Quote:
Originally Posted by CroFlames
I'm certainly not wearing it too tight. I think the hollow link is the problem and it's bending the spring bar to such an extent that it detaches. I felt that side was always a bit loose. Almost 10 years old and the one side has never failed, whereas the other side has failed 3 times.
On watchuseek.com, people have made comments that the hollow link on Makos can be a problem.
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Spring bars are really cheap. For instance, $10 gets you around 20 of them in 18 sizes for a total of 360 of the damn things. If you buy a watch kit that doesn't have what you need, just be aware these parts are inexpensive. This might mean it's part of the issue you're running into (who you're going to has a ton of overly cheap ones) or that upgrading it to a stronger pin might be worth investigating.
https://www.amazon.ca/Bantoye-Stainl...05496527&psc=1
Another thing is the hollow link. If one side is OK but the other side is not, then it's not out of the question to check for a fittings/install issue. I'd remove the link, clean out the hole (ie: use a staple) prior to reinstalling it with a brand new spring pin. Then I'd make sure that the wing is tight without flex. If it's not tight without flex, that might be why there's enough pressure on the spring pin to pop out. It could mean that any replacement spring pin could bend if the true issue isn't addressed.
I've heard of people using pliers wrapped with tape (to avoid scratching) to ensure the wing is tight, but this was usually to address end link noise than the bracelet popping off. However, maybe it's a potential solution for both of these things for you?
I think this is why we're confused about the situation with your bracelet and it doesn't sound like it's completely specific to the hollow link design. Hollow link are more prone to potential issues, absolutely. But it does often seem like issues relating to hollow link are on a case by case basis.
I'm leaning towards the idea that it's a connector/fittings issue with your watch due to the fact you say it happens only on one side. This means that you either just need to tighten the wings after replacing the spring pin and/or cleaning/modding the hole so that the spring pin fits a little more snugly. There's also more than one type of spring bar, so maybe swapping the regular spring bar with a quick release one might allow for the bar to be deeper in the lug? I do think it's ultimately fixable without too much effort though. Hopefully you find the issue and are able to resolve it. Good luck!
EDIT: As Hack&Lube says, if you swap the bracelet around 180, you might be able to better identify if it's a bracelet/wing issue or a lugs issue.