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chiscott_29 · 30 April 2020, 12:37 AM

Hi. I want to swap out the leather strap on my 26331OR with the rubber strap since we're finally getting some warmer weather.

With everything shut down here in Chicago (and no real timeline on when things are going to open), the plan of taking this to the AD to swap out is kind of a pipe dream right now.

Has anybody attempted to do this swap themselves? I have a quality spring bar and screwdriver set, but I'm very nervous trying to do this one myself due to the fragility of rose gold, and the fact that I am not sure how easy it is to properly handle the rose gold posts that connect the case and the strap.

If anybody has any thoughts I'd appreciate it. Especially if the advice is "STOP, DON'T DO IT!"

macrowatch · 30 April 2020, 12:47 AM

I really would not do it myself, especially with the RG case you have.

If you do insist on trying, tape and get one of those holder thingies.

AP is annoying to change IMO with how that screw cap works.

KeizerKarel · 30 April 2020, 01:22 AM

I’ve changed my dads 15710ST’s strap probably five times and everything went fine each time but of course it’s not a gold watch so it scratches less.

If your hands are shaky and you are worried about every little scratch I wouldn’t do it. But if you do decide to go through with the strap change you can always tape it up and ask someone else to hold the watch so you can use two hands to make sure the screwdriver stays where it is supposed to be.

watchaser · 30 April 2020, 02:51 AM

I change my links and straps on my RO and ROC all the time. I would advise having/using a set of quality precision screwdrivers.

In addition my best practice are 1) tape surrounding areas 2) use flat head that's slightly smaller than the screw so there's less of a chance of hitting the wall 3) if you're not confident, don't do it.

Good luck!

Exceptional · 30 April 2020, 05:02 AM

I recently looked into this

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o-272MahzHo

chiscott_29 · 30 April 2020, 08:48 AM

Thanks for the video. I do not have the "holder thingie" so I think that's enough to convince me that it's best left in the hands of a professional.

30 April 2020, 12:37 AM	#1
chiscott_29 2025 Pledge Member Join Date: Jul 2019 Location: USA Watch: Rolex, ALS, Omega Posts: 1,231	Advice on Changing Strap on 26331OR Hi. I want to swap out the leather strap on my 26331OR with the rubber strap since we're finally getting some warmer weather. With everything shut down here in Chicago (and no real timeline on when things are going to open), the plan of taking this to the AD to swap out is kind of a pipe dream right now. Has anybody attempted to do this swap themselves? I have a quality spring bar and screwdriver set, but I'm very nervous trying to do this one myself due to the fragility of rose gold, and the fact that I am not sure how easy it is to properly handle the rose gold posts that connect the case and the strap. If anybody has any thoughts I'd appreciate it. Especially if the advice is "STOP, DON'T DO IT!"

30 April 2020, 12:47 AM	#2
macrowatch "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2018 Location: HK Posts: 4,366	I really would not do it myself, especially with the RG case you have. If you do insist on trying, tape and get one of those holder thingies. AP is annoying to change IMO with how that screw cap works.

30 April 2020, 01:22 AM	#3
KeizerKarel "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2019 Location: Netherlands Posts: 23	I’ve changed my dads 15710ST’s strap probably five times and everything went fine each time but of course it’s not a gold watch so it scratches less. If your hands are shaky and you are worried about every little scratch I wouldn’t do it. But if you do decide to go through with the strap change you can always tape it up and ask someone else to hold the watch so you can use two hands to make sure the screwdriver stays where it is supposed to be.

30 April 2020, 02:51 AM	#4
watchaser 2025 Pledge Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Park City, Utah Posts: 1,463	I change my links and straps on my RO and ROC all the time. I would advise having/using a set of quality precision screwdrivers. In addition my best practice are 1) tape surrounding areas 2) use flat head that's slightly smaller than the screw so there's less of a chance of hitting the wall 3) if you're not confident, don't do it. Good luck!

30 April 2020, 05:02 AM	#5
Exceptional Banned Join Date: Apr 2020 Location: UK Posts: 84	I recently looked into this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o-272MahzHo

30 April 2020, 08:48 AM	#6
chiscott_29 2025 Pledge Member Join Date: Jul 2019 Location: USA Watch: Rolex, ALS, Omega Posts: 1,231	Thanks for the video. I do not have the "holder thingie" so I think that's enough to convince me that it's best left in the hands of a professional.

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