How to replace a vintage women's band

Submitted by tshanno on November 17, 2019 - 7:34am

Hi, guys.

I feel like this is a probably dumb question but I can't find anything on it.  There is plenty of informatin about replacing bands on watches with spring bars.  But I'm a little bit at a loss as to how to do it with some of these vintage women's wataches that don't seem to use them.  

For example, I have the watch attached which simply seems to have a bar that appears to be part of the watch.

 

Other watches I own seem to have a hood over this bar that allows attachment of a band:

Unfortunately there is no apparent way to me to get the band off without removing the hood.  And there doesn't appear to be a way to get the hood off without basically unbending it around the bar.

Is there something I'm missing?  Becasue basically it looks to me like the band is impossible to change without ruining the old band.  And in the case of watch number one, I'm stuck without a hood.  Is there some place to order more?

Thanks.

Tom S.

Kathy L.
Posted November 17, 2019 - 10:55am

My experience taking a couple to my jeweler and watch repair guy is there is no easy way to get them off.  I had to give them permission to ruin the old bands.  Maybe the watchmakers back in the day had a trick to it or extra parts to repair them.  I have a set of extra ends you are welcome to if you think they will work for you.  They came with some NOS cord bands I got but I used them without this part on 40's and 50's watches.  

tshanno
Posted November 17, 2019 - 12:26pm

That's really kind of you.  The picture of the lug that I posted is from a 1932 Muriel that I haven't gotten around to registering on the site.  The lug appears to be about 8mm.  Not sure how big yours are.

Tom .

Kathy L.
Posted November 17, 2019 - 12:35pm

In reply to by tshanno

Looks like these are 9 or maybe 10mm to my eye.  The same as the band that is on my Miss Liberty (emerald one).  So I think that is pretty standard and should work for your Muriel.  You are welcome to try them if you like.  If they are too big you could probably cut them down.

Reverend Rob
Posted November 21, 2019 - 12:19pm

Fixed bars can be a nuisance. You either have to go with a leather band that has an openable end, (They have metal tabs and adhesive to close them after installation) or use the hooded end pieces, which should stay on. I say this because it is then easier to simply attach a band to the hooded piece by opening the clasp, as opposed to removing the hooded piece each time, as long as it matches the new band at least a bit.

The tubular section is there to prevent the small band from sliding back and forth obviously. Also, many ladies' bracelets have horizontal clasps as seen here, and need the extra piece to orient the attachment. 

tshanno
Posted November 22, 2019 - 4:19am

In reply to by Reverend Rob

Ah.  Open ended leather bands.  Didn't know that existed but I see them now in the dateabase. Thanks.  That's an option.

Annseoly
Posted January 3, 2020 - 1:50am

Quality and useful information! Thanks.