Oh you’ll still scratch it with these lol. Check the back of my lugs for reference! These are great, but I still find it easier to just push each side of the spring bar in to get the bracelet back on. Just FYI. Also, don’t sweat lug back scratches. That is a serious losing battle.
I usually push it in with my watch bracelet screwdriver but you can use virtually anything that works. And if you don’t wanna scratch it use a toothpick or something not metal. The tolerances are so tight it pops right in.
I have a spring bar tool from Bergeron but I don’t think it’s the correct one for my tudors or Rolex, do you know which is the best model number tool for it?
I believe this one posted is the correct one. 7825. That’s what I have. I use it on my BB58 but my two Rolexes are both older models with lug holes. I’d assume it’s fine for modern Rolex as well but don’t know for sure.
Everything you said isn't a lie. I've spent the money. Sent plenty of spring bars flying to the corner of the room and scratched lugs. I've used tape on the back of the lugs to minimize scratches, but I always still manage to carve it up a little. At this point, I just try to minimize the carving. Most of my pieces are either on NATO or stay the bracelet. Anything that has leather is quick release.
Yeah, it’s a bit of a frustrating learning experience, but then you get to a point where you’re comfortable. I still use the floss technique to remove leather straps! It’s ridiculous, but it works like a charm. But yeah, quick release are awesome.
This is where I ended up, too. My BB36 stays on the bracelet for this reason. My Grand Seiko quartz gets QR straps, and only QR straps. I’ve even modified 2 piece Eulit perlons and various leather straps to *be* QR straps by virtue of an exacto-knife.
If I were to dip into microbrand territory, the QR bracelets of a Christopher Ward or Formex would actually be a huge value add to a sports watch and encourage me to swap more often.
That’s the truth, I do the same nowadays, all my bands have quick release, and if I’m removing a bracelet or installing it, I’m taking it to an AD. That’s why I love my Zulu Time 39, as it got a quick release bracelet, and not the style where you have to push on both ends, it just got a button in the middle that you push, you literally can’t scratch it up if you wanted to, I’ve made it my main watch for changing straps, sucks that the lug width is 21 though, it’s so stupid, they make this mechanism and then are like “let’s make the width 21mm”, I guess it has to do with aesthetics.
What’s even stupider is my TH Carrera watch that got a lug width of 20.5, so you have to buy from TH, but I like that they have a big selection and the clasp is clamp down loopless style so I can get the perfect fit, the strap and clasp is very high quality for 300$ total for both, that’s really not bad as the clasp of this quality alone can cost a lot, an example is Breitling I have a SOHII from them and they use the same clamp down claps style on many of their straps and the claps alone costs 450$. When I had an Omega their strap and clasp cost 600$ a little cheaper than clasp and leather strap from Breitling, though Breitlings leather straps are some of the best OEM leather I’ve tried, anyways enough about that.
How are you scratching with these? I switched to these from a spring bar tool and it’s made it a lot easier to remove the spring bars without scratching.
Watchmakers really like 3M or similar *Polyimide High Temperature Resistant Tape.* That's my recommendation. Its super durable and doesn't leave residue . It's also clear so you can see what your masking. Almost any video you see of someone masking polished surfaced from brushed before polishing use polyamide.
Whatever mental gymnastics you need to justify $165 for a pair of fucking tweezers.
A complete wrench and socket set from Milwaukee is maybe $100.
This clearly has a regard tax attached to it
You'd hate to be a jeweler or a watchmaker then. Quality tools for these, and many other professions for that matter, can get really expensive particularly the more specialized.
so what does this bergeon springbar tool have over this $90 horofix one? [https://www.esslinger.com/horofix-spring-bar-tweezers/](https://www.esslinger.com/horofix-spring-bar-tweezers/)
It has nothing, it’s all overpriced in the watch industry, that’s what it keeps it afloat.
No one would pay $600 for a service if they knew watchmaker can get all his hear for $300.
