Longines Hydroconquest 41mm original RUBBER STRAP Unboxing and Replacing

This is a video where I unbox and install the original Longines Rubber strap of the 41mm Hydroconquest. The most difficult part is removing the steel bracelet. I bought the rubber strap in the Longines Official store( www.longines.c... ), the reference number is L682154865. This is the 21mm lug width strap.
Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
uppbeat.io/t/p...
License code: ZIVS6GOQRVUMMPZZ

[@Dpak1980]

Just ordered a copy from Etsy. Looks exactly like original. Will confirm once i receive it.

[@chiefofthewatch]

i bought one generic in ebay also, the one i got the rubber band was similar, the difference was in the clasp. the original is better. but this differs a lot depending on where u buy. hope it goes great for u, let us know!

[@harrylo2316]

How is the Etsy one, dude?

[@Nick-r9z]

@@harrylo2316 That’s one heck of a long wait from Etsy.

[@SeaOfLuv]

Oh my gosh, I just figured it out! It’s actually not bad. Bracelet out! New one coming in!

[@questlive2338]

The tweezer style tool is much easier for this bracelet. Lol I couldn't get it off at all (probably over an hr of trying) with the normal tool and took about 5 minutes once I ordered the tweezer style one.

[@chiefofthewatch]

Good job! I will get one !

[@juanjose_mx]

Hello, could you share which is the tweezer style you used ? Thanks !!.

[@chiefofthewatch]

I have this one. RETYLY 6825 Spring Bar Piler... www.amazon.es/dp/B07Q4V496W?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share . however i have removed in the end with the springbar tool

[@niksi-hx3xc]

I bought it in Italy on the official longines website for 230€. It took me 1h to change the bracelet as well

[@harrylo2316]

Did you reuse the spring bars (which go between the lugs) from the metal bracelet or get new ones for the rubber strap?

[@chiefofthewatch]

Yeah I did. Original ones… no problem

[@xenon9887]

If it took you 45 minutes to remove the stock bracelet you should have had your AD do it for you. For those who dare to try, it's not hard. The key is to put pressure on the end link from the front side of the watch while you remove the spring bar. This pressure will cause the end link to slide out slightly once the pin clears the hole in the watch case, because the end link will have moved out of position the spring bar won't be able to re-engage on that side of the link. Then just do the same for the other side of the pin and the end link will pop out.

[@chiefofthewatch]

perfect description man!

[@SimpleAboutTime]

That's same problem here. I wanted changed brancelet on a black rubber strap. After 1 hour I gave up. First watch I couldn't remove the brancelet...

[@chiefofthewatch]

Yes it sucks. Keep trying, eventually you’re gonna get it. But it is a pain…

[@SimpleAboutTime]

@@chiefofthewatch No. I'll bring it to the retail dealer, pay few euro and it's done. I was trying and it doesn't looking like will be done.

[@chiefofthewatch]

Totally understand you. Better take it there.

[@chrispowell7771]

Crazy how big of a problem removing the bracelet is with this watch. I've tried multiple times and never got anywhere.

[@TeoKefalopoulos]

Just a thought, is the two-button clasp compatible with the bracelet? Can you replace the original one with the one from the rubber strap? thanks

[@chiefofthewatch]

i don’t think so. yep, the original bracelet clasp is ugly.

[@brad.bradley]

Thanks for this! I was looking to buy a rubber strap to mix it up once a week or so. I suppose it’s not practical to swap the metal and rubber bracelet on a regular basis? Would a standard nato strap have the exact same issue with the first part of the bracelet being difficult to remove?

[@chiefofthewatch]

Hello. Removing the steel bracelet is the biggest hassle. After that changing straps from the rubber to a nato o leather strap is no trouble. However to swap in between the steel bracelet every week, man I don’t know…. It is gonna take some time to perhaps getting used to it and making it faster, I would not do it weekly.

[@Joaquino991]

Hello, I just bought this model, just with that rubber bracelet, I'm waiting for it to arrive, can you tell me what thickness your wrist is?, I found a very good price, I wanted the metal bracelet, but if it's not good quality it might not be worth paying 300 dollars for a new one

[@Joaquino991]

I just found the answer of your wrist size below, thank you!, my wrist size is very similar, and I ordered the 41mm, so I think it will be ok, I was afraid that it would be too big for me.

[@chiefofthewatch]

it should be ok. the lug width is 21mm. the rubber you can adjust. for a leather strap i suggest medium size for my wrist which is 6,5mm

[@ooideekai1268]

Found this video ...i have same situation with you...i have a black conquest also bought a black rubber strap... I unable to remove the original strap which also took me about 30 mint...i give up and decide bring back to retail store for help...

