Big Pilot OEM Strap & Deployant Clasp Removal

Dear fellow members/enthusiasts,

I wish to replace my OEM Big Pilot strap with an aftermarket ABP strap and use the OEM deployant clasp. From what I've read, a springbar tool is the recommended tool for the job.

The issue I have is, the tolerance between the strap and lug is extremely tight which makes it difficult to insert the fork without scratching the inside of the lug. And the thickness of the strap makes it difficult or impossible to compress the strap to make wiggle room. Same applies to the deployant clasp.

As such, I look to you all for guidance on how to perform the strap swap without scratch the lugs & deployant clasp.

Thank You,
Sam

Hello Sam and welcome to the forum. I have done this myself, but it is not easy as you noted, the fit is quite tight. You really have to compress the strap towards one lug to expose a gap on the other side large enough to work in the forked end of a spring bar tool. The deployant clasp is a little easier as the strap is not as thick on that end. You definitely risk scratching the insides of your lugs or more, so it may be better to take it to a local watch repair shop and have them do it if that is a concern. Of course, they may scratch it also. I, personally, do not worry too much about a little scratch inside the lugs that cannot be seen once the strap is attached.

Ben, I appreciate your input. Did you compress the strap with your bare fingers or using some sort of clamp/vise? Also, what size fork on your springbar tool? Thanks.

Sam - I just used my thumb to push down on the strap on one side. The spring bar tool I have is quite fine, I believe the fork end is 1.3 mm. I hope this helps.