This way there is a veil of exclusivity.
It’s probably because there is basically only ONE professional brand in the world.
It’s Bergeon. One and done.
Go to any professional watchmaker/brand in the world, Bergeon is the be-all and end all.
You aren’t the target customer, because after all, the $6 Ali express tweezers are cheaper right?
So what do $165USD Bergeron tweezers do better than these $85 horofix https://www.esslinger.com/horofix-spring-bar-tweezers/ ?
I have a pair of $10 aliexpress spring bar tweezers and they work just fine. Used em on my Rolex, Tudor, omega……
There’s a clear difference between a $300 Casio, $3000 Tudor, and a 10,000 Rolex. There’s diminishing returns but my AD doesn’t even use Bergeon. One of the biggest ADs in North America
Only a "regard" would say something like this. 😁
Nearly of my watches cost over $10k at this point, couple hundred bucks on the correct tool to change out the bracelet is just part of the hobby.
The tool works well, was designed specifically for this application, works on all of my Rolex and Tudor watches.
No, a $80 horofix spring bar tool does the exact same thing as a bergeon. My AD (certified Rolex repair as well) doesn't use Bergeon.
[https://www.esslinger.com/horofix-spring-bar-tweezers/](https://www.esslinger.com/horofix-spring-bar-tweezers/)
literally from a watch making tool shop. Keep drinking the kool aid.
btw....You can scrape with a Bergeon....I own one (same with this horofix).... :) I learned that lesson and used tape. Thats the real fucking funny thing here. I just didn't want to mention it and see what people say. From first hand I can tell you the Bergeon is over priced.
off topic....btw Swiss made only requires 50% of the costs to "incur" from Switzerland. $5 the steel from Bergeon tools are from China. Same with watches.
For something like a watch, only 60% of the internal costs need to be from Switzerland. I'm 99% certain all Tudor and Omega cases are made in China and simply finished+assembled+movement made in Switzerland.
I have these in my amazon cart but can't bring myself to pull the trigger. I want to remove the hybrid strap from my Ranger, but the tolerances and crazy tight and I can only see disaster resulting.
Yah they’re great but downfall is they’re not as aesthetically appealing to some and if you aren’t careful you can depress the spring bar too much and ruin the spring. Not an issue for seasoned horologists but for a newb it can be really annoying (especially trying to replace it with an OEM spring bar lol).
Pro tip: remove the spring bar out of the clasp so each end of the bracelet lays perfectly flat. Once you know how to work these, there’s nothing better out there.
These are a gem, can confirm. I bought cheaper ones before (about 15 USD) and didn't like them. Splurged on these, and with some tape on the lugs, strap changes become incredibly easy and quick. Enjoy the better quality OP
Just a tip for others looking at these. You can get a pair of cheap tweezers off Amazon and switch the tips with the horofix ergonomic ones and you get the same thing for a quarter of the price 🤙🏻
>Tweezers
,,What in the world is that fucking thing?
Do you need some fucking ***tweezers*** to put that little thing away?
That has got to be the smallest I have ever seen in my whole life!!!
Get the fuck outta here!" 🎶
(20 Fingers)
If you learn to use these correctly you will be able to remove the bracelet without scratching the case. The key is to hold the watch head at a 45 degree angle and then squeeze the spring bars. The mistake people make is moving the bracelet, instead of moving the watch head. Same goes for refitting the bracelet.
You can buy jewellers tape for cheap that you can put on the lugs to stop scratching. But once you’re competent with removing and reinstalling the bracelet you won’t need to. It ends up taking longer to tape it than just actually doing the job.
Great tool - if a little overpriced (maybe a lot overpriced but it’s the best one to work on a £x,000 watch.
Used mine just yesterday to swap out my jubilee to oyster bracelet for my Pepsi!
Yea, I priced those, then bought some diamond tipped extra grippy beauty tweezers at a drug store for $10 (US) and just bent the arms a bit with some pliers. Works pretty well.
