[Clerk]

Has anyone else had any difficulty installing a Rubber B strap? If so, why the heck is this never brought up?!? I could have at least mentally prepared myself lol.

I just installed a Rubber B on my Rolex Milguass - what I expected to be a smooth, calm 10-minute bracelet/strap change (like every youtube video out there reviewing Rubber B straps), ended up being a 2 hour f-bomb fest and the most frustration strap change of my life (scratching up my watch in the process, through the protective tape). The main (and only) issue was getting the spring bars to set to the watch - the fit is so tight/flush, I had to secure my watch and use a watch/small screwdriver as leverage to get the bars into the final holes. It was literally off by probably half a millimeter, but just enough to not set with a "normal" amount of moving around/elbow grease. I understand the need/desire to get a tight fit/seal, but not to this extent.

Anyways, I am just ranting based on my expectation of a much easier installation, especially since Rubber B is a "premium" band that was so highly regarded. Fortunately, the band is very nice and I like the end result, but if I never install another Rubber B band it wouldn't be a day too soon.

 

[sdiver68]

I think we've all had experience with things that should be easy but are not. It sucks particularly when it results in damage.

I've done this type of strap install. It requires a technique more like metal bracelet install but can be frustrating lining everything up.

On the plus side, it looks great!

 

[Nokie]

The end result looks good.

Enjoy!

 

[Clerk]

I think we've all had experience with things that should be easy but are not. It sucks particularly when it results in damage.

I've done this type of strap install. It requires a technique more like metal bracelet install but can be frustrating lining everything up.

On the plus side, it looks great!

Thanks! Yeah I'm certainly far from a pro but have done enough strap changes to think it wouldn't go as badly as it did. Upon investigating further, I saw a few posts across watchuseek/rolex forums/reddit/etc. that experienced the same thing. For those that may experience the same difficulty, a tip I saw - buy new (and/or skinnier) spring bars, and do not use OEM (some Rubber B bands actually come with spring bars). Curve the spring bars ever so slightly (suggested 20 degrees) towards the case, then install. Judging by the scrapes on the interior of the lugs and my experience, this makes a lot of sense. Hope it helps someone and if you give it a try, let me know! Because otherwise, this is my milguass' permanent look lol (although I really like it).