Rolex Submariner Watch Strap Question?

joetaylor

Hi all 👋 

I have for the first time purchased a new watch strap for my Submariner 124060.

The new Sub has a 21mm lug width as apposed to 20mm for the previous model.

I located this watch strap which I loved however, the pins when located into the watch are a lot thinner than the original so the straps move a little in the location holes.

The pins seem like they are built in with the strap as they have a handy tab to use your finger to remove them so I’m guessing I can’t swap them out for fatter ones?

Are these thing pins going to ruin the holes in the watch because they can move about or not?

Can anyone offer any advice?

#rolex #submariner #straps
Reply
joetaylor
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So I guess what I need to find here is quick release spring bars suitable for the Sub 124060 size?

wintermutt
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I think it was a sad day when Rolex got rid of the drilled lugs on the Submariner.  😢

I always use the proprietary Rolex spring bars on my old Tudor Subs.  They make a very secure and positive insertion in the drilled lugs - I never worry about anything coming loose.  I swap straps frequently and super easily with a simple springbar tool.

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Finally, quick release springbars are a treacherous gimmick IMHO.  😠

OverweightUnicorn
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The easiest and safest option is to remove the QR (Quick Release) pins by clipping off the release bar and remove the remainder of the pin, and then feed in and use your original springbars.

harrisc852
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I have a similar combo with my 16600 and Haveston singlepass canvas strap. The good thing is you can use the factory springbar. Pretty sure they make 21mm straps. 

joetaylor
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harrisc852
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I have a similar combo with my 16600 and Haveston singlepass canvas strap. The good thing is you can use the factory springbar. Pretty sure they make 21mm straps. 

The issue on my strap, if I use the original I risk not being able to get them out again as there is no gap in the strap?

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joetaylor
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wintermutt

I think it was a sad day when Rolex got rid of the drilled lugs on the Submariner.  😢

I always use the proprietary Rolex spring bars on my old Tudor Subs.  They make a very secure and positive insertion in the drilled lugs - I never worry about anything coming loose.  I swap straps frequently and super easily with a simple springbar tool.

Image

Finally, quick release springbars are a treacherous gimmick IMHO.  😠

Can you post a photo of the back of your straps where the spring bar goes? I just posted a pic in this thread with my concern if I use original spring bars, I’ll never be able to get them out again.

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harrisc852
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joetaylor

The issue on my strap, if I use the original I risk not being able to get them out again as there is no gap in the strap?

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if you brute force it in, there is a good chance that you won't be able to take it out unless you cut open the strap. mine is a nato style strap so I can use the original springbars.

wintermutt
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joetaylor

Can you post a photo of the back of your straps where the spring bar goes? I just posted a pic in this thread with my concern if I use original spring bars, I’ll never be able to get them out again.

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Here ya go.  Bit of bracelet wear on the back of the lugs on this 50 years young faded submariner, but none on his kid brother (about 30 y.o.).  Apologies for the cheese.  🙄

I generally wear the submariners on a 2-piece Zulu or a one-piece perlon pass-thru.  You can see the beefy Rolex springbars and the drilled lugs.  No difficulty at all pressing a tool into the drilled hole to compress and remove the pin to swap to a different setup.  

I'm surprised this arrangement isn't the industry standard.  I believe Rolex got rid of them for utterly misguided aesthetic reasons.  Happily, I note that Grand Seiko is using drilled lugs on many of their recent editions.