssrc=2349624&ssuid=E4rjeGzjRhy&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY&mkevt=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=705-53470-19255-0&campid=5338759163&toolid=10001&customid=130832X1595850X7cc8048129080ef51ac8b54b89394c31
In case anyone else is looking for this great solution to too small bracelets.
It looks great!
I almost never keep the original bracelet on my less expensive watches. They go on rubber or leather most of the time. My more expensive watches usually have quick adjust systems to get the perfect fit.