How to swap out Cailbre bracelet with leather strap?

[nole4ever]

Hey guys. Need some help. I have a stainless steel bracelet version of the Cailbre de Cartier. I just purchased a rep leather strap and cannot figure out how to remove the bracelet. I removed the screws but dont know what to do from there. Ive searched online but couldnt find any info. Thanks!

 

[feloniousmonk]

I believe the bracelet will just slip out from between the lugs with the screws removed. Can you perhaps post a picture showing the trouble?

 

[nole4ever]

Thanks for your reply. I removed the screw but due to its size I don't think it has a purpose.

 

[Raddave]

Is that a springbar in there?

 

[nole4ever]

I tried pushing against whatever pin is inside the hole but nothing happened. I'm scared to apply too much pressure.

 

[feloniousmonk]

Can you unscrew the other end?

 

[nole4ever]

Yup. Tried the same. Nothing happened.

 

[Raddave]

with both screws out at the same time? could it just be a pin you need to press out?

 

[nole4ever]

Both screws have been out. I don't feel any kind of pin inside. Trying with even a lot more pressure now.

 

[rroberson]

Yeah, they are pins that you have to press out; one on each side. It was not a fun experience.

 

[nole4ever]

Yeah, they are pins that you have to press out; one on each side. It was not a fun experience.

So after I take out the screw on each side of the bracelet, I take a pin removal tool and put it inside the hole and push so it comes out the other side?

 

[rroberson]

It is kind of weird because it is not just one long pin inside, there are two short ones on each side. Somehow I got one out, then I tugged on the bracelet a little to remove it from the head and that's when the second pin came out.

 

[Raddave]

It is kind of weird because it is not just one long pin inside, there are two short ones on each side. Somehow I got one out, then I tugged on the bracelet a little to remove it from the head and that's when the second pin came out.

Do they fit tightly or just drop in?
If you press one pin in will it push the other out?
Is there a through hole or is there something in there seperating the 2 pins ?

 

[rroberson]

They were tight when I was trying to poke them out, but they drop right in when I had put the bracelet back on. When I pressed the pin, it came out the same end that I was pressing. The second pin came out after prying the bracelet from the head. The only reason I removed the bracelet was because I was having a hard time removing a link, which I ended up taking to a watchsmith.

 

[rroberson]

I just tried to remove the bracelet again and it's a through hole with the two pins back-to-back of each inside.

 

[Raddave]

I just tried to remove the bracelet again and it's a through hole with the two pins back-to-back of each inside.

Well that should make it easier then, just get a small punch and tap them through ? Unless they are tapered.

 

[nole4ever]

Still can't figure it out. Might have to just get it professionally done.

 

[Raddave]

Damn dude, how frustrating !

Can you try a little bit of rodico, maybe you can pull it out?