Patek Philippe

About a month ago i had the opportunity to try on the RG 5980 and I I really like the look of the 5980 on a strap.

Recently I purchased a 5980 in SS (prefer SS in a sports watch over RG) and I was imagining how cool it would look on a strap. From what I can tell the bracelet isn't attached with spring bars, or screws. Does anybody know how the bracelet can be removed ?

I would go to Patek, but Im pretty sure they would frown upon my trying to alter a watch into something that they don't sell.

Any help wold be greatly appreciated.

You would need the proper size punch and hammer.  Should be straight forward from there.

I think you might be right, though Im not sure how about having to hammer it out.

Would anyone happen to know how Patek takes these off ? Perhaps during one of the factory tours that many on here have taken they were able to see this process ?

lady's Nautilus and I would suspect the same system is used for the 5980.  That being said, the sleeve is the piece that provides the tension and pressure to keep the pin from falling out.  I don't think the leather strap would provide the friction that the bracelet does, so I would think there is probably a difference in the lug pins for the 5980 and the strap Nautilus versions (5711).  I don't know this to be, but you don't know until you get into it. The pin requirements for a 5980 may be different (diameter) from a 5711.

Removing the pin is very straight forward and may require someone to hold the watch on a surface with an opening which will allow the pin to drop when you are tapping the pin out.  It is not a difficult process by any means but  If you are uneasy about this, just don't do it and leave it alone.  I would suspect that Patek may have some sort of jig to hold the watch for bracelet removal and probably a device to push the pin out.

It would be a nice way to changes things up a bit if it can be done.

What you say makes sense. I suppose my next step will be to see if I could source the SS links that attach to leather strap to the case. I was looking at a 5726 today and the case dimensions and lug dimensions are the same as on the 5980, so the strap and link combo used on the 5726 should work for the 5980.

Whit, would you mind posting some pics of the pins ? I'd just like to get as much info as I can before in start hammering away

picture but when I get the pin and sleeve for the Nautilus, I'll have someone take some photographs of the pieces and the process and have them do the posting.  It may be Monday or Tuesday before this can happen.

It's good to hear from someone with hands on experience with a similar situation.

I'm very much looking forward to some pics.

HSWA sent the wrong pin/sleeve combination.  Just rec'd the new set today and will try to take pictures sometime within the next few days and get them up.

Whit