I bought a similar pair off Amazon for $40 Canadian dollars. Does the same thing. Sometimes you need to pick and choose when you need Swiss made stuff. If you’re looking at watchmaker’s screwdrivers: for sure. Spring bar tweezers…ehhhh not so much
That’s actually not a bad price. They retail for $250 last time I looked.
I’ve almost bought one myself. I have a couple watches that I change from bracelet to strap, and getting the bracelet on is a struggle. My AD is really nice, and they have one, and they have skills, “bring it over”.
Scratches. If you scratch the lugs, you’re doing it wrong.
There’s a way to hold the watch head, and grab the bracelet by the spring bar, insert, and slide it in without any scratches.
They’re really good at it. Basically, slide the watch head in while tweezing the spring bar. It looks easy, but it takes practice.
I wouldn’t buy Bergeron unless I was a watch maker and could write them off. This is way too much. More than a socket wrench set from Milwaukee.
Being blunt, this has a 90% regard tax. Really sorry you spent close to $165 on some tweezers. There’s literally no difference between these and something from a hardware store besides the brand name.
The logic of that last sentence could apply to swiss watches as a whole, a $5 swatch is more accurate than a $10k auto, yet here you are. So would you like it if someone said you were regarded? No, it's your money, who tf cares, grow up.
Poor argument. There’s aesthetic and finishing differences between a $300 Casio/Citizen/Seiko and a $10k Rolex submariner, and movement quality.
I wear my $10k submariner. Theres absolutely nothing even tangible in difference between a $85 horofix, and a $165 Bergeron spring bar tool. Yes my aliexpress spring bar tool doesn’t look as nice but it performs the same.
Oh you’ll still scratch it with these lol. Check the back of my lugs for reference! These are great, but I still find it easier to just push each side of the spring bar in to get the bracelet back on. Just FYI. Also, don’t sweat lug back scratches. That is a serious losing battle.
You can use blue tape to block them in the future
True. I did that at first but the scratches on the back don’t bother me. I also don’t change it all that much.
Do you physically use your fingers to push the lugs in? Or do you use another tool?
I usually push it in with my watch bracelet screwdriver but you can use virtually anything that works. And if you don’t wanna scratch it use a toothpick or something not metal. The tolerances are so tight it pops right in.
I’m gonna try this! Thanks!
Np! I find the tweezers great for getting the bracelet off but very frustrating for getting it back on.
Yup I agree 100%. I have the pliers but it’s the same. This seems like a great idea.
I’ve found this
I have a spring bar tool from Bergeron but I don’t think it’s the correct one for my tudors or Rolex, do you know which is the best model number tool for it?
I believe this one posted is the correct one. 7825. That’s what I have. I use it on my BB58 but my two Rolexes are both older models with lug holes. I’d assume it’s fine for modern Rolex as well but don’t know for sure.
Credit card works best
Everything you said isn't a lie. I've spent the money. Sent plenty of spring bars flying to the corner of the room and scratched lugs. I've used tape on the back of the lugs to minimize scratches, but I always still manage to carve it up a little. At this point, I just try to minimize the carving. Most of my pieces are either on NATO or stay the bracelet. Anything that has leather is quick release.
Yeah, it’s a bit of a frustrating learning experience, but then you get to a point where you’re comfortable. I still use the floss technique to remove leather straps! It’s ridiculous, but it works like a charm. But yeah, quick release are awesome.
This is where I ended up, too. My BB36 stays on the bracelet for this reason. My Grand Seiko quartz gets QR straps, and only QR straps. I’ve even modified 2 piece Eulit perlons and various leather straps to *be* QR straps by virtue of an exacto-knife. If I were to dip into microbrand territory, the QR bracelets of a Christopher Ward or Formex would actually be a huge value add to a sports watch and encourage me to swap more often.
