Should I bend these inflexible mesh strap ends?

[mrkrsl]

I just tried this milanese bracelet I got for a different watch on my old Seamaster and, at first glance, I think it looks great. However, the strap is inflexible for the first 12mm or so where the spring bar keeper is welded. This makes the watch fit oddly. The flat areas extend horizontally and create a slightly awkward gap above my wrist, like it has shoulders.

It’s actually the second mesh bracelet I’ve had with this problem, so I figured others might have struggled with them.

I’m thinking about how to modify it. The welds are on the outer edge of the spring bar keeper. I wondered if I could clamp it in the vice and convince it to take on a slight angle. (In the picture with the coloured lines, I mean bend it downwards at B so the flat patch no longer extends to C.)

Any thoughts on how to improve it without ruining it?

Edited December 22, 2024 by mrkrsl

[AndyGSi]

Any attempt to bend this type of strap could result in broken links so I'd advise against it.

[Klassiker]

What about bending or filing away those four tabs (two each side) under the lugs?

[mrkrsl]

7 minutes ago, Klassiker said:

What about bending or filing away those four tabs (two each side) under the lugs?

Those control the alignment of the strap to the case. If they were removed or loosened the whole thing would pivot at the spring bar, opening up a big gap. I actually tightened them slightly so that it fitted better.

I think the design is just flawed, and I can't see it working as-is on any watch. Also, I have quite a large wrist. On a skinnier wrist it would look even worse.

16 minutes ago, AndyGSi said:

Any attempt to bend this type of strap could result in broken links so I'd advise against it.

Yeah, quite possibly. It might be the only chance it becomes usable though.

Edited December 22, 2024 by mrkrsl
typo

[AndyGSi]

3 minutes ago, mrkrsl said:

I think the design is just flawed, and I can't see it working as-is on any watch. Also, I have quite a large wrist. On a skinnier wrist it would look even worse.

The problem is they're just not designed for that type of case with those lugs.

[mrkrsl]

1 minute ago, AndyGSi said:

The problem is they're just not designed for that type of case with those lugs.

Yes, you may be right. They might work with a much smaller case, like a ladies' size, so the flat parts are naturally on the flat top of the wrist. That said, a smaller case would have a tighter circumference, and the curve might not match. Also, it's an 18mm strap. Who knows? It's definitely a good advert for straight ends.

[RichardHarris123]

I think a shallower case is needed for this type of bracelet, so the lugs touch or almost touch the wrist  

[mrkrsl]

An update, in case anyone else has this niche issue.

I taped it up, put it in the vice and carefully leant on it with my little steel staking block. I managed to angle the welded strip relative to the spring bar tube. The result is that the angle falls sooner, maybe 2mm from the end of the lugs. It's a significant improvement. 

The mesh is pretty robust. I caused it no other injuries.

[RichardHarris123]

Sorry but I couldn't live with that crease. 

[mrkrsl]

20 minutes ago, RichardHarris123 said:

Sorry but I couldn't live with that crease. 

Ha, yes. In 'real life' it doesn't quite catch the light so strongly, and it's a lot less obvious from a face-on view, but I take your point!