I purchased this bracelet from a vendor on Amazon, and a couple pairs of Spring Bars from Crown & Buckle for my SKX 007 and 009 watches after watching your video. I too shared the same frustration as you did trying to get the stock band off of my 009 to put a NATO Strap on, in my case it was the Jubilee Bracelet. These watches have a long history and most watch collectors have at least one of them in their collection. And being so versatile, it would be nice if Seiko put better spring bars on them. I actually bent my Spring Bar Removal Tool. I am going to upgrade to a Burgeon, expensive, but definitely worth it if you like swapping out bands and bracelets. Great video, thanks for sharing!
Thanks David! Glad to hear it helped and that you have moved on to greener pastures with the aftermarket spring bars and removal tool. It's fun in a hobby like this that we can have super collectible items at all price points. Thanks for watching and commenting! tDS
Thanks for the description of solid end link. Like you...I've heard it for a long time but didn't really understand and actually thought it was the opposite end of the band near the closing latch.
Great video. Thanks for explaining the end links lol. I've been looking for one of these for a while. The standard jubilee strap is very comfortable, but the oyster gives theses Seikos the quality feel they deserve. Keep up the great work.
Hey no problem. Glad there's someone else who didn't know what they were for a bit. I totally agree about the jubilee Vs oyster debate. The jubilee feels too DateJust-y for me and thus too dressy. Thanks for watching and commenting. tDS
I'm loving my new watch bracelet thanks to your video. It's so much more comfortable and befitting this great little diver. I don't want to take it off! I must admit that I got so frustrated in getting the Seiko rubber strap off I just cut them off. They're only $16 to replace for another set of originals but I assure you I won't be going back to a rubber strap. I love my Seiko SKX007J so much more now!!!!
Thanks for the review. A couple of things: 1) as far as I know, the "slow date" sets from 9P to 3A (date sets from 9P to 12A; day does not finish setting until around 3A -- obviously for day/date complications), and I believe that there's an implication from Seiko that it is not a good thing for the movement itself to be manipulating the crown during this interval, and 2) the Strapcode/Miltat-supplied "fat" spring bars have bar-ends/tips with a diameter of .8mm, whereas the OEM "fat" bars have ends/tips with a diameter of 1.1mm, so 37.5% thicker. So, presumably, over time, the smaller diameter Miltat-supplied spring-bar ends may wiggle around in the larger lug holes and wear away at them. I believe there are vendors that sell fat spring-bars (2.5mm for Seiko divers) that have the notches for spring-bar tools, yet still have ends/tips with the OEM-standard 1.1mm diameter. So, to clarify, it seems to be advisable not to adjust via the crown during 9P to 3A (once the complications adjusting the day/date have been engaged during the normal course of time keeping). From 3:01A to 8:59P, time/day/date may be adjusted by, as advised by Seiko, setting the day/date to the day before, then advancing time until the day/date advance to the next (correct) day, and finally the correct time. OEM Seiko diver spring-bars have a 2.5mm diameter with 1.1 diameter ends/tips. Whatever diameter after-market spring-bars you use, you want the tips to be 1.1mm in diameter, and you want the spring-bar diameter itself to be whatever will properly fit the spring-bar hole diameter of the end-link. (E.g., there are after-market bracelet makers that market to Seiko diver owners with bracelets having spring-bar holes, say, 2mm in diameter [so smaller than the OEM 2.5MM]. Obviously then, you want spring-bars that are 2mm, not the OEM 2.5mm [because obviously the OEMs will not fit in this bracelet]; nevertheless, you still want to make sure that the 2mm spring-bars have the OEM-spec 1.1mm diameter ends/tips.)
www.ebay.com/itm/2-x-20mm-D-FLANGED-BARS-TO-REPLACE-SEIKO-FAT-SPRING-BARS-C200FS-IN-316L-S-S-/222099652453?hash=item33b62bbf65:g:4ocAAOSw6kxXIJUR www.ebay.com/itm/10-x-20mm-D-FLANGED-BARS-TO-REPLACE-SEIKO-FAT-SPRING-BARS-C200FS-IN-316L-S-S-/222099655188?hash=item33b62bca14:g:EWkAAOSw4hdXIJZw I have NO affiliation with this seller whatsoever. The links above are for after-market fat spring-bars WITH flanges/notches for spring-bar tools (they are NOT OEM). (The seller however also sells OEM spring-bars [WITHOUT flanges/notches].) The first link is for 1 pair. The second, for 5 pairs (just better per/unit cost). These (both after-market with flanges and OEM) have 1.1mm diameter ends/tips. If you consider buying these, MAKE SURE that your Miltat bracelet accepts 2.5mm spring-bars (as far as I know, Strap Code/Miltat [same company] bracelets ARE drilled for 2.5mm spring-bars. I know for a fact that their Super Engineer II bracelets are, at least.) Good luck.