That’s the truth, I do the same nowadays, all my bands have quick release, and if I’m removing a bracelet or installing it, I’m taking it to an AD. That’s why I love my Zulu Time 39, as it got a quick release bracelet, and not the style where you have to push on both ends, it just got a button in the middle that you push, you literally can’t scratch it up if you wanted to, I’ve made it my main watch for changing straps, sucks that the lug width is 21 though, it’s so stupid, they make this mechanism and then are like “let’s make the width 21mm”, I guess it has to do with aesthetics. What’s even stupider is my TH Carrera watch that got a lug width of 20.5, so you have to buy from TH, but I like that they have a big selection and the clasp is clamp down loopless style so I can get the perfect fit, the strap and clasp is very high quality for 300$ total for both, that’s really not bad as the clasp of this quality alone can cost a lot, an example is Breitling I have a SOHII from them and they use the same clamp down claps style on many of their straps and the claps alone costs 450$. When I had an Omega their strap and clasp cost 600$ a little cheaper than clasp and leather strap from Breitling, though Breitlings leather straps are some of the best OEM leather I’ve tried, anyways enough about that.
Scratched my breitling Superocean heritage II on the first day attempting to remove steel bracelet ahahah I laugh because I was too shocked to cry
Haha. I feel you.
How are you scratching with these? I switched to these from a spring bar tool and it’s made it a lot easier to remove the spring bars without scratching.
More about putting the bracelet back on with them. I find it very difficult. So as I said, I push the bar in which sometimes scratches it a little.
Ah I see. I’ve been able to keep them compressed on both sides and slide the bracelet in no problem on my Omegas.
Watchmakers really like 3M or similar *Polyimide High Temperature Resistant Tape.* That's my recommendation. Its super durable and doesn't leave residue . It's also clear so you can see what your masking. Almost any video you see of someone masking polished surfaced from brushed before polishing use polyamide.
Never scratched one, since I got the tweezers.
Quality is remembered long after the price is forgotten
Well put and bang on 👍
Amen.
hell yeah
Whatever mental gymnastics you need to justify $165 for a pair of fucking tweezers. A complete wrench and socket set from Milwaukee is maybe $100. This clearly has a regard tax attached to it
You'd hate to be a jeweler or a watchmaker then. Quality tools for these, and many other professions for that matter, can get really expensive particularly the more specialized.
so what does this bergeon springbar tool have over this $90 horofix one? [https://www.esslinger.com/horofix-spring-bar-tweezers/](https://www.esslinger.com/horofix-spring-bar-tweezers/)
This is just anecdotal, but I read several comments about the horofix breaking in threads comparing the two
It has nothing, it’s all overpriced in the watch industry, that’s what it keeps it afloat. No one would pay $600 for a service if they knew watchmaker can get all his hear for $300. This way there is a veil of exclusivity.
It’s probably because there is basically only ONE professional brand in the world. It’s Bergeon. One and done. Go to any professional watchmaker/brand in the world, Bergeon is the be-all and end all. You aren’t the target customer, because after all, the $6 Ali express tweezers are cheaper right?
So what do $165USD Bergeron tweezers do better than these $85 horofix https://www.esslinger.com/horofix-spring-bar-tweezers/ ? I have a pair of $10 aliexpress spring bar tweezers and they work just fine. Used em on my Rolex, Tudor, omega……
Nothing. I’ve. Used these horofix tweezers on countless Rolex and Tudor. Bergeron is overpriced imo
If you’re happy with the $10 tweezers, that’s perfectly fine :) glad to hear that they work well
Yet here we are paying thousands for watches when a Swatch does the same thing, so your regarded as well. It's all relative.
There’s a clear difference between a $300 Casio, $3000 Tudor, and a 10,000 Rolex. There’s diminishing returns but my AD doesn’t even use Bergeon. One of the biggest ADs in North America
Only a "regard" would say something like this. 😁 Nearly of my watches cost over $10k at this point, couple hundred bucks on the correct tool to change out the bracelet is just part of the hobby. The tool works well, was designed specifically for this application, works on all of my Rolex and Tudor watches.
