The band usually is attached with a push pin called a
spring bar. Each end of the bar collapses inward under pressure and then extends when placed into the holes of the watch case lugs. The lugs are the two metal or plastic "legs" that protrude from each end of the watch case.
Check the Lug Holes
Often these holes need to be cleaned. Bracelets loosen as the lug hole fills with grime and dirt during everyday wear. These holes need to be clean before any new
spring bar and strap can be attached. Pull out your small screwdriver set and select one with a blade just slightly smaller than the diameter of the lug hole. Place the blade in the holes and rotate the screwdriver to remove grime. If needed, press down to be sure the hole is deep enough to hold the new
spring bar.
Spring Bars
Before replacing the old
spring bar, be aware many types are available. Perhaps the bracelet loosened because the
spring bar was not the correct size or diameter in the first place. Your customer may have bought a replacement band elsewhere that was fitted with thin or weak bars that "
telescope" to fit nearly any case size. You'll do best by your customer if you replace these bars with stronger ones that fit properly. Neither you nor your customer wants the problem to recur in six months.
Bars are sold in different sizes and styles. Generally, heavy watches require heavier
spring bars. Choose the largest diameter that fits snugly through the end of the bracelet or strap. For length, find the longest bar that still fits between the lugs. To do this, measure the lug distance with calipers. Then measure the
spring bar from one extended end to the end of the solid central piece.
Note whether the bracelet or strap is sized incorrectly, and warn your customer about the possibility of future problems if appropriate. Often, the strap is too narrow or the
spring bar is too short. This places too much pressure on both ends of the
spring bar. Suggest the correct size strap or bracelet or replace it yourself if requested (see next month's column for sizing suggestions).
Remove the Bar
To remove the
spring bar, use a common
spring bar tool (available from watch supply houses), a knife blade or a sharp screwdriver. Slide the blade between the lug and the band and retract the bar enough to free it from the lug. Push with a finger as you retract the
spring bar.
Sometimes the tight space between lug and bracelet makes this operation difficult. A thin saw blade can cut the bar quickly. However, never use nippers to cut the
spring bar on bracelets or bands that are attached to the watch because the lugs might break in the process.
Again, check with your materials supplier, watchband maker or the watch supplier for tools specific to the type of watches or bands you carry – and keep these at your repair desk.
Replace the Bar
Insert one end into the clean lug hole as you hold the strap or bracelet in place. Hold the other retracted side next to the knife or tool you're using.
Carefully and steadily slide the end of the bar from the tool into the lug hole or just near it. Use finger pressure to hold the strap or bracelet in position.
Adjust the bar end to snap into place with your tool blade. If the end of a metal band is narrower than the lug opening, the
spring bars will break repeatedly.
