Removing Watch Bracelets, Bands and Straps

Removing Watch Bracelets, Bands, and Straps

Created 05-06-2002
Page 2 of 2

This page attempts to explain how to remove bracelets and watch straps so that another may be fitted. The strap in the example is from a Citizen "Tough" watch but is similar to the ones found on many other watch brands.

Note: Some straps may be hard to remove, especially leather or leather with plastic reinforcement. If you are replacing a worn out strap it may be better to use a sharp utility knife to cut the strap off of the spring bar then remove the springbar.
This may help avoid damage to the watch case from slipping tools.

If you need to protect the case from scratches you can make a slotted protector from a piece of business card or plastic. Cut a slot in the the protector a little larger than the springbar then push it in between the watch case and strap.

Click the pictures below for a larger view.

Removing a Strap
Tools	Tools which can be used to remove bracelets and bands are: A - A printer's bindery knife. Very handy tool. B - An Olfa utility knife with break off blades. C - Bergeron 3153 pin and spring bar tool. D - Homemade spring bar tool made from a small screwdriver with a groove cut into the tip.
Removing a Strap.	This illustration shows the removal of a strap from a Citizen "Tough" watch.This watch uses springbars with grooves in them allowing easy removal with the Bergeron springbar tool. Start by pushing the tool into the gap between the strap and case direction "A". Once you feel the gap in the tool engage the groove in the springbar begin to push the tool in direction "B". while keeping slight tension on the strap. Eventually you will feel the springbar disengage from the hole in the case. NOTE: DO NOT use the tool as a prybar to twist the springbar out by leveraging against the case DOING SO MAY BREAK THE LUG OFF THE CASE!
Removing the springbar.	Keeping tension on the strap continue to pull away from the watch until the springbar pops out of the watch case. Use a pliers to pull the springbar out and up in the direction of the arrow.
Strap removed	The figure at the left shows the strap removed from the watch. The springbar with grooved ends can be seen at "A".