[@chiefofthewatch]

Yeah it was a pain. Almost gave up…

[@SeaOfLuv]

I’m suffering, how did you manage to get rid of that stainless steel bracelet?

[@ooideekai1268]

@@SeaOfLuv i bring back to longines retail store ask them for help....

[@chiefofthewatch]

sorry just saw now, it seems you got it. let me know if can help on something !

[@chiefofthewatch]

uff. quite difficult. trial and error….

[@y0shi556]

It looks like the rubber strap was one side longer on the top than bottom?

[@chiefofthewatch]

it comes with the same size, but ive cut to fit my wrist like this, you may cut differently to fit it right. anyway, recommendable, i’ve been using for some time now, good material, well finished. hope this helps!

[@Nick-r9z]

Are those deployants interchangeable? Could you have just bought the rubber strap and used the deployant form the bracelet?

[@chiefofthewatch]

The deployant for the rubber strap is different from the one of the steel bracelet, if it is that what you mean. The deployan buckle is only for rubber straps

[@Nick-r9z]

@@chiefofthewatch it is different but that doesn’t mean that it isn’t interchangeable. For example the butterfly clasp is ‘for’ the conquest watches but I swapped it with the safety deployant on my hydroconquest and it was perfect. If it is the same width it should swap over without issue.

[@chiefofthewatch]

ahh. yeah, now understand what u mean. you can change it to some watches, just watching out for the lug distance, which varies with longines.

[@Nick-r9z]

@@chiefofthewatch yes, but are THESE interchangeable? Will the deployant from the bracelet also work with the rubber strap?

[@chiefofthewatch]

The one of the rubber straps is, as long as you use a rubber strap with 19mm width at the buckle level, which is usually (not always) for watches with 21mm lug width.

[@ayoungtricknamedjim5498]

Why not show how to actually install the rubber strap? You skipped that step in the video.

[@chiefofthewatch]

Sorry about that, it took me almost an hour, could not fit in a short video. Also, it would not help a lot really, it is very tricky and takes pushing, pressing with the thumbs a lot and tweaking. Believe me, video would not help a lot. Better to try it with some tweezers. Check the comments.

[@kyuj2884]

Do you need to cut the rubber strap on both sides? I mean it should be 1:1 ratio on both sides right?

[@chiefofthewatch]

i think it is better to maintain alignment in the wrist. but it depends a lot on the wrist, in my case for example I had to cut one bit more than on one side. the rule here is to cut one by one (one side and the other at a time) until u see that it fits. it takes more time, but it is safer in order not to ruin the strap.

[@marcoferraguto]

What do you think about this rubber trap? Does it attract lint and wear well under a shirt, or is it quite thick? Thanks

[@chiefofthewatch]

I like it. It wears well, though it gives a very sporty look to the watch. For me it was ok under the shirt, but this is not a dress watch, it is bulky, and the rubber strap has a bulky clasp, be ware of it.

[@ralphferrara5152]

How much is the rubber bracelet? And where can you purchase it?

[@chiefofthewatch]

i got mine from longines, but i think u can get generic ones online. this is the one i got, but you must check the correct model you have. www.longines.com/es/p/strap-black-synthetic-l682154503

[@dimak76]

@@chiefofthewatch geez 300!!

[@infernus58]

Merci pour la video ! Qu'elle est le diamètre des barres-pompes ? Je voudrais en acheter en avance si je devais en casser une pendant le démontage :) Merci en tout cas !

[@chiefofthewatch]

I am sorry because I don`t speak french. From what i could understand, you ask what is the measure of the strap lug distance which is 21mm. But if u need more info the reference of the strap is L682154865, here is the longines link www.longines.com/p/strap-black-l682154865 , hope this helps! Thanks for the comment!

[@timetodiving540]

Super vidéo j’adore ce bracelet j’hésite à en prendre un pour ma Longines, ils donnent vraiment l’outil pour changer le bracelet ? Il est vraiment horrible à enlever j’ai réussie avec un scalpel de précision car c’est pointu et souple mais sinon c’est horrible à faire

[@chiefofthewatch]

J'ai acheté dans le magasin longines, ils ne donnent pas l'outil, vous devez l'ajouter pour 10 euros, ce qui en vaut la peine. L'outil a aidé, mais j'ai quand même dû en utiliser un autre pour le tenir et le retirer. vraiment très difficile.