Hey, a guy who is into watches and Hi-Fi has got to be OK! Subscribed! I have the same SKX007 and Miltat Super Oyster bracelet, too. The bracelet is amazing quality. And the Seiko spring bars were a pain! All the best, Rob
Thanks so much for the comment and subscription! Glad I'm not the only one into these two obscure hobbies. Also glad I'm not the only one who struggled with the seiko spring bars! Thanks for watching.
I don't have the time or money for all the hobbies I'd _like_ to be into: watches, Hi-Fi and shooting, motorcycles, cars, flying, interior decoration, house-building, .... it's cheaper to watch them on TH-cam :-) ATB Rob
Regarding those thin replacement spring-bars: A certified (or ISO 6425 standard) divers watch (such as the SKX007) must have spring-bars that can withstand a force of 45 lbf. Replace those thick standard Seiko spring-bars with thin ones and you may be invalidating that ISO standard or certification, for what it's worth.
I may have to do a video and test their durability. I'll admit they are smaller in circumference than the original, but they are no smaller than other stock ISO 6425 spring bars (Rolex Sub).
Thanks for the video. I have a bunch of Seiko Divers. My SKX007 didn't look right with a straight end link bracelet I got for it. Just ordered the one you have here on Amazon a few minutes ago. Off subject , but, get a sapphire crystal, inner dome, with blue AR coating. It makes mine look SO much better and I believe it is thicker ( don't quote me on this) adding a little more weight. If I had a Rolex I think I'd wear the Seiko because it looks that good.
J.R. Richard does the sapphire crystal make the face shine more? As in, does the crystal catch more light causing more of a glimmer effect? I was curious about switching to sapphire but didn’t know if there was an aesthetic advantage of doing so. Also, where’d you buy your sapphire crystal from? And how much did it cost to have it installed onto the watch?
I like the original spring bars. heavy duty more secure compared to the cheap thin ones. Not sure if they fit the bracelet as I use leather straps. Nice bracelet though.
It means the end links follow the curvature of the case (they intend to fill the gap that would be otherwise created by using a straight ends bracelet)
Nair is a hair removal product manufactured by Church & Dwight. It was purchased from Carter-Wallace in 2001. The brand is mainly known for its depilatories that work by breaking the disulfide bonds of the keratin molecules in hai
I looked through the amazon reviews and it seems to fit pretty much all the SKX models so I'm gonna pull the trigger. Great detailed video, helped my decision to pick up a SKX173 after I saw the slick Oyster on your SKX007...great combo. As long as my particular SKX173 keeps reasonable accurate time I'll be more than happy with the design.
Hi Those replacement spring bars are not suitable for seiko divers with fat spring bars. Original fat spring bars have bigger ends that Sit in bigger holes. If you use those smaller tipped bars, over time the bars will move back and forward, over time widening the holes and ruining the case. There is a seller on ebay from Australia that sells thin spring bars with the fat tips suitable for divers.
+Pacific Film To my knowledge spring bars don't get caught on anything as they are set in place. The actual tip of them is the same circumference when comparing fat vs thin or else they wouldn't fit into the lugs. If there is some sort of strength difference between a large diameter and smaller diameter spring bar it would be a direct hit without a bracelet covering it. Would there be a different in strength in that regard? I have no idea, nor do I care. My hand would be of more concern. This issue has come up a lot in my videos and I'm not really sure why. I recommend spring bars with shoulders for easy swapping. If you or others are ramming a non-braceleted SKXs against inanimate objects than sure go with the thicker ones for peace of mind.
Strapcode sends thinner bodied spring bars with thick tips suitable for seikos if you purchased a bracelet for seiko if im not mistaken but yeah you are right.Seiko's have bigger lug holes which need thicker tipped spring bars.
use the original spring bar, it bigger with more support plus the spring materials are more resistant when sweat or wet build up in there. Plus, mine strapcode doesnt came with the spare set of pins :-D
@@TheDutchSandwich thanks you for your review, i purchased the skx after watching this video, its a perfect watch for everyday. plus the strapcode bracelet are superb
Ahh.....curved ends means curved in the direction of matching the watch case diameter ( in that plane)....NOT the curvature in the thickness direction of the lugs as you claim.....are you kidding, giving this as "advice" ?????