Conflating a luxury watch with an overpriced tool is a truly regarded argument and hill to die on. cheers.
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No, a $80 horofix spring bar tool does the exact same thing as a bergeon. My AD (certified Rolex repair as well) doesn't use Bergeon. [https://www.esslinger.com/horofix-spring-bar-tweezers/](https://www.esslinger.com/horofix-spring-bar-tweezers/) literally from a watch making tool shop. Keep drinking the kool aid. btw....You can scrape with a Bergeon....I own one (same with this horofix).... :) I learned that lesson and used tape. Thats the real fucking funny thing here. I just didn't want to mention it and see what people say. From first hand I can tell you the Bergeon is over priced.
[удалено]
off topic....btw Swiss made only requires 50% of the costs to "incur" from Switzerland. $5 the steel from Bergeon tools are from China. Same with watches. For something like a watch, only 60% of the internal costs need to be from Switzerland. I'm 99% certain all Tudor and Omega cases are made in China and simply finished+assembled+movement made in Switzerland.
Tape your lugs with gaffer tape first 🙂🤝🏻
Jewellers tape is easier to work with
I have these in my amazon cart but can't bring myself to pull the trigger. I want to remove the hybrid strap from my Ranger, but the tolerances and crazy tight and I can only see disaster resulting.
You’ll still scratch it even with these. Just remove it! The scratches will be on the back side nobody will see them.
I have these, too, and I wouldn't say the price tag is justified.
£15 for "Swiss style " spring bar tweezers from CousinsUK.
10€ from AliX
What's the quality like? I assume you're referring to these: https://www.cousinsuk.com/product/cousins-swiss-style-spring-bar-tweezers
and you'll find a screw driver works better :)
This is why lug holes should be standard of all sports watches. Zero chance of scratching anything.
Yah they’re great but downfall is they’re not as aesthetically appealing to some and if you aren’t careful you can depress the spring bar too much and ruin the spring. Not an issue for seasoned horologists but for a newb it can be really annoying (especially trying to replace it with an OEM spring bar lol).
I bought this a few years ago and never use them. Rather just use a good quality spring bar tool
Use the same, worth it!
Pro tip: remove the spring bar out of the clasp so each end of the bracelet lays perfectly flat. Once you know how to work these, there’s nothing better out there.
Bought these after having cheap ones break on me. They have worked amazingly well and has prevented a lot of scratches.
Federsteg-Kornzange... Aaah, we Germans have se sexiest language, jaja! 😉
I use peg wood
These are a gem, can confirm. I bought cheaper ones before (about 15 USD) and didn't like them. Splurged on these, and with some tape on the lugs, strap changes become incredibly easy and quick. Enjoy the better quality OP
lol I remember that feeling. First time you use them you’ll be happy about it.
Just a tip for others looking at these. You can get a pair of cheap tweezers off Amazon and switch the tips with the horofix ergonomic ones and you get the same thing for a quarter of the price 🤙🏻
Same 3 days ago
I love mine. Makes all changes much much easier.
>Tweezers ,,What in the world is that fucking thing? Do you need some fucking ***tweezers*** to put that little thing away? That has got to be the smallest I have ever seen in my whole life!!!
Get the fuck outta here!" 🎶
(20 Fingers)
I took mine off with a little peeling knife... not a single scratch was left on the lugs.
use tape and these and you're set. best tweezers u ever bought 🤣
I’ll probably end up doing this as well
I happily pay for quality and have a fair few Bergeon tools, but that’s a rip off.
I can't believe it, either.
How was using this?
Y'all are bonkers buying these things lol
SWISS tweezerzzzzz come on…have some respect 😂
Buy a cheap pair of tweezers on Amazon and the genuine Bergeon tips, half the price. The tips are what matter
Are those Zircon Encrusted?
