Emperor Penguin Posted September 27, 2008 Report Share Posted September 27, 2008 I'm looking at the stainless steel bracelet in my Royal Oak Offshore and, looking at the endlinks, I think it may be possible to make a free strap conversion kit, though it would require destroying the bracelet. If you take a close look at how the stainless steel bracelet is made, I think it may be possible to make a strap conversion kit out of it. If you look at the first link at the endlinks, you can see how a rod passes through them, cut at the ends, sanded off at the edges, buffed and brush-finished. I bet that there is some epoxy holding that rod in there, and a micro torch will certainly loosen it. Once heated from both ends, perhaps a pusher tool can force the rod out. The endlinks will be free, and with the rod you now have a free strap conversion kit. Does anyone here have a throw-away bracelet to experiment? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deltatahoe Posted September 27, 2008 Report Share Posted September 27, 2008 good idea emperor; will be interesting to see if anyone is willing to do this. i'm still on the fence as to whether i would if i had an extra roo bracelet (and i don't even have one) deltatahoe Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Sql_pl Posted September 27, 2008 Report Share Posted September 27, 2008 I believe Paul (watcher) did it with his MBK/MBW ROO like 2 years ago to attach rubber strap. I remember he wrote that he needed to cannibalize the bracelet to have it done- but it turns out it is possible. Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bosk Posted September 27, 2008 Report Share Posted September 27, 2008 I believe Paul (watcher) did it with his MBK/MBW ROO like 2 years ago to attach rubber strap. I remember he wrote that he needed to cannibalize the bracelet to have it done- but it turns out it is possible. Thanks! yes...it is possible....I believe some1 took a hacksaw to their bracelet to remove the endlinks. Another option would be to buy puretime's rubber bracelet which also comes with endlinks for 90...if this is the sec at 12 rubber, then that is a decent deal. GL with the operation. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Emperor Penguin Posted September 28, 2008 Author Report Share Posted September 28, 2008 I'm already determined to get rid of the metal bracelet, because it is already starting to break. (One of the pins securing the clasp cap already fell off, so it hangs diagonally when unfastened; perhaps it would be better to try and sell the bracelet here or on another forum.) In retrospect, I should have ordered the AP ROO with the rubber strap so I could get the clasp as well. If the first link is hollow, a hack saw or a bolt cutter should do the trick, but the key is to cut it without breaking the rod. King sells the rubber strap and clasp for $70, and I believe the strap comes with the end links. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Emperor Penguin Posted October 1, 2008 Author Report Share Posted October 1, 2008 New project, guys. I just bought the rubber strap and clasp from King for $70. I'm thinking about removing the clasp and then cutting up the rubber strap to see if I can force out a conversion kit. Anyone here know if the rubber strap end links and rod is basically the same conversion kit? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Sql_pl Posted October 1, 2008 Report Share Posted October 1, 2008 So it isn't possible to just get these endlinks out of rubber strap easily? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Emperor Penguin Posted October 2, 2008 Author Report Share Posted October 2, 2008 The endlinks are no problem, whether or not you have the stainless-steel bracelet or rubber strap. The problem is the rod that passes through the endlinks. The endlinks have two sets of holes, one set to connect to the watch case via four rods. The concern is about the second rods that pass through the other end of the endlinks, onto which you attach the strap. Does the strap fit on the external rod perfectly, and does the strap fit on the external link such that there are no gaps between the endlinks and the strap slots? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crackberry Posted October 2, 2008 Report Share Posted October 2, 2008 The endlinks are no problem, whether or not you have the stainless-steel bracelet or rubber strap. The problem is the rod that passes through the endlinks. The endlinks have two sets of holes, one set to connect to the watch case via four rods. The concern is about the second rods that pass through the other end of the endlinks, onto which you attach the strap. Does the strap fit on the external rod perfectly, and does the strap fit on the external link such that there are no gaps between the endlinks and the strap slots? I bought the rubber strap from Angus at Puretime. It comes with the end links and connecting screws separate. You can easily connect them to the rubber stap and then to the watch, or simply use the end links on a hornback, or what have you. The folding clasp can also easily be removed from the rubber strap and used on another bans. For $90 it's a good deal. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2manywatches Posted October 2, 2008 Report Share Posted October 2, 2008 (edited) Just a little FYI, only rep straps will fit the rep endlinks. I had to get the www.apbands.com kit to use a gen or strap designed for gen. The holes in the enlinks are too close to the case in the rep links. Edited October 2, 2008 by 2manywatches Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Emperor Penguin Posted October 2, 2008 Author Report Share Posted October 2, 2008 Just a little FYI, only rep straps will fit the rep endlinks. I had to get the www.apbands.com kit to use a gen or strap designed for gen. The holes in the enlinks are too close to the case in the rep links. Dude, then I'm hosed. Well I bought King's rubber strap ($70) and it's on the way here. If the endlinks won't jive, I just might as well order a strap and endlinks from AP Bands. At least with King's rubber strap I have the rep AP clasp. AP Bands do not sell rep AP clasps. Might as well go all out. Get a hornback crocodile strap for $350 as well as the conversion kit, which costs an additional $180. Those cost more than the watch itself, which I bought from King for $490. Pretty damn expensive hobby here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2manywatches Posted October 2, 2008 Report Share Posted October 2, 2008 Well if its alrady shipped than at least you got the buckle. The rep endlinks will not work with gen straps 100%. Tried it with 2 ROO w/ secs @ 12. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.