Sure, if you are the type that lines up the end link with a narrow object, slams said end link against object, and wants they extra .5mm you will be very thankful. I'm more thankful when I have to change straps.
It's a good habit to set the date on any watch while the time is set to 6:30 (AM or PM). This is easiest on the gears driving the date change .
I purchased this bracelet from a vendor on Amazon, and a couple pairs of Spring Bars from Crown & Buckle for my SKX 007 and 009 watches after watching your video. I too shared the same frustration as you did trying to get the stock band off of my 009 to put a NATO Strap on, in my case it was the Jubilee Bracelet. These watches have a long history and most watch collectors have at least one of them in their collection. And being so versatile, it would be nice if Seiko put better spring bars on them. I actually bent my Spring Bar Removal Tool. I am going to upgrade to a Burgeon, expensive, but definitely worth it if you like swapping out bands and bracelets. Great video, thanks for sharing!
Thanks David! Glad to hear it helped and that you have moved on to greener pastures with the aftermarket spring bars and removal tool. It's fun in a hobby like this that we can have super collectible items at all price points. Thanks for watching and commenting!
tDS
Does the watch or super oyster come with the tool(s) to remove links from a band and/or remove the band from the watch?
wich
wich
Thanks for the description of solid end link. Like you...I've heard it for a long time but didn't really understand and actually thought it was the opposite end of the band near the closing latch.
Haha - glad I'm not alone
That super oyster bracelet makes the watch look much more expensive than it really is. Perfect combo.
Agreed!
Looks like a Submariner! Very very nice indeed.
Great video. Thanks for explaining the end links lol. I've been looking for one of these for a while. The standard jubilee strap is very comfortable, but the oyster gives theses Seikos the quality feel they deserve. Keep up the great work.
Hey no problem. Glad there's someone else who didn't know what they were for a bit. I totally agree about the jubilee Vs oyster debate. The jubilee feels too DateJust-y for me and thus too dressy. Thanks for watching and commenting.
tDS
I'm loving my new watch bracelet thanks to your video. It's so much more comfortable and befitting this great little diver. I don't want to take it off! I must admit that I got so frustrated in getting the Seiko rubber strap off I just cut them off. They're only $16 to replace for another set of originals but I assure you I won't be going back to a rubber strap. I love my Seiko SKX007J so much more now!!!!
That's awesome. I'm glad you enjoy it
Sheep Dog Had to cut my SKX009 band too - what a pain those springbars are!
Currently wearing the exact combo. Great snug fit on the classic Seiko SKX007. If anyone is thinking about getting this Miltat Oyster.....do it.
Totally agree and thank you for watching!
The new bracelet looks great!
Thanks so much CG!
I agree. Better bracelet than any of the stock seikos.
Thanks for the review. A couple of things: 1) as far as I know, the "slow date" sets from 9P to 3A (date sets from 9P to 12A; day does not finish setting until around 3A -- obviously for day/date complications), and I believe that there's an implication from Seiko that it is not a good thing for the movement itself to be manipulating the crown during this interval, and 2) the Strapcode/Miltat-supplied "fat" spring bars have bar-ends/tips with a diameter of .8mm, whereas the OEM "fat" bars have ends/tips with a diameter of 1.1mm, so 37.5% thicker. So, presumably, over time, the smaller diameter Miltat-supplied spring-bar ends may wiggle around in the larger lug holes and wear away at them. I believe there are vendors that sell fat spring-bars (2.5mm for Seiko divers) that have the notches for spring-bar tools, yet still have ends/tips with the OEM-standard 1.1mm diameter.
So, to clarify, it seems to be advisable not to adjust via the crown during 9P to 3A (once the complications adjusting the day/date have been engaged during the normal course of time keeping). From 3:01A to 8:59P, time/day/date may be adjusted by, as advised by Seiko, setting the day/date to the day before, then advancing time until the day/date advance to the next (correct) day, and finally the correct time.
