The quick release buttons on the current version of the 1950's cased 312, 328, 329, etc. series are really, really bad. The gen Panerai video posted above is fine, but the problem is, the rep buttons are notoriously sticky, whereas the gen version push in like butter. The only way to get the bar out is to put the watch on a very soft surface (like padded carpet for example), then, while pushing really hard on the quick release button, also be pushing out the pin through the hole on the side of the lug with a spring bar tool (the needle nose end of the tool, or if you don't have that, straighten out a metal paper clip and use that). It might take alot of pressure (I have had two of these models, both with bad quick releases- one side worked fine, other was sticky). Once you get the bars out, just put them in storage. Go to panatime and purchase the faux screw-in bars (they have notches at the end, which makes them look like a screw-in type, but they are actually spring bars). Use these bars going forward. Life will be much easier.
