Replacing a Watch Band - Ideas?

Windows7forever on 06/08/2024 - 13:39
Last edited 06/08/2024 - 13:43

I don't know much about watches but am starting to learn about them. My brother in law gave me a second hand watch that has been stored in the cupboard for several years as I don't really wear them. I went to try it on recently and the silicone band appears to have disintegrated upon wearing.

I was about to throw the watch out but decided to see if it worth anything. It is a Hublot Geneve "swiss made" and appears to be an automatic/mechanical watch as inside there are many moving parts and no battery. It looks like an elegant time piece to me. Looks very similar to this https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/405083677679?chn=ps&_ul=AU&norov…

It must be a fake/knockoff though because there's no way my BIL would give me an $8k watch even though he does have a penchant for expensive watches. Maybe I should just ask him lol.

I attempted to loosen the tiny flathead screws that secure the band but they are extremely tight and I don't want to strip the threads. Is it worth the expense of taking to a watch shop to get a replacement band put on?

I've only ever worn $10 watches so might be worth the investment.

TIA

Fashion & Apparel Watch Strap

Comments

  • ihfree on 06/08/2024 - 13:46
    +2

    Have you looked at videos?

    If it's genuine, i'd probably take it to a shop if you're not confident. You may also need a spring bar tool. I would suggest a quality on. eg: Bergeon.

    • Windows7forever on 06/08/2024 - 14:12

      Not yet. Ah yes, that little tool looks exactly what I need to open the two pronged screws on the watch face. They are $1.50 on Temu. I can try that one before spending more.

      • ihfree on 06/08/2024 - 14:25

        A spring bar tool is to remove the spring bars. It looks like you'd need a H screwdriver.

      • ihfree on 06/08/2024 - 14:26

        Also, assume the watch is not genuine if you're using random Temu tools.

    • coffeeinmyveins on 06/08/2024 - 14:28
      -1

      I wouldn't be forking out for Bergeon tools on a fake watch…

      • ihfree on 06/08/2024 - 14:49

        Fakes are not my thing, but I guess it depends on the grade of fake as to whether a higher quality tool is justified

  • CodeXD on 06/08/2024 - 13:47
    +2

    Take it to a watch shop to take off.

    Ask them if they have replacement bands to get an idea of pricing (you can also ask for replacement screw prices too if need be). Take pictures and say you want to see advice from your partner to colour coordinate. Proceed to buy identical band and tools from aliexpress for a fifth of the price.

  • Ryanek on 06/08/2024 - 13:49

    Can you share a picture?

    Silicone bands can be get for cheap, you just need to make sure you have the correct band size.

  • Airport-Andy on 06/08/2024 - 13:51
    +1

    I would ask your BIL for info. A lot of watches like that actually came with tools in the case for changing the bands. He may also have 1 from other watches or tools if he is into watches.

  • garetz on 06/08/2024 - 14:59
    +2

    If it was authentic i doubt a band would disintegrated on an 8k watch.

    • Gunnar on 06/08/2024 - 16:22

      Beat me to it! They definitely do not

      Even cheap silicone bands (like $15 ones) won’t disintegrate after years of being stored in hot climates

  • Windows7forever on 06/08/2024 - 18:29
    +1

    Thanks for all the suggestions guys. I have sticky taped the watch to my arm to test it but unfortunately it keeps going about five minutes slow, even after resetting. It looks like I may need to take it to a professional to get serviced but I will need to weigh up the cost of doing so, considering I can buy a perfectly adequate quartz watch for under $50 which is maintenance free (apart from a simple battery change).

    • DashCam AKA Rolts on 06/08/2024 - 18:44
      +4

      I have sticky taped the watch to my arm to test it

      Genuine red neck engineering.

      • Windows7forever on 06/08/2024 - 19:08
        +2

        LOL yep. I first attached it to my arm with a large cable tie but it was cutting off the circulation!

        • DashCam AKA Rolts on 06/08/2024 - 19:36
          +3

          I first attached it to my arm with a large cable tie

          Genuine red neck engineering ++.

    • ihfree on 06/08/2024 - 18:59

      Yeah, not worth it for a fake. Maybe have a look at some of the watch deals posted here. Citizen Eco Drives are great value and are pretty much maintenance free.

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