bb
Timekeeper
Posts: 119 
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Post by bb on Nov 29, 2015 16:48:20 GMT -8
I have one SKX that I am swapping the straps/bracelets a lot on. My favorite modded one. I am tempted to get drilled out lugs. To me the current holes don't look to be the best positioned for drilled out lug holes. However, they seem to have worked out well for those who have. Thoghts?
Who is a good source to have this done? I would prefer in the US if possible. Any sense on pricing?
If should have used the search feature first, my sincerest apologies.
Thank you.
bb
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Adrian-VTA
Global Moderator
Adelaide, South Australia
Posts: 5,327
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Post by Adrian-VTA on Nov 29, 2015 18:55:53 GMT -8
I'd recommend it if you are changing bands often to get it done. It makes the job that much easier. I'm not sure who would do it, but any jewelry school shouldn't have a big problem doing it for you, so you could try someone like that as a start. Obviously the tricky part is lining up the holes, and as far as I'm aware, they have some black magic that does that. I have one SKX that I am swapping the straps/bracelets a lot on. My favorite modded one. I am tempted to get drilled out lugs. To me the current holes don't look to be the best positioned for drilled out lug holes. However, they seem to have worked out well for those who have. Thoghts? Who is a good source to have this done? I would prefer in the US if possible. Any sense on pricing? If should have used the search feature first, my sincerest apologies. Thank you. bb |
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bb
Timekeeper
Posts: 119
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Post by bb on Nov 30, 2015 11:16:31 GMT -8
I'd recommend it if you are changing bands often to get it done. It makes the job that much easier. I'm not sure who would do it, but any jewelry school shouldn't have a big problem doing it for you, so you could try someone like that as a start. Obviously the tricky part is lining up the holes, and as far as I'm aware, they have some black magic that does that. I have one SKX that I am swapping the straps/bracelets a lot on. My favorite modded one. I am tempted to get drilled out lugs. To me the current holes don't look to be the best positioned for drilled out lug holes. However, they seem to have worked out well for those who have. Thoghts? Who is a good source to have this done? I would prefer in the US if possible. Any sense on pricing? If should have used the search feature first, my sincerest apologies. Thank you. bb Thanks for the suggestion. I would prefer finding someone has done it a time or two. I would definitely try a barber school to get my hair cut but my hair grows back  I am a little hesitant to try the same with my watch at a jewelry school. |
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Post by steve855 on Dec 1, 2015 18:29:48 GMT -8
bb- I've done a dozen or more, I've got it pretty well figured out. Adrian-no black magic, I made a fixture to align the holes. I never went to jewelry school though, haha
I'm in Pennsylvania USA.
Steve
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Adrian-VTA
Global Moderator
Adelaide, South Australia
Posts: 5,327
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Post by Adrian-VTA on Dec 1, 2015 20:48:33 GMT -8
A jig is black magic! bb- I've done a dozen or more, I've got it pretty well figured out. Adrian-no black magic, I made a fixture to align the holes. I never went to jewelry school though, haha I'm in Pennsylvania USA. Steve |
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Post by steve855 on Dec 2, 2015 3:44:23 GMT -8
Ok, I'm guilty. Here's a quick cellphone pic of me in my workshop...  |
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longbike
Is a Permanent Fixture
Aqualand Addict
Posts: 6,395
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Post by longbike on Dec 24, 2015 19:05:03 GMT -8
Aloha, I have done them also and this is something have learned as a bonus. When they get ..." Ablonged and Out Over sized ), you can drill them to true shape and ( Press Spring Bar Sleeves ) to reduce the Spring Bar holes again to bring them back to original size. Then gently cut to size and make sure they are fitted good. I have saved a few .... " Choice Cases " that way and the case's were in ...Top Shape too and they did no go to waste. Spring Bar Sleeves come in a variety of ...." Thickness and Sizes and Lengths " so they work great.......  I had to ...Ream Out The Watch Holes of a couple of them then they fit good and tight and can look like they are there. A point I learned doing some. If they are not for sales just keepers, this can be an alternative to saving the case. Done right with a little patience it works great. Machinist's always find a way to do things.......  Aloha Louis |
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Post by uroplatus on Feb 9, 2016 6:37:41 GMT -8
Forum member steve855 drilled the lugs in two SKX007 watches for me recently, and he did a great job. I was able to meet him and he showed me how he does the work. Very impressive. Its more involved than you might think, and certain aspects of the job must be done a certain way or the process will damage the case. To me, some of it was counterintuitive, but steve855 knows metals, and he knows machining. He is also a great guy. We spent time talking about watches, and I'm sure I could have chatted with him all day about the various projects that he was working on. He works in a high tech field where this type of black magic customizing is probably common, so although time consuming, I think its easy for him, but would be extremely difficult for most of the rest of us.
I have not yet done anything yet with those SKX watches, but knowing they have drilled lugs, I plan to keep them for a long time.
I doubt that steve855 has time to drill out the lugs on lots of SKX watches, but for those of you who are fortunate enough for him to take on the assignment, I suspect you'll be very happy with the results.
For members in Europe, I've heard that someone who goes by the name of The Tiger UK (who is best known for TST tuna mods) also drills out lugs on SKX watches.
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Post by steve855 on Feb 10, 2016 18:41:40 GMT -8
Uroplatus, thanks for the endorsement and kind words. We did indeed have a nice visit and I enjoyed giving the 50 cent tour of my little workshop. It's always nice to meet a fellow enthusiast face to face, you're welcome to stop in anytime. Glad you like the way the watches turned out! I enjoy working these kind of projects.
From what I've seen I definitely agree that John (Tiger UK) does quality work. I believe he's well known on TOF, not sure about here.
Steve
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I am a little hesitant to try the same with my watch at a jewelry school.
