Strap pins on 1960s Omega Seamaster DeVille

[Bestofthebest]

Hi Everyone,

I have a Omega Deville with 18mm lugs. The previous owner had fitted a cheap strap which I am replacing. I had to cut the old strap off as the pins, occupy the gap in the lugs in their entirety. The pins do spin.

What are my options? Can I just use some side cutters to cut the old pins out, do I need to buy a special type of strap?
?

https://timerediscovered.com/product...EaAkYzEALw_wcB

[Neil.C]

Just get some normal 18mm spring bars and replace.

Make sure you have a spring bar tool.

[Robbo12]

Sharp side cutters or a good pair of electricians wire snips will cut the old bars of , the springs inside are probably full of crud and rust . I bet they are brass coloured ?

[walkerwek1958]

Be careful not to bend the lugs, they’re quite fragile on this model and the weak spot is where they meet the case. If I was doing this I’d cut the strap off then use the edge of a diamond file to cut the springbar in the middle and weaken it, trying to cut with tinsnips or similar will potentially apply twisting force to the lugs.

[ktmog6uk]

i just accidentally fitted a strap with shoulderless bars to a 9ct gold vintage seamaster. realised the strap was a bit short than then spent 20 mins gingerly cutting the strap off and using a pair of pliers to gently bend and wiggle them back out. thankfully got them free without too much strain but as this is the second time i've done this with vintage watches ALWAYS check the springbars supplied with your new strap are not shoulderless! had to get Paul ^^^^(hi there!) to rescue the last one.

[Bestofthebest]

Thanks everyone - pins will be cut off and shouldered pins added.

[DONGinsler]

Here's a look at various spring bars.

I use double flange models

DON

[gubbins]

Very useful