Preventing scratches when changing strap

Lugduno
Posts
512
Likes
416
So as some of you might already know I bought an OEM strap for my Autavia Heritage during my last trip, to be used when I want something slightly dressier and vintage looking than the bracelet that came with my reference. The TH Boutique very kindly helped me with changing the straps, but this is, of course, something I want to do myself without having to run to the closest watchmaker every time I want to change the strap.

However, what's the best method of changing strap so it doesn't get scratched on the backside of the lugs? I've for years used a very fine knife to do this, as well as a spring bar pin tool, but I feel like I want to keep my watch away from scratches as good as I can. Or is your philosophy that a few scratches on the backside of the lugs are acceptable since they're never visible anyways?

Many thanks in advance!
IMG_0315.jpg IMG_0379.jpg

(Obviously, no thread is complete without some nice matching pictures).
 
Mr_Orange
Posts
3,254
Likes
2,314
Fishing line is apparently a very good way of changing a strap/bracelet without scratching the back of the lugs.
 
Lugduno
Posts
512
Likes
416
Mr_Orange Mr_Orange
Fishing line is apparently a very good way of changing a strap/bracelet without scratching the back of the lugs.
Looked up some instructions for that but believe it would work best if you have a leather strap. Guess it becomes a bit harder with bracelets and end-links. Many thanks for the tip though!

How do you feel about scratches on the backside of the lugs though. Not visible, but the knowledge alone makes me a bit hesitant to do something when I'm still tired...
 
Mr_Orange
Posts
3,254
Likes
2,314
I think it is jus a fact of life and with stainless steel watches, not so noticeable. A DLC/PVD finished black watch would be a differeng story though. Scratching that would definitely bother me.
 
Lugduno
Posts
512
Likes
416
Mr_Orange Mr_Orange
I think it is jus a fact of life and with stainless steel watches, not so noticeable. A DLC/PVD finished black watch would be a differeng story though. Scratching that would definitely bother me.
Very good point made!

I just tried to switch the strap and took it slow are careful. So now the bracelet is back on and not a scratch on the lugs or end-links. I guess years of changing straps finally paid off!
 
imagwai
Posts
6,044
Likes
7,289
I just use a spring bar tool. It's possible to do it without scratching. I find that scratches on the inside edge of the lugs are most likely to be caused by the springbars themselves when re-fitting a bracelet.
 
Lugduno
Posts
512
Likes
416
imagwai imagwai
I just use a spring bar tool. It's possible to do it without scratching. I find that scratches on the inside edge of the lugs are most likely to be caused by the springbars themselves when re-fitting a bracelet.
Oh yes, the problems I've had previously has been related to the springbar itself scratching the lugs. Maybe in combination with me doing it not paying enough attention to the tools. What I did this time was to simply slide a layer of paper between the lug and the springbar before pushing it into the right place and I guess you could do the same thing with duct tape or similar if you wanted to be even more careful.
 
OttoWilliam
Posts
2,839
Likes
2,526
Well my monza already been scratched a bit. In that area too. I am not really keen on changing strap that often after that...🙁
 
Hubert
Posts
10,177
Likes
11,312
OttoWilliam OttoWilliam
Well my monza already been scratched a bit. In that area too. I am not really keen on changing strap that often after that...🙁
😲
 
Lugduno
Posts
512
Likes
416
C calibre11user
Buy two watches: keep one with the bracelet and the other with the leather strap.
Ha, that’s also a solution I guess. The thing is that i usually have nothing against some battle scars, but it feels like scratches from switching straps doesn’t really count as “battle scars”.
 
OttoWilliam
Posts
2,839
Likes
2,526
Lugduno Lugduno
Ha, that’s also a solution I guess. The thing is that i usually have nothing against some battle scars, but it feels like scratches from switching straps doesn’t really count as “battle scars”.
Yeah. No i dont think it count.
 
Sign up or log in to reply...

Similar threads

N

Help with changing strap to bracelet please

Neil Thomson TAG Heuer Discussion
imagwai
imagwai
Posts
16
Views
2K