[@SubaruWRC1996]

I got a hydroconquest 41mm and the watch its self is a good size for my wirst but the metal bracelet is a pain in the ass to fit property. I have to have it right on my wirst its self and fairly tight which isnt comfortable and limits movements or have it a bit looser to have higher up but it slides down fairly easy. I just want something comfy thats a good enough fit that wont slide down. Is the rubber strap a good secure fit?

[@chiefofthewatch]

Yes, the logines bracelet is crappy. The original rubber strap is very good and secure, you can adjust it to fit well, I have used a lot and it works fine. I find it confortable, although the leather has a better wear, as it usually is the case. Hope it helps.

[@SubaruWRC1996]

@chiefofthewatch Thanks I'll look at trying the leather strap out

[@hatembitar81]

Do you prefer the two button clasp on the new rubber bracelet? Or the double fold clasp on the old bracelet?

[@chiefofthewatch]

I like better the two button clasp. the other clasp is quite crappy actually.

[@ayayoutuber]

Bought the watch with plastic band and then went longines to buy a branded leather strap with clip close. The metal strap is just too easy to scratch and the clap is junk type like a cheap seiko

[@alwayspooh1588]

I have the green dial one, and I agree the clasp is cheap looking. I am going to try to remove the bracelet today or tomorrow, and switch it for a NATO.

[@bogdan_gp]

I've never had a Seiko with a clasp as bad as this one 😢

[@alwayspooh1588]

Update: I could not get the bracelet off, took the watch back to WoS and they got it off. Now on a NATO and it is fab!

[@MK-rh6mr]

why can't you explain how you removed the bracelet?

[@chiefofthewatch]

Uff. Sorry, difficult to explain, you have to use 2 tools and press both sides together and push to release… i truly didnt get the trick overall, just kept pushing until it released…

[@etsmith176]

How the heck did you get the bracelet of?? Been trying for 20 minutes. NOT the first time I have removed a bracelet!

[@chiefofthewatch]

It is really hard. The trick i think is to put the watch with the dial facing down. Put a cloth to protect. Then, you have to push one pin, tilt a bit to hold. Go to the other and push the pin and at the same time force the bracelet downwards. Don’t know really how to explain… but it is not force, you have to keep trying to release with your thumb while holding the pin pushed… also, don’t forget to open the bracelet first as if to adjust it, don’t try it with the thing with all the links tied, it is impossible…

[@chiefofthewatch]

A tool like this may help. V Watch Spring Bar Tool: amzn.eu/d/6Arox87

[@chiefofthewatch]

A tool like this may help. V Watch Spring Bar Tool: amzn.eu/d/6Arox87

[@7aydar7aydar]

What is your wrist size? Thx

[@chiefofthewatch]

16,5cm. You are welcome!

[@madsmikkelsen5383]

hey Chief Where did you buy that screwdriver from Longines?

[@chiefofthewatch]

If u buy the strap in the longines store, usually they send it as a gift. At least they sent it when I got it back then. Here is the link www.longines.com/p/strap-black-l682154865 , check it our if they still send it… thanks for the comment, hope this helps!

[@marekmusil3179]

Have you considered also grey version? Im thorn between black and grey :(

[@chiefofthewatch]

Yes, the thing is the the grey version works better with the same color of the dial in the watch. That’s why I went for the black one, which is the one I have. Thanks

[@marekmusil3179]

@@chiefofthewatch I mean have you considered grey watch also.

[@chiefofthewatch]

Oohhh. Sorry. Yeah, in fact I was really in doubt before buying this longines. The grey version is beautiful, but I saw some videos saying that the black has better visibility, don’t know if it is really true. In the end, the store I bough on chrono24 only had the black at the price I wanted, so…. I think the grey is also a great option.

[@RC-tu3ru]

Che misura di polso hai? Hai tolto 8 pezzi? Grazie

[@chiefofthewatch]

hello. i am 16,5cm wrist size. I removed 7 pieces

[@vondomaniac]

The watch is way to big for your wrist. Sorry to say that.

[@chiefofthewatch]

Thanks! Yeah, i like big watches

[@ayayoutuber]

No such thing as too big.

[@johnfarel3152]

I think it looks fine. I ordered the 39 mm

[@jeffd3802]

Longine rubber syrap is the way this watch shoyld be worn every day. The bracelet is crap

[@chiefofthewatch]

yeah, the bracelet is really bad. I put the rubber strap during summer, and just swapped to the leather strap for the autumn/winter. bracelet no more…

[@jeffd3802]

​@@chiefofthewatchawesome. I just posted the bracelet up for sale as I don't like it. Lol

[@The25Macallan]

I subscribe, bracelet is a piece of shit, not comfortable and for the price and brand i was expected a quality and premium bracelet.