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Remove quick release spring bar from bracelet
- Thread starter roadwarrior
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It's not worth using. The screws are very weak and will snap easy. They are hard to work with and I do not like the design. You can't use regular spring bars because of the open end link fitting. They will slide out without having that tab in place. Fat spring bars might work, but the design seems problematic to me.
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I've never had any issues with them in general on straps or bracelets. The open channel design on the end link of the bracelet almost reminds me of a hollow, folded end link. Not only does it seem rattle prone, but unless the spring pin is extremely fat like the ones on some SEIKO watches, they may not even stay in place.
The bracelet in my photos is from my Blacktip Diver.
The bracelet in my photos is from my Blacktip Diver.
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The more I look at parts (screw and end link) it doesn't even feel like it's made from stainless steel. It almost has a lightweight plastic feel to the parts. That made me try a magnet on the screw and it did not pick it up.
timemaster624
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Aluminum?
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Possibly, but IMHO they are built like crap. Not nearly as nice in feeling and appearance to my other fitted end links that are attached to the bracelet.
That's looking from the inside out. Normal appearance wise, they look fine. If the parts did not come apart, I would not have noticed the end link channel. For all I know the Christopher Ward end links and others using quick release pins in bracelets could be the same design minus the screw head if dissected.
Drilled lugs and regular spring bars on bracelets with cut out slots in the back as well are the best/easiest to work with IMO.
That's looking from the inside out. Normal appearance wise, they look fine. If the parts did not come apart, I would not have noticed the end link channel. For all I know the Christopher Ward end links and others using quick release pins in bracelets could be the same design minus the screw head if dissected.
Drilled lugs and regular spring bars on bracelets with cut out slots in the back as well are the best/easiest to work with IMO.
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Add me to that list.
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I didn't know as well. It's not a deal breaker, but I'm not crazy about the design. I'm glad I didn't spring for the bronze bracelet using them. If the universal one uses regular spring bars I may get one of those to use on multiple watches. I like not being limited to one model. I could use it on several bronze or PVD/DLC watches if the lug widths are the same.
The one aspect of the one side screw out EZ replacement/removal idea I like. It eliminates randomly using long nose or something to snap off one resulting in the destruction of the pin.
I just am not crazy about those end links being open-ended like they are.
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DITTO
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Spent some time looking at the pictures and I'm still confused. Are you saying that (on the Blacktip bracelet) you can't regular spring bars because they would just fall out of the end link. And the only thing holding the quick release spring bars (which the bracelet came with) in place are the tiny knubs/screws on the spring bars? And said tiny screw isn't even steel?
I sort of hope I'm misunderstanding something because what I'm picturing in my mind is a bizarre design decision....
I sort of hope I'm misunderstanding something because what I'm picturing in my mind is a bizarre design decision....
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You need to take yours apart if you can't understand what the pictures show, sorry and good luck.
I'm going to assume that all of the ZELOS bracelets using quick release are the same design, not just the Blacktip.
I'm going to assume that all of the ZELOS bracelets using quick release are the same design, not just the Blacktip.
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The OEM quick release bars are *thicker than normal fat spring bars. I'm currently going back and forth with Elshan about this.
(* I think that is why the end link material is cut out and thin to accommodate the fat QR bar)
My idea is that only one nub is needed to work the quick release, so the screw can be left out.
The concern I have is if the OEM bar fails finding one suitable to solidly secure the open-ended end link. I'm trying to find a **tube that the diameter will fit the end link slot but also has an opening wide enough for a regular spring bar to slide through.
**(doing this creates another problem. Without a slot in the tube to have access to the the spring bar shoulder it would be a RPITA. With drilled lugs they can be pushed out that way, but it wouldn't allow a tool to be used to install them)
I do a lot of strap changes and sooner or later these things need to be replaced the more use they get. If someone intends to just keep it on the bracelet I don't see any issues.
(* I think that is why the end link material is cut out and thin to accommodate the fat QR bar)
My idea is that only one nub is needed to work the quick release, so the screw can be left out.
The concern I have is if the OEM bar fails finding one suitable to solidly secure the open-ended end link. I'm trying to find a **tube that the diameter will fit the end link slot but also has an opening wide enough for a regular spring bar to slide through.
**(doing this creates another problem. Without a slot in the tube to have access to the the spring bar shoulder it would be a RPITA. With drilled lugs they can be pushed out that way, but it wouldn't allow a tool to be used to install them)
I do a lot of strap changes and sooner or later these things need to be replaced the more use they get. If someone intends to just keep it on the bracelet I don't see any issues.
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Thanks for the intel. Just the same, I think I'll leave mine alone. 
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Smart move. One screw already broke, but I had no intention of using it again anyhow. I think the pin is a cleaver idea on the removal to replace a bad spring bar, etc. on a metal bracelet. I understand the concept. The compromise to the end links to make it work is something I could do without and would rather have a bracelet without the QR system. Give me drilled lugs and cut-out slots in the back of a bracelet any day.
Use QR pins on rubber and leather, but they add too much bulk in diameter on a bracelet end link design. Something has to be compromised to make the end link match the rest of the bracelet seamlessly. I think that compromise just weakens the whole structure of solidly securing the bracelet.
I think the quest to make everything under the sun EZ in the world we live in is out of control. Trying to make some of these clever gadgets can be counterproductive for those who enjoy the simple mechanics of the old things.
If something is a solid, time proven design, but too hard for someone to figure out or use, maybe they should find another hobby. Sometimes it's best to leave well enough alone.
Use QR pins on rubber and leather, but they add too much bulk in diameter on a bracelet end link design. Something has to be compromised to make the end link match the rest of the bracelet seamlessly. I think that compromise just weakens the whole structure of solidly securing the bracelet.
I think the quest to make everything under the sun EZ in the world we live in is out of control. Trying to make some of these clever gadgets can be counterproductive for those who enjoy the simple mechanics of the old things.
If something is a solid, time proven design, but too hard for someone to figure out or use, maybe they should find another hobby. Sometimes it's best to leave well enough alone.
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timemaster624
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Good stuff, please keep us posted if you find a replacement and what Elshan has to say. I agree with you on all of your above points.
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Hey Michael,
Sorry about the trouble with this! I could send over some spare for you if you'd like?
They could also be swapped out for regular pins if you prefer, cheers!
I have plenty of spring bars, thanks.
What I'm concerned about is the open channel on the end link. The pins are not secure because it's not a closed cylinder. I've attached a photo to help visualize
what my concern is.
Thanks for the reply.
Mike
Oh yes that's not a problem and regular springbars will work too, cheers
The bracelet is back on and seems secure as it is. The screw on one side missing did not hinder reattaching it.
Awesome, I appreciate all the support too!
The way the end link is angled once reattached the channel is closed and secure by the side of the watch case it compresses against.
You would still need fat enough spring bars to prevent any play or wobble.
Sorry about the trouble with this! I could send over some spare for you if you'd like?
They could also be swapped out for regular pins if you prefer, cheers!
I have plenty of spring bars, thanks.
What I'm concerned about is the open channel on the end link. The pins are not secure because it's not a closed cylinder. I've attached a photo to help visualize
what my concern is.
Thanks for the reply.
Mike
Oh yes that's not a problem and regular springbars will work too, cheers
The bracelet is back on and seems secure as it is. The screw on one side missing did not hinder reattaching it.
Awesome, I appreciate all the support too!
The way the end link is angled once reattached the channel is closed and secure by the side of the watch case it compresses against.
You would still need fat enough spring bars to prevent any play or wobble.
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