A Woeful Tale
A few years back, I took my Sector Chronograph in for a battery change. After putting in the new battery, the watch would work for a minute or so, then stop. My repair guy determined it needed a new movement. At the time I decided to procrastinate, and I relegated the watch to a drawer. Today I decided I would bring it in to the watchmaker, and have him order/replace the movement. Before doing so, I decided to give it a bit of a cleaning using a toothbrush and some mild soap. As I started to clean it, little bits of black plastic from the bracelet began to break off (the bracelet links have black plastic inserts - see photos). Pretty soon it was evident that the black plastic had reached the end of its life, and that with the plastic gone, the bracelet was now useless. This was something that was not foreseen when I purchased the watch. As it happens, the bracelet is an integrated bracelet, therefore, not readily replaceable. A quick Google search for a replacement bracelet came up empty. I sent a message to the Sector company to see if they might have one tucked away, but I am not expecting much. If I cannot find a new bracelet, the watch is done. There would be no point to having the movement replaced. That would be a shame, as it is a nice looking watch. If any of you have any suggestions for the resurrection of this watch, I would love to hear them. If it turns out that my watch is toast, does that mean I can get myself a new watch to replace it? Yeah?
A door closes, another opens.
Replace the thing. there are literally a TON of cool, affordable chronos out there! Let the hunt be fun! 😎
PERMISSION GRANTED.
Its a quartz so it's cheap to replace. you could put a strap on it that would fit under the fake integrated part.
Have you tried taking off the end link? Maybe it's just there to make it look like it's integrated. Of course if the watch is usable without the original bracelet, it does mean you have the choice to change the movement and get a NATO or something, or get a new watch. Tough choice! Maybe both? 😉
No single watch purchase could ever soothe the pain of losing this old friend. It's probably going to take at least a couple.
I had a similar problem with an old Tag F1 I got from a pawn shop. The 2004-2007 version side of the case and the crown guard are injection molded rubber. So the part that takes the most hits is the part that starts given up chunks of itself. When it got bad, I looked into getting it fixed. Like I said, injection molded, so can’t buy replacement bumpers; you need to buy a whole new case! The price was $400 ish, which was about $100 more than I paid for the watch. So it was donated. I hope someone is enjoying it.
Time to treat yourself to a Seiko Speedtimer SSC813.
Normally for fixing black rubber I would suggest carving Sugru… or baking Fimo parts… but… it may be too complicated to do links that way.
It does look like you might be able to do something with the end link and getting creative with a rubber or fabric strap though. Those drilled lugs suggest a possibility.
You could creatively turn it into a desk clock.
I think a nato or a new generic bracelet would still work.
I take it the bracelet is actually still holding together, if yes the coolest skeletonised bracelet on the block. Wear and enjoy.
Time to treat yourself to a Seiko Speedtimer SSC813.
Well, that would be a sweet replacement for sure. 😀
Normally for fixing black rubber I would suggest carving Sugru… or baking Fimo parts… but… it may be too complicated to do links that way.
It does look like you might be able to do something with the end link and getting creative with a rubber or fabric strap though. Those drilled lugs suggest a possibility.
Something to consider. Right now having difficulty in removing the bracelet. The pins are very resistant to my little tool. I had the same issue trying to remove some links from my Tag Kirium's bracelet. I finally managed it after a lot of effort, and one bent tool. I will likely give it another go, and if I get the bracelet off, I will then see what, if anything, can be done.
Remove all of the plastic and try wearing it first.
A NATO might be a reasonable step.
If 1 or 2 above works, replace the movement.
OR GO SHOPPING!!
This is precisely why I shy away from watches with resin/plastic bezels and straps. Not after the bezels and straps disintegrated on both of my original G-Shocks, and having the spring bar tear out of the plastic lug of another watch, permanently destroying that lug and rendering the watch unwearable from then on. I even distrust carbon fiber.
From seeing what appears to be drilled lugs, that could be a fitted endlink...but just guessing since we can't see the backside. It's fun to get an old watch going again, especially if it's treated you well over the years, regardless of its monetary value.
It'd be expensive but I've seen custom leather bands built to watches with integrated bracelets. Going that route your probably looking at $100-150 though.