What to do with my Tag watch

deandean

The only item of value I've ever bought, a Tag 964.006R.

I broke the bracelet last year (saved my hand being pulled off :eek:).

Since then alas I left it in a drawer and the battery died.

My options seem to be:

1. Get it back to OEM condition.
A new OEM bracelet from Weir's is 360 Euro.
Plus new battery, the 60 Euro charge usually morphs into 120+.
Looking on eBay this model seems to sell for Stg 200 to 300, so an OEM repair might be throwing money away...

2. Get it back on my wrist for a low price...
Non-oem bracelet....I've searched but I can't find any that fit.
Battery replacement from somewhere else.

3. Sell it as-is. Is there any market?

I'd very much appreciate any input from those here who are far more knowledgable than me re watches

deandean.

Menas

It it were me I would find a watch fixer who could perhaps source a part to fix the bracelet. And give the whole watch a good polish and replace the battery. I think its a lovely piece!

Eoin

An 18mm bracelet shouldn't be too hard to find - though the two tone might make it harder to find one that looks OK. And unless you get the head polished, a new shiny bracelet will look odd with it.

Leather is always an option.

A battery should be no more than a tenner; provided you don't care about the water resistance after.

3. Sell it as-is. Is there any market?

Yep, always a market - but I'd say getting it running first and on any strap would be worth the investment.

Deep Thought

A nice Brown leather on it would also be nice

CarltonBrowne

I'd be surprised if this bracelet from Cousins doesn't fit:

https://www.cousinsuk.com/product/18-to-20mm-fitting-xl


They seem to be a no-name version of your bracelet. I have one on a sort of Monin-cased Bucherer quartz and it's a perfect fit. Ordering from Cousins is a bit of a palaver as you have to create a pretend business account and they certainly won't accept a return if it doesn't fit but, at the price, I'd say it's worth a punt.

deandean

Wow that's great information, thanks all and especially Carlton Browne. It would be great if I can get it back on my wrist.

So I measured the width of the ope, it's 20.04mm so I guess a 20mm strap or bracelet is called for.

There's a little hole, I reckon 1.2mm diameter in each side of the ope, and I guess spring pins are what's needed here.

So I could look at a leather strap like this one:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Brown-Genuine-Leather-Water-Resistant/dp/B005ZT2DCO/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1448911210&sr=8-4&keywords=watch+strap+20mm


or a bracelet from cousins UK.

And maybe I'll order this watch repair kit, it has a big assortment of spring pins, plus a back remover (I'd rather replace the battery myself than bring it to an 10 euro battery place):
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Watchband-Remover-Battery-Screwdrivers-Watchmaker/dp/B00PW473LI/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1448911388&sr=8-3&keywords=20mm+Spring+Bar+Watch+Strap+Pins+1.2mm

deandean

Right, I have everything ordered....I'll update when the gear is received

deandean

OK, I got the gear:


Firstly I removed the bezel and replaced the ratchet spring. There was a load of crud in there which I cleaned out using soapy water and the OH's toothbrush.


The watch holder & case opener in the toolkit I got for a tenner did the job, but the screwdrivers in the kit were poor and I had to hone the blades. I'd taken a guess on what battery would be in there and I got it right! I applied some Seiko grease to the seal and closed 'er up again.


The new bracelet (a tenner) is almost identical to the original (360 euro!) although it is slightly lighter. There must be a mad mark-up on the genuine item. I fitted the round ends and adjusted the bracelet to length. I looked at taking the 'Tag' clasp off the original and putting it onto the new bracelet but it's riveted on.


So that's it, mission accomplished! My watch is back working for about 30 euro. Thank to all the posters here for your ideas and the motivation.

Wibbs

Fantastic job, fair play! great pics too and a watch brought back to last many more years.

deandean wrote:

There was a load of crud in there which I cleaned out using soapy water and the OH's toothbrush.

It's been nice knowing you D.