Vacheron Constantin

Changing straps on the Overseas

 

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.



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

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