OEM Seiko diver spring-bars have a 2.5mm diameter with 1.1 diameter ends/tips. Whatever diameter after-market spring-bars you use, you want the tips to be 1.1mm in diameter, and you want the spring-bar diameter itself to be whatever will properly fit the spring-bar hole diameter of the end-link. (E.g., there are after-market bracelet makers that market to Seiko diver owners with bracelets having spring-bar holes, say, 2mm in diameter [so smaller than the OEM 2.5MM]. Obviously then, you want spring-bars that are 2mm, not the OEM 2.5mm [because obviously the OEMs will not fit in this bracelet]; nevertheless, you still want to make sure that the 2mm spring-bars have the OEM-spec 1.1mm diameter ends/tips.)
www.ebay.com/itm/2-x-20mm-D-FLANGED-BARS-TO-REPLACE-SEIKO-FAT-SPRING-BARS-C200FS-IN-316L-S-S-/222099652453?hash=item33b62bbf65:g:4ocAAOSw6kxXIJUR
www.ebay.com/itm/10-x-20mm-D-FLANGED-BARS-TO-REPLACE-SEIKO-FAT-SPRING-BARS-C200FS-IN-316L-S-S-/222099655188?hash=item33b62bca14:g:EWkAAOSw4hdXIJZw
I have NO affiliation with this seller whatsoever. The links above are for after-market fat spring-bars WITH flanges/notches for spring-bar tools (they are NOT OEM). (The seller however also sells OEM spring-bars [WITHOUT flanges/notches].) The first link is for 1 pair. The second, for 5 pairs (just better per/unit cost).
These (both after-market with flanges and OEM) have 1.1mm diameter ends/tips. If you consider buying these, MAKE SURE that your Miltat bracelet accepts 2.5mm spring-bars (as far as I know, Strap Code/Miltat [same company] bracelets ARE drilled for 2.5mm spring-bars. I know for a fact that their Super Engineer II bracelets are, at least.)
Good luck.
Does it have micro adjustment option?
Hey, a guy who is into watches and Hi-Fi has got to be OK! Subscribed!
I have the same SKX007 and Miltat Super Oyster bracelet, too. The bracelet is amazing quality. And the Seiko spring bars were a pain!
All the best, Rob
Thanks so much for the comment and subscription! Glad I'm not the only one into these two obscure hobbies. Also glad I'm not the only one who struggled with the seiko spring bars! Thanks for watching.
I don't have the time or money for all the hobbies I'd _like_ to be into: watches, Hi-Fi and shooting, motorcycles, cars, flying, interior decoration, house-building, .... it's cheaper to watch them on TH-cam :-) ATB Rob
Great video! The Miltat band you show also comes in black stainless steel for the SK007. I bought that since I like the color of the original band.
Nice! Thanks for the tip and enjoy the new bracelet
Regarding those thin replacement spring-bars:
A certified (or ISO 6425 standard) divers watch (such as the SKX007) must have spring-bars that can withstand a force of 45 lbf.
Replace those thick standard Seiko spring-bars with thin ones and you may be invalidating that ISO standard or certification, for what it's worth.
I may have to do a video and test their durability. I'll admit they are smaller in circumference than the original, but they are no smaller than other stock ISO 6425 spring bars (Rolex Sub).
Thanks for the video. I have a bunch of Seiko Divers. My SKX007 didn't look right with a straight end link bracelet I got for it. Just ordered the one you have here on Amazon a few minutes ago. Off subject , but, get a sapphire crystal, inner dome, with blue AR coating. It makes mine look SO much better and I believe it is thicker ( don't quote me on this) adding a little more weight. If I had a Rolex I think I'd wear the Seiko because it looks that good.
Nice! Can you do a video so I can see your crystal? Very curious about it.
J.R. Richard does the sapphire crystal make the face shine more? As in, does the crystal catch more light causing more of a glimmer effect? I was curious about switching to sapphire but didn’t know if there was an aesthetic advantage of doing so.
Also, where’d you buy your sapphire crystal from? And how much did it cost to have it installed onto the watch?
Bought this last month for same watch! Love it!!
Nice! Enjoy it.
tDS
I like the original spring bars. heavy duty more secure compared to the cheap thin ones. Not sure if they fit the bracelet as I use leather straps. Nice bracelet though.
Can change to the Miltat oyster bracelet and still use the old original spring bars?
Sure
When you say "curved ends" does it mean that the end links sit up a little higher on the case of the watch?
It means the end links follow the curvature of the case (they intend to fill the gap that would be otherwise created by using a straight ends bracelet)
Very insightful video which is often very rare.
Wow, thanks! Always nice to have some feedback and when it's good that's even better.
Is this the oyster strap that is 20mm at the clasp, or the super oyster that is 18mm at the clasp??
I'm not sure
Great review I'll be checking in in future thanks
I have the 031 tuna and thinking about picking the skx007 with that bracelet. How are you liking it? Thank you
Still loving it. Pull the trigger before the price goes up even more!
Great video! For reference, what size wrist do you have? 7"? Thanks!
Yup
How much skx007j2
i just got it and its ripping my arm hair out like crazy any advice or tips to fix it ?thanks
Nair?
what?
