The spring bar is a small metal bar that can be depressed at each end, like a spring. When pressure is released the bar extends at each end. When fully extended the bar will snap into place in the shoulders or lugs of the watch and hold your strap in place.
If you have a spring bar tool, insert the pronged fork end between the band and where it connects with the watch shoulders. You can press the bar in from either end. Then gently apply pressure on the tool, pushing lightly away from the watch. This should push the spring bar down and release the band. [2] X Research source You can replicate this with another small tool that fits in the same space, but be careful not to scratch your watch or damage the band. If you don’t have a tool, you can try using a paperclip to compress one end of the spring bar, and then carefully lever out the band.
Your new band may have come with its own spring bars, but you need to make sure these fit the watch.
Once the bottom end of the spring bar is in the hole, carefully apply pressure downwards on the bar so you can slide the top part into the corresponding indent, or hole. You may find it easier to use your tool to compress the spring bar when you are manoeuvring it. [3] X Research source
Listen for a slight clicking sound that indicate the bar is fixed in the place in the hole. Once both parts of the band are in, check they are securely positioned and your band is not likely to fall off.
If there are small hole on the outside of the lugs, this means that your band is attached with small screws that pass through the lugs. If there are no holes, it will be attached with just a spring bar. Now check to see if there are end caps on the band attached to the watch. End caps are the parts at the end of some bands that protrude out like wings. If it looks like your band does not have a flat end, it has end caps. [4] X Research source
Once you have removed the screw, try to carefully remove the spring bar piece that it was holding in place. You may need to poke through the other side of the band to do this, and you may need to remove the screw on the other side of the band first. Non-magnetic tweezers can be a useful tool to help you do this. Make sure you store all the piece carefully when you are done. [5] X Research source
To remove the band you need to work to release the spring bar from the lugs in much the same as with other spring bar bands. With end caps, however, once you release the spring bar, the caps will fall out loose. The spring bar attaches the caps to the band as well as to the watch. [7] X Research source Repeat this for each side of the band, and be sure to keep all the pieces safe.
Insert whatever spring bar tool you are using into the point where the band is connected to the lugs, and carefully try to get the spring bar free. Depress the band to expose the spring bar and then try to slide it out of the indents in the lug. Repeat on both sides of the band, and be sure to keep all the pieces safe and secure. [8] X Research source
Then place the second screw in the other lug hole. Hold the first screw in place with another screwdriver or a screwdriver block. Then tighten the second screw until it won’t turn any further. Once you reach this point, tighten up the first screw. You may consider replacing the screws, which can wear out over time. [9] X Research source
This is very tricky work, and if you are struggling to get it in, pay a quick visit to the jewellers. Bands with end caps have less regular sizing than flat-ended bands, so it is advisable to check with a watchmaker or jeweller to ensure your new band will fit.
When one end is in the indent, press down and slide the other end into position. Listen out for the clicks as the bar slides into the holes in the lugs. [11] X Research source
