Timex

Every so many decades it becomes necessary to replace the strap on ones watch. The Timex keeps on humming. I bought the previous watch strap at Walmart about ten years ago. One of the link's cover broke off, leaving sharp edges. (See missing link cover at 0:49) Of course I headed over to Walmart again, being a creature of habit. They stopped selling straps. In fact they had dozens of Chinese made watches, for sale at prices less than a watch strap used to cost. I mentioned this irony to my brother, who is an horologist. A couple of weeks later, the USPS delivers and envelope containing the exact replacement. That is what one could call telepathic service.

[@ReverendPop]

A few tips, since I can't make my own video:
1) There is a dandy two-ended tool for this exact job, and one end is designed to hold the spring rod open to remove/put back in the watch. If you use small screwdrivers, you're apt to stab yourself at some stage.
2) This should be done in a cloth-lined tray, so the springs won't fly away, and the watch should have a cloth over the face so you don't scratch it.
3) Some of the pin rods are a tough fit. The way to secure them is to jiggle them gently once you think they are in place--because usually they're not in place. Carefully jiggling or sliding them while keeping a loose grip on the watch band will settle them into place. You can feel them click into the pinholes. :)

[@MrPianoKnee]

Thank you for all the good tips. The extra details will definitely help many of the viewers.

[@MrPianoKnee]

Hi Piotr,
Actually, as fate had it, I had to remove two links after I made this video. I was too busy holding my tongue in the right position to be able to video it too. My brother the horologist suggested that I make such a video. But I have not. Over the years I have needed to replace the little u-shaped connectors between the links. Fortunately the stainless steel that encases the links is malleable. That means it is easy to bend the end caps of the links enough to slide out the u-shaped connectors. Needle nose pliers are good for this. To get them started, I used a jeweler's screwdriver to pry them open. Use the needle nose pliers to hold the links when sliding them out and then in. Bend the end caps back in patiently. So Mr. Crazy, thank you for being the first (other than my brother) to comment on my very first instructional video.

[@44jimcordell31]

The pins have a fat end and a thin end. It is easier when removing the pins to loosen and remove it at the fat end and it is easier when installing the new wristband to insert the thin in first and the fat end second.

[@jamstar6682]

You are great I had a nice watch thank you for the video

[@MrPianoKnee]

Thank you. I am glad that you enjoyed my first video of this nature.

[@poepoe2828]

I e been trying for 5 months to get the stupid band on my stupid watch.
Mine has the stupid adjustable things on the ends of the bands that I cant even find a word for online for a year now.
So basically I'll never be able to wear my watch because I will break it b4 I'll ever fix it.
So I hate watchs and I will just sell my solid gold Hamilton watch now.
How do u but the bands on that have the springs or whatever they are called like the first band u took off?
Of course no one shows us how to put those on in a video on UA-cam anywhere ughhhhhhh

[@keithcraig731]

Where did your brother get this band ? My watch is the same one .

[@deificdeus2400]

What's the brand of the strap.

[@MrPianoKnee]

No brand was stamped anywhere on the strap. We theorize that its origin is Hong Kong.

[@phillipyannone3195]

Wow a utube video! Is that your first?