Vacheron Constantin Overseas Strap Change Guide

WHL · 2013-06-27T19:28:33Z

Learn how to change straps on the Vacheron Constantin Overseas with WHL's step-by-step guide. Maximize versatility and customize your watch.

WHL

WPS member · Vacheron Constantin forum

13 replies9913 views11 photos

WHL, a vocal advocate for the Vacheron Constantin Overseas, demonstrates the process of changing straps and bracelets on the watch. His detailed guide, complete with step-by-step photos, empowers owners to customize their Overseas for various occasions, emphasizing its versatility as both a dress and sport watch.

I’ve long preached about the virtues of the Overseas, with its versatility in being able to wear both as a dress and as a sport watch, and especially about taking advantage of switching between straps and the bracelet for a fresh look. I had also suggested that owners take it to a watchmaker to execute the switch. Well, that isn’t always convenient, and certainly wasn’t so for myself once I got the bracelet to put on the watch, so I took it upon myself to do the job myself.

Before:

It’s quite easy, so long as the screws will release with normal pressure. If not, because the Loctite is doing its job of keeping the screws from working free, then I still recommend taking the watch to a professional watchmaker. Fortunately for me, this wasn’t a problem. All I needed was two tools from my Vacheron Constantin watchmaker’s toolbox:

The screwdriver and a push piece:

There are two screws on each side of the lugs, and between them is a study steel pin. You need to unscrew all four screws from the lugs:

Then using the push pin, you remove the pin to release the strap from the watch:

Half way there!

The next step is the put two screws back in along one side of the watch to hold the pin in place when attaching the bracelet.

Then align the bracelet into the slot and push the pin through to hold it in place.

The final step is to secure the last two screws.

I needed to remove one link from the bracelet for a good fit, using the same screwdriver, and the watch is ready to wear!

For the next month or two I’ll enjoy the watch on the bracelet, before switching it to the rubber strap for my trip to the beaches of North Carolina. And perhaps for the fall I’ll go to this special little number, which would have accompanied the rose gold Overseas Chronograph with blue dial that never found its way into production. The reddish tint in alligator partners nicely with the red accents on the dial, and I've always like mixing black dials with brown straps.

(While JB and respo added the bracelet to their American Overseas long before I got the chance to, I’ll both see them and raise them one!)

How are you wearing your Overseas? It’s officially summer now, Overseas season. Please share your photos, whether you are wearing it as Vacheron Constantin intended, or as you want it to be.

Thank you,

Bill

VC Forum Moderator

This message has been edited by WHL on 2013-06-27 19:30:45

Key Points from the Discussion

Frequent strap changes on the Vacheron Constantin Overseas may risk stripping screw holes, although screws themselves are replaceable if damaged.
The small screws used for strap changes on the Overseas are delicate and easily lost, prompting a suggestion for Vacheron Constantin to include extra screws with interchangeable strap kits.
The use of Loctite on the screws requires extra force for removal, necessitating careful handling to prevent damage to the screw slots.
The author confirms that replacement screws for the Vacheron Constantin Overseas are not prohibitively expensive and can be easily obtained from the brand.
The Vacheron Constantin 'pocket knife' tool, used for strap changes, is often gifted by dealers to valued customers, and collectors can inquire about receiving one.
There is a debate about the practicality of using slot screws for strap attachment, with some suggesting superior alternatives exist.

The Discussion

yesjb

Jun 28, 2013

That burgundy strap is very sharp. Just a little note...that blue stuff on the screws is a "Loc-tite" type of material so it may necessitate a little extra force. One needs to careful that the crew driver is securely placed in the slot and held properly while turning. I still don't understand why slot screws are used?? There are so many other types of screws available that are lsuperior. Joseph

Tick Talk

Jun 28, 2013

Love this watch. With the rubber strap and titanium bits, you can wear it without being reminded of it every time you move your wrist. I'll second Joseph on the delicate little screws, which are easily lost so I've discovered. Bill, hope you re-applied Loctite or similar? I would like to suggest to VC that when they provide interchangeable straps like with the Deep Stream, extra screws are included for those little "accidents" :-( although extreme kudos to Daniel and Laurent who scrounged up a f

respo

Jun 29, 2013

I had been using it for other purposes.... ...although, I think Dean has wisely recommended not to drink and change straps at the same time. ;-) Seriously, this is an excellent post to show us how to change the strap with the VC pocket knife. Thank you! I do wonder if too frequent changes of the strap might strip the screw hole and if this could be remedied by VC if it happens and -- at what cost. The screws themselves will inevitably be damaged during these strap changes. Those can be replaced

WHL

Jun 29, 2013

is probably the one that Panerai uses now. IWC has it too for sizing links on many of their bracelet watches. You push one pin down to release the "lock" and then push the pin out. Bill

WHL

Jun 29, 2013

and it is easy enough (without having to go to Geneva :-) ) to get new screws from Vacheron Constantin should I damage a head. Bill

WHL

Jun 29, 2013

and I have yet to use that corkscrew function! The screws are not really expensive (I'm talking in the realm of watches....not like going to Home Depot for a carpentry project). :-) Bill

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