Take off the crown / stem then use a cape cod to take burrs off the male threads getting the cloth in there with you fingernails. For some makes a big difference.
I am a first time customer and Vac did a beautiful job on my 3717 that got a swiss movement, lume and a crystal upgrade. It took a little while (he did have a family issue during), but totally worth it.
There are watches I did not plan to get because of bad lume that I now will get and pass on to Vac.
I had JAW in California make me a custom chromexil wallet for $65. Fantastic material, secret pocket for a wireless subway card and leather that will last a lifetime.
Not kidding. I have 2 of the 7753s and had one 7750 version before it. Compress the strap a little against one lug and use a spring bar tool with a curved end. The new strap you put in will obviously be much easier on and off because it will not be nearly as inflexible. It can't be.
The stars are decorative. It uses spring bars like every other watch. Because the rep strap is stiff, getting a tool in there is tough. Same at the buckle end, springbar.