Nair is a hair removal product manufactured by Church & Dwight. It was purchased from Carter-Wallace in 2001. The brand is mainly known for its depilatories that work by breaking the disulfide bonds of the keratin molecules in hai
Will this curved end Oyster fit the Seiko SKX173?
I looked through the amazon reviews and it seems to fit pretty much all the SKX models so I'm gonna pull the trigger. Great detailed video, helped my decision to pick up a SKX173 after I saw the slick Oyster on your SKX007...great combo. As long as my particular SKX173 keeps reasonable accurate time I'll be more than happy with the design.
Hi, great review! May I ask what your wrist size is? Txs
Thanks. 7"
I am going to buy gear s3. Can i use this in it.
Sorry, no clue what an S3 is
Its an smartwatch from samsung with the same 22mm connection to the bracelet or a strap.
i really miss the skx007. think should buy it back before the turtle flood the market! Thanks for the review.
Have Seiko stopped making the skx? Seem to be out of stock most places these days.
+NorthSea0il i used to shop with skywatches. now even the singapore shop dont have the skx007. need to try something out of asean pacific...
I use skywatches and creationwatches and both have had none in stock for a long time.
Creationwatches has them in again, for how long though... Also the price has gone up a bit.
I actually managed to get my self one from skywatches last month. Got a skx007k1 for £129.05 stuck a super jubilee bracelet on it, love it.
Is this ok for the skx009 k2?
Yup
great video just bought the bracelet
Sweet Shaq!
Hi
Those replacement spring bars are not suitable for seiko divers with fat spring bars.
Original fat spring bars have bigger ends that Sit in bigger holes.
If you use those smaller tipped bars, over time the bars will move back and forward, over time widening the holes and ruining the case. There is a seller on ebay from Australia that sells thin spring bars with the fat tips suitable for divers.
They work well in mine with no play or movement of any kind. Thanks for your concern though!
He is right though. They are made like this on purpose so they don't catch and are pulled out. Also they are much stronger.
+Pacific Film To my knowledge spring bars don't get caught on anything as they are set in place. The actual tip of them is the same circumference when comparing fat vs thin or else they wouldn't fit into the lugs. If there is some sort of strength difference between a large diameter and smaller diameter spring bar it would be a direct hit without a bracelet covering it. Would there be a different in strength in that regard? I have no idea, nor do I care. My hand would be of more concern. This issue has come up a lot in my videos and I'm not really sure why. I recommend spring bars with shoulders for easy swapping. If you or others are ramming a non-braceleted SKXs against inanimate objects than sure go with the thicker ones for peace of mind.
Strapcode sends thinner bodied spring bars with thick tips suitable for seikos if you purchased a bracelet for seiko if im not mistaken but yeah you are right.Seiko's have bigger lug holes which need thicker tipped spring bars.
+TheDutchSandwich ski
The seiko spring bars are ISO certified, they take alot of force without breaking. When you remove those bars the skx is no longer ISO certified.
Cool
what a quality video man!
Thanks so much!
tDS
It is not rubber , it is compressed asphalt .
lol
I have a SKX 007 with a Miltap super jubilee bracelet on it with two free matching bracelets. DBsandman305 on eBay 250. I have the Japanese version.
👍
You came off that way again.Don't change those very thick dive certified spring bars. But do change to that strap.
You're the 100th spring bar alarmist
I was able to take out the spring bar in a second with a sharp knife. lol I guess it's only easy if you're a knife guy ;)
Be careful!
use the original spring bar, it bigger with more support plus the spring materials are more resistant when sweat or wet build up in there.
Plus, mine strapcode doesnt came with the spare set of pins :-D
It's fine with the easier ones.
@@TheDutchSandwich thanks you for your review, i purchased the skx after watching this video, its a perfect watch for everyday. plus the strapcode bracelet are superb
Ahh.....curved ends means curved in the direction of matching the watch case diameter ( in that plane)....NOT the curvature in the thickness direction of the lugs as you claim.....are you kidding, giving this as "advice" ?????
Wil Ferch Lol
Check your bracelet endlinks....
They don't actually fit the skx007. Miltat bracelets are pretty shitty for that reason.
Fits fine. Like Ace Ventura in a parking space.
TheDutchSandwich then you're one of the lucky ones who got a good one
these watches lack alot ,Oyster bracelets are the only way to fly,hacking movement and sapphire crystals .
I think you can upgrade those elements on your own dime
Springbars were downgraded actually.
Sure, if you are the type that lines up the end link with a narrow object, slams said end link against object, and wants they extra .5mm you will be very thankful. I'm more thankful when I have to change straps.