OT: Watch band question

[pcxmbfj]

Posted this across the hall but want to expand the audience to the watch owners on this side.

I have a Tag Link quartz and I'm considering replacing the bracelet band with a NATO strap.

Hope it will reduce weight, save the bracelet that sometimes opens on its own, and fit my skinny wrist better.

No local jeweler seems to know how to remove the bracelet and all google searches show how to remove a link but not whole bracelet.

The links that attache to the watch seem different.

How difficult and what tools should I get if I want to attempt the job myself?

Thanks for any experienced info.

[tlittlefield]

Most watch bands/bracelets are attached to the watch with spring bars. If you look at the back do you see a pin coming out each side where the bracelet and watch head meet?

[grawk]

I don't own one, but looking at the tutorial videos for sizing it, it looks like maybe you have to remove all the links until you get to the case. I'm not sure that'd end up being the best candidate for a nato. You might be better off selling it and getting a more traditional watch if you want a nato strap.

[Chris]

You might search watchuseek for more advice. I have never thought about using a NATO on my TAG. I don't want to be the guy who answers the thread with a "don't do it", but when thinking about aftermarket straps for a TAG, I would be looking at some of the leather options or rubber straps. Just my opinion.

Check out this link (http://forum.tz-uk.com/showthread.php?56524-Tag-Heuer-on-a-NATO). No pun intended.

[eddief]

they talk of it here. Sounds like you need a special tool. And even after reading about it, I still don't see how you get the spring bars out:

http://forums.watchuseek.com/f6/solid-end-link-removal-replacement-282515.html

[sc53]

I've always had to take my Tag back to the jeweler's where I bought it to have it serviced, even battery changes. Regular watch shop (the kind in the mall) can't do it. I'd let the professionals handle it and not leave it to YouTube videos. Mine always comes back polished, buffed and as good as new (of course, for a price, but it only needs service every 3-4 yrs),

[jr59]

I'm somewhat sure that you're not going to be able to wear a nato with that watch. Not with that type of end link

[tlittlefield]

As long as spring bars are used a Nato will work

[AngryScientist]

the back side of the watch should look something like this, yes?

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ywk50CYWDFI/UMwkFADsbnI/AAAAAAAALXs/-Mmxf0Pfz2E/s1600/DSC_9137.jpg

using a tool like below, you need to pry the spring bar towards the center of the case and pup it up. the spring bar will have ribs toward the end to facilitate grabbing with the tool.

http://www.strapcode.com/store/images/cache/SBT-004A-New.jpg_520x400-1326102439.jpg

typical spring bars, which are holding the braclet to your case;

http://www.watchstrapworld.com/images/SpringBars_4.jpg

[choke]

Can you post a pic of the back?

If it looks like the one pictured here (http://forums.watchuseek.com/f29/fs-tag-heuer-link-mens-steel-black-dial-quartz-movement-complete-model-wt1110-ba05-332455.html), it appears to me that all you need to do is put a spring-bar tool into the two notches on the end link and pop them loose from the watch head. You might have trouble getting a NATO to fit though, as it looks like there's a center piece on the head that goes all around the spring bar.

[AngryScientist]

I'm somewhat sure that you're not going to be able to wear a nato with that watch. Not with that type of end link

if this is what the OP's watch looks like, those end links should pop out and a NATO should be OK, i think?

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn225/kuki3333/TAG%20link/THM-WJ1110BA0570_zps3be658ad.jpg?t=1354311293

[AngryScientist]

good find choke. if what you have is what we see below, those small square "windows" are what is probably the access for the spring bar removal tool.

http://i690.photobucket.com/albums/vv263/nickchassi/tag%20heuer%20WT/TagHueurLinkseriesandotherbands062.jpg?t=125841276 3

[choke]

The problem that I see is that the middle piece on the watch head which surrounds about half the spring bar doesn't appear to be removable....and that's going to cause big problems with a NATO. One option would be to use a two-piece nylon strap (ZULU make some for example) and cut out the center part to fit around that.

[jr59]

The problem that I see is that the middle piece on the watch head which surrounds about half the spring bar doesn't appear to be removable....and that's going to cause big problems with a NATO. One option would be to use a two-piece nylon strap (ZULU make some for example) and cut out the center part to fit around that.

You could get a 2 piece strap to work. Sort of. It's going to take some working of the strap, maybe.

IMO, the nato won't work on these lugs. Of course, ymmv!

[pcxmbfj]

if this is what the OP's watch looks like, those end links should pop out and a NATO should be OK, i think?

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn225/kuki3333/TAG%20link/THM-WJ1110BA0570_zps3be658ad.jpg?t=1354311293

That's it, black dial.

[pcxmbfj]

good find choke. if what you have is what we see below, those small square "windows" are what is probably the access for the spring bar removal tool.

http://i690.photobucket.com/albums/vv263/nickchassi/tag%20heuer%20WT/TagHueurLinkseriesandotherbands062.jpg?t=125841276 3

But this back is different from mine.

OP

[jr59]

But this back is different from mine.

OP

It's not the back per say, as it is the lugs. It's the space where the spring bars attach to the band/strap.

Post a pic and we will be able to tell you more.

[pcxmbfj]

Here's the back.

That bracelet is harder to work with than a chain!

Thanks guys.

[christian]

Right, see the little square openings in the links next to the lugs on the watch case? Insert spring bar there, remove spring bars and bracelet, reinsert springbars, add NATO strap. Done and done.

[AngryScientist]

yea, you're good to go.

any jewelry store that sells watches should have the tool to pop those spring bars if you dont too.

[jr59]

Like the 2 before said. This should be no problem.

Just a hint, do not loose the end pieces to that band. You will not like having to buy them from somewhere if you decide to put the band back on.

[pcxmbfj]

Please believe without pix.

[wc1934]

I have to disagree - my tag is similar to yours - I would suggest that that little tab coming from the base, where the links interface will pose a problem- you will not have enough room for the band to go thru and around. Just my 2 cents - for what it's worth.
Let us know how you make out.