How to improve VSF Sub SEL Gaps?

[Lewisp8]

I love my VSF 124060 submariner, it’s almost perfect with one exception and that’s the SEL gap. The gap isn’t huge but it’s there, I never felt it was big Enough to RL on the QC as it’s common enough on these VSF subs. I know nobody else will see it, but to me it’s the only giveaway that it’s a rep and I’m subconsciously drawn to it. Yes I know gens can have some gaps too!


Anyway, has anybody successfully managed to improve the SEL gap on theirs?

I’ve heard of a few ways, it would be good to know if anyone has had any success on these?

1: Applying tape, I presume this is applying tape to one side of the end link to centre it up to make the gaps even and less obvious?
2: Replace spring bars, not sure how this helps?
3: Replace End - Links / bracelet, this seems like the most likely way to fix the issue, for about $100 I can get a clean bracelet which are supposedly better?

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[Jossé]

You could try a new ARF bracelet, but they are expensive and there’s no guarantee it will fit any better. Not many other ways to fix it as far as I know.

 

[p0pperini]

I know nobody else will see it, but to me it’s the only giveaway that it’s a rep and I’m subconsciously drawn to it. Yes I know gens can have some gaps too!

If you already know that gens aren't perfect either, then I doubt anything you do is ever going to get you over the irrational obsession with imperceptible gaps between the bracelet and lugs. You're probably better off giving up on Subs and getting a Moonswatch instead.

You could try a Clean bracelet, but in my limited experience of switching bracelets between different factory's reps, the chances of a better fit are very slim.

If it was me, I'd treat it as a chance to expand the collection and get a Clean Sub. You can compare the SEL fit of the Clean, try the Clean bracelet on the VSF and if you decide on a combo you prefer, sell what you don't want (or just keep them both).

 

[Autobús]

My one unbearable experience with sels were helped by swapping the 12 o’clock to 6 and the 6 to the 12o’clock.

That was with an oysterflex daytona. Point is, there are options. Some can help minimize the gap. Obviously, tons of considerations to contemplate. Sometimes mixing and matching or changing bracelets helps. Other times it wont. Worked for me. Wont always be the case.

Now I pay extra close attention to that specific area during QC.

Quick answer, Yes it may be fixable. A new bracelet may be the ticket or it may not, If the excessive gap is caused by the case you could end up on a fools errand.

Tape placement behind and/or to the sides can be helpful too depending on the result you are trying to accomplish and root problem.

This is a long convoluted answer to your question, I know. Share pictures of your specific issue and we can be of more help.

 

[Lewisp8]

If you already know that gens aren't perfect either, then I doubt anything you do is ever going to get you over the irrational obsession with imperceptible gaps between the bracelet and lugs. You're probably better off giving up on Subs and getting a Moonswatch instead.

You could try a Clean bracelet, but in my limited experience of switching bracelets between different factory's reps, the chances of a better fit are very slim.

If it was me, I'd treat it as a chance to expand the collection and get a Clean Sub. You can compare the SEL fit of the Clean, try the Clean bracelet on the VSF and if you decide on a combo you prefer, sell what you don't want (or just keep them both).

I’m tempted! Definitely looking to expand the collection. Probably my next rep won't be a sub though. Maybe a Datejust or a Seamaster.

My one unbearable experience with sels were helped by swapping the 12 o’clock to 6 and the 6 to the 12o’clock.

That was with an oysterflex daytona. Point is, there are options. Some can help minimize the gap. Obviously, tons of considerations to contemplate. Sometimes mixing and matching or changing bracelets helps. Other times it wont. Worked for me. Wont always be the case.

Now I pay extra close attention to that specific area during QC.

Quick answer, Yes it may be fixable. A new bracelet may be the ticket or it may not, If the excessive gap is caused by the case you could end up on a fools errand.

Tape placement behind and/or to the sides can be helpful too depending on the result you are trying to accomplish and root problem.

This is a long convoluted answer to your question, I know. Share pictures of your specific issue and we can be of more help.

I'm sure there's a photo attached to the post? I've tried swapping the end links, it's basically swapped the issue to the bottom lugs, I think that's confirmed it is the bracelet and not the case. I'll try my luck at a new bracelet. they're not terribly expensive $120-$140

 

[pistebasher]

Somewhat shitty sel gap for a VSF, unlucky. You could keep an eye on the classifieds section and pick one up with a much tighter fit.

 

[dbs]

You could try a new ARF bracelet, but they are expensive and there’s no guarantee it will fit any better. Not many other ways to fix it as far as I know.

Already tested:

VSF 126610 LN — Bracelet

I know there's huge debate on best bracelet, some say go ARF, some say VSF, some say all bracelets are good enough. My question is more about the tolerances and jangly-ness. How's the bracelet of the VSF 126610LN in terms of jangly-ness? Does it feel robust enough.

forum.replica-watch.info

1) not any better than VSF, ARF has its own issue, there's visible difference to GEN too.
2) Won't fit VSF

Anyone proposes ARF here might be a vendor because their judge is based on fiction, not real evidence.

 

[Karbon74]

Try slightly varying diameters of springbars
Those very subtly change the angles of the SEL and can make a gap move from unbearable to that’s ok

Maybe it’s just placebo but it’s a cheap way to treat OCD because you « did something »

Else, get yourself a 4 digits or early 5 digits with hollow endlinks this will cure any gripes you have with modern Subs