Changing strap - should I be scared?

[aberdeeneuan]

So, after much deliberation I ordered a new strap for my Hamilton Khaki Navy. I also ordered a spring bar tool as I feel I've entered a whole new slippery slope in watch buying...

However, as I've never changed the strap before, should I be worried? Any pitfalls to watch, things to do and don't do?

I'm planning on trying it on a cheapy watch I have in the house first, but I'd still rather not wreck it too - sharp, pointy tool + metal watch can only end in massive scratches!

[andy tims]

It's really not hard, but if you're worried, put masking tape on to protect the watch lugs.

[sneijder]

If it's an ebay spring bar tool from the orient, it will break after a couple of uses. Mine did and one bit of the 'fork' just missed my eye.

Watch face on something nice and soft, patience and masking tape as someone else rightly mentioned.

You can throw a watch at a radiator and it'll bounce off scratch free, get the springbar tool out and it turns to a whimpering scratch magnet.

[aberdeeneuan]

Cheers guys, I bought a bregon, not that much more than a cheapy one but arrived today and it's a really nice thing to hold.

Will use the masking tape tip, thanks for that. I suspect patience, good light and a steady hand are required, and a bit of practice!

[aberdeeneuan]

Well, the deed is done!

Really chuffed, easy as you like to do it as well. The strap is VERY chunky, but I like that and think it suits the watch.

Here are some pics of it, what do you guys reckon?

[aberdeeneuan]

Cheers! It's actually beginning to soften a bit already as it's started to take some shape on.

Much as I liked the rubber strap, I'm really chuffed with how it's changed the look of the watch.

[andy tims]

aberdeeneuan said:

Well, the deed is done!

Really chuffed, easy as you like to do it as well. The strap is VERY chunky, but I like that and think it suits the watch.

Here are some pics of it, what do you guys reckon?

Looks good.

Looks like a Toshi - is it?

Rich's straps are very well made, but can take a bit of braking in. I tend to beat them up a bit by twisting them before fitting.

[aberdeeneuan]

andy tims said:

aberdeeneuan said:

Well, the deed is done!

Really chuffed, easy as you like to do it as well. The strap is VERY chunky, but I like that and think it suits the watch.

Here are some pics of it, what do you guys reckon?

Looks good.

Looks like a Toshi - is it?

Rich's straps are very well made, but can take a bit of braking in. I tend to beat them up a bit by twisting them before fitting.

It is indeed a toshi. As you say the finish is fantatic. I did a fair bit of twisting but after a day of wear it's comfortable but still pretty stiff. It's done it's job though I'd stopped wearing the watch as I'd gone off the rubber strap for it and now love it.