Comments:
Hoping a fellow Parmigiani owner will be able to answer my questions...
I recently purchased this Tonda Metrographe after wanting one since they were released and I'm very happy with my purchase. It's currently on an aftermarket leather strap and although I like the way this looks, it also came with the original bracelet and I'd like to put the bracelet back on but I'm not sure how it mounts to the watch.
I don't know if any of you have ever removed your bracelet, but if you have I'm looking for confirmation on what I suspect to be correct. It's not as simple as just a spring bar.
The seller provided the parts supposedly needed but I'm unsure if that's true. I believe I figured it out, assuming these are the correct parts.
In the photo below I've lined up the pins and small spring bar that would go under the metal plate that's shown held on the bracelet with two screws, so the two 'pins' would stick out the ends of the bracelet and into the watch lugs, with the small spring bar going between these two pins to hold the assembly together. Then the metal plate is screwed back on, keeping everything secure.
Is this correct? And if it is, does anyone know where I can find another 'pin' since as you can see in my photo I only have three. I've already emailed Parmigiani but haven't heard back. Unless someone has another option I'll eventually get to the AD in NYC.
I admit I may be completely incorrect and these part may not even belong with the watch but the seller believes they do.
In the meantime I'm greatly enjoying the watch!
I suggest you take it to the dealer
I’ve removed/replaced many bracelets in my role as a small-time watch repairman, and they are almost always difficult to manage, even when you have all the parts and tools and know what you are doing.
Your description of the process of attaching the bracelet seems correct, and it’s a clever approach which reduces the likelihood of scratching the lugs. In any case, you will need that other pin which is a proprietary part.
Don’t forget you will probably need to adjust the length of the bracelet as well. Did you get all the links? Or just the ones that were on it when the previous owner wore it? Are there screws to remove for the links, or pins that must be pushed in/out?
Maybe post a couple pictures of the top, bottom and side of the bracelet halves.
Note — the bracelet on Robin’s new watch doesn’t look the same as yours:
Your description of the process of attaching the bracelet seems correct, and it’s a clever approach which reduces the likelihood of scratching the lugs. In any case, you will need that other pin which is a proprietary part.
Don’t forget you will probably need to adjust the length of the bracelet as well. Did you get all the links? Or just the ones that were on it when the previous owner wore it? Are there screws to remove for the links, or pins that must be pushed in/out?
Maybe post a couple pictures of the top, bottom and side of the bracelet halves.
Note — the bracelet on Robin’s new watch doesn’t look the same as yours:
Thanks for the reply, Mike. I did notice that more recent models use a more typical system as you've shown.
Perhaps they decided the older method was overly complicated for something as simple as changing a bracelet.
It came with all the links so that won't be an issue. Yes, screws hold the links and if needed my local repair guy will do it for me. I used to do these things myself but now, between my eyesight and unsteady hands, I don't trust myself.
I'm in no rush to change to the bracelet since I like the look on the strap, so I'll wait until the next time I'm going to NYC. Cellini Jewelers on Park Ave are listed on the Parginiani website as an authorized retailer. I'll call them to see if they can order the parts in advance. If they can, I'll have them put the bracelet on and remove links if required.
It came with all the links so that won't be an issue. Yes, screws hold the links and if needed my local repair guy will do it for me. I used to do these things myself but now, between my eyesight and unsteady hands, I don't trust myself.
I'm in no rush to change to the bracelet since I like the look on the strap, so I'll wait until the next time I'm going to NYC. Cellini Jewelers on Park Ave are listed on the Parginiani website as an authorized retailer. I'll call them to see if they can order the parts in advance. If they can, I'll have them put the bracelet on and remove links if required.
I'll add a photo of the watch with the bracelet laying in place...it's an impressive bracelet although this watch in general has a very love-it-or-hate-it look. Luckily, I love it.
Here's a few photos with the bracelet sitting in place. The center links are titanium, the rest is stainless.
If your photo is accurate, it might be missing some parts...
As you mentioned, you're missing a pin. This bracelet appears to my eyes to require two spring bars and 4 pins to hold it in place. You might be missing a pin and a springbar. I think you need some additional parts. These parts are generally fairly inexpensive. The last time I went to a JLC store, they gave me free spring bars after I told them I had lost one. I think this was the London store on BOND street if I recall correctly. Many thanks to the lovely, efficient, quick, and generous Asian lady at the London boutique (there might be more than one person there who meets that description).
Thanks, Patrick. Although I'm definitely missing one of the pins I do have the second spring bar, it's just not in the photo. I'm going to contact the PF retailer to ask what they can order the needed parts.
I'll also confirm with them that nothing else is missing although I don't believe there is...unless this mounting system is even more complicated that it appears!
Good idea!
Yes, email them a photo of what you have and ask what needs to be ordered.
A lovely, efficient, quick, and generous Asian lady
If you got her name, I'm sure a number of guys here would like to meet such a rare individual...
MIke
MIke
Alas, she was not looking for recognition, just happy to help a client in need...
I had lost a spring bar while changing the bracelet of a JLC Master Series watch. I quickly explained this to her, sheepishly as I was embarassed. She asked me to give her the bracelet and the remaining spring bar. I complied. She went to the back and found an identical one. And she gave me an extra one as well. All gratis. In a little plastic locking bag. I thanked her. And I've already forgotten her name. I appreciated her help very much!