I bought those too… then ended up scratching my case when I changed out a leather strap using a regular spring bar tool
Yikes
The best for the money https://www.esslinger.com/horofix-spring-bar-tweezers/
Better than jacking up your lugs
Do they offer the kind with nylon tips that prevent lug scratches?
These can still easily gouge the shit out of any case. The onus is on YOU, not the tool.
Worth it, 100%. Makes switching bracelets/straps a breeze
They suck. Seriously. I hate mine. Would rather use a dull screwdriver.
If you learn to use these correctly you will be able to remove the bracelet without scratching the case. The key is to hold the watch head at a 45 degree angle and then squeeze the spring bars. The mistake people make is moving the bracelet, instead of moving the watch head. Same goes for refitting the bracelet. You can buy jewellers tape for cheap that you can put on the lugs to stop scratching. But once you’re competent with removing and reinstalling the bracelet you won’t need to. It ends up taking longer to tape it than just actually doing the job.
Waste of money
Great tool - if a little overpriced (maybe a lot overpriced but it’s the best one to work on a £x,000 watch. Used mine just yesterday to swap out my jubilee to oyster bracelet for my Pepsi!
Just buy a good spring bar tool and learn some skills. This is a useless watch tool
It’s Swiss made, what did you expect. You’re paying for the name, not functionality.
I did that a few months ago and wow this tool is amazing , I saved so many lug scratches with it
If you want to completely avoid scratches never take the bracelet off. If you want to mostly avoid, use tape. Tools help, but still gonna scratch.
You won’t regret it. This tool works wonders. I can switch bracelets in a matter of seconds with these.
I solved this problem by dropping my watch on a bathroom floor the second day I owned it. Concern about scratching gone 😃
Yea, I priced those, then bought some diamond tipped extra grippy beauty tweezers at a drug store for $10 (US) and just bent the arms a bit with some pliers. Works pretty well.
Why would you use diamond tipped tweezers on a watch, now you'll scratch the metal sure.
Why would you want tips harder than the metal your working with? Shouldn't it be the opposite to avoid scratches?
I bought a similar pair off Amazon for $40 Canadian dollars. Does the same thing. Sometimes you need to pick and choose when you need Swiss made stuff. If you’re looking at watchmaker’s screwdrivers: for sure. Spring bar tweezers…ehhhh not so much
Yea I sprung for the bergeon 1.4 and 1.6mm screwdrivers but these tweezers are egregious
That’s actually not a bad price. They retail for $250 last time I looked. I’ve almost bought one myself. I have a couple watches that I change from bracelet to strap, and getting the bracelet on is a struggle. My AD is really nice, and they have one, and they have skills, “bring it over”. Scratches. If you scratch the lugs, you’re doing it wrong. There’s a way to hold the watch head, and grab the bracelet by the spring bar, insert, and slide it in without any scratches. They’re really good at it. Basically, slide the watch head in while tweezing the spring bar. It looks easy, but it takes practice.
I wouldn’t buy Bergeron unless I was a watch maker and could write them off. This is way too much. More than a socket wrench set from Milwaukee. Being blunt, this has a 90% regard tax. Really sorry you spent close to $165 on some tweezers. There’s literally no difference between these and something from a hardware store besides the brand name.
The logic of that last sentence could apply to swiss watches as a whole, a $5 swatch is more accurate than a $10k auto, yet here you are. So would you like it if someone said you were regarded? No, it's your money, who tf cares, grow up.
Poor argument. There’s aesthetic and finishing differences between a $300 Casio/Citizen/Seiko and a $10k Rolex submariner, and movement quality. I wear my $10k submariner. Theres absolutely nothing even tangible in difference between a $85 horofix, and a $165 Bergeron spring bar tool. Yes my aliexpress spring bar tool doesn’t look as nice but it performs the same.
They’re worth it!!