Today, I Learned; Embarrassing Edition
Today I was trying to swap straps on a watch and realized I (maybe the seller from Mumbai?) had put the current strap on using the wrong size spring bars. I just could not get the strap off the watch. So... I broke the spring bars.
But, which size goes back in? Lug width on this particular watch is 18mm so that, right?
Well yes, but no.
My cache of spring bars that came with my Amazon watch tool kit is in a baggie, all sizes intermingled together. There's no way to just pick out a spring bar for an 18mm strap.
The spring bar has to compress to around 17.5mm to be able to be installed, but that's not it's beginning dimension.
So I broke out the trusty calipers and measured a spring bar installed in another 18mm lug width watch and the scale said 20mm, which makes perfect sense. 1mm of additional material per end to hold the watch on the strap. Duh! I just never had occasion to put any thought into the situation.
I'd wager it's the same for all spring bars; just add 2mm to the lug width to know the uncompressed size of the proper spring bar. One tiny millimeter is all that's between your happiness & despair.
So, the next time someone says 1mm is nothing, you tell them it's EVERYTHING.
Long time watch appreciator, 2022 inductee into the obsession. Originator (or perpetrator depending on your point of view) of #WhimsicalWednesday, #MacroMay & #MacroMonday Omega Speedmaster simp. Like...
I agree 1 or even .5 mm counts !! I had the same issues with spring bars as well as sapphire crystals !! I was off by .5 mm and threw off my whole build!!
And YES it counts!! 😁
Yes, agreed. Not all springbars are created equal tho. My 21mm Seamaster is very picky when it comes to putting the bracelet back on ! Most seem too long, but are perfect with a NATO. 🤯
Yes, agreed. Not all springbars are created equal tho. My 21mm Seamaster is very picky when it comes to putting the bracelet back on ! Most seem too long, but are perfect with a NATO. 🤯
I always struggle with reinstalling bracelets with solid end links. Those tolerances are TIGHT.
I have the Harbor Freight spring assortment, which comes in a divided clear plastic box that is hideously unclear about which side is the top so the chances of accidentally dumping it all is high. Let's just say that any assumptions that one can visually or physically sort by hand by using a sample piece of a size is very optimistic.
I always struggle with reinstalling bracelets with solid end links. Those tolerances are TIGHT.
I'm ok normally, even with my Aqua Terra I regularly change it , but my SM300 nearly reduces me to lobbing it across the room . Fortunately I've not done that 🤣🤣
I tell my wife this all the time!
"every millimeter counts!" 😂
I buy most of my watches from a multi brand ad that might offer me 13-15% discounts, I prefer sizing the bracelets myself reasoning that I have skin in the game am more careful my recent Zenith Chronomaster sport features links that set in place with screws on both ends. Frustrated I texted my guy for advice, he says he usually has another clerk with another screwdriver to assist. I brought the watch back to size as well as my Omega Seamasters to switch bracelets. I would need deeper discounts to fuss with the watches myself in the future.
I once had a girlfriend really bad at determining properties of length. Thank god…as that protected my self esteem.
I tried putting my spring bar back in my Davosa and I broke it, are they going to be standard spring bars or slightly better as the watch was £675! I’ve left it in the watch box for now!
I love it when anyone has a broken spring bar. I take it home, put a new in, and charge a pint of beer. £4.50 for a minutes work and something that costs about 2p😀
And yes that what she said too 😂
Quick detach spring bars are not as long as the commensurate lug width size of regular spring bars, note. I haven’t been willing to pay the $40 for the ANSI spec just to win interest arguments lol, but I ordered some from Jules Borel which are the highest quality American seller I have found and they were indeed shorter. In addition, Barton customer service confirmed this fact with their product development for me.
Many a time they will fit, others they won't, many a bloody thumb, thought it was just me, thanks Todd.
And yes that what she said too 😂
I was waiting for this one. Lol
I tell my wife this all the time!
"every millimeter counts!" 😂
Was waiting for this one. Lol
Was waiting for this one. Lol
She said that too 😭😭😭 and she laughed out loud
I've broken spring bars too...happens lol!
I've broken spring bars too...happens lol!
Oh, for sure.
I agree 1 or even .5 mm counts !! I had the same issues with spring bars as well as sapphire crystals !! I was off by .5 mm and threw off my whole build!!
And YES it counts!! 😁
You think that’s bad, wait till you get inside the watch. Half a mm is yuuge
You think that’s bad, wait till you get inside the watch. Half a mm is yuuge
Oh, no doubt