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Pins removable or not?

Crewone
over 3 years ago

So I really want an aftermarket hand made leather strap. 

Can I remove the pins? There seems to be some confusion. 

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  • +1 over 3 years ago

    I can't remove mine...  Probably possible to destroy the original bars and install an aftermarket springbar, but not willing to try that yet.

    I really don't understand why Garmin decided to use this type of bar on the EPIX - so far, my only really negative impression of this watch.

  • 0 over 3 years ago in reply to gaijin

    Tried the same without success. I stopp trying, because I don’t want to damage the watch/pin. 

    Perhaps only possible with a special (watchmaker) tool?

  • 0 over 3 years ago in reply to Volker

    Annoying. I've always worn my Garmins with 2-piece NATO straps, which I find a lot more comfortable than rubber/silicone. 

  • 0 over 3 years ago in reply to JRMiler

    There are solutions. I'm not sure if I like them, but... they are available.

    www.etsy.com/.../garmin-fenix-6x-fenix-6-6s-pro-5x-fenix

  • 0 over 3 years ago

    The pins are not removable by a user (my personally guess). If you try it, you may accidentally damage your Epix. So: don’t try it, please!

  • 0 over 3 years ago in reply to Dr Phil
    Dr Phil said:
    Take it to a jeweller

    I have been an amateur watchmaker for over 20 years and dealt with all manner of springbars on watches from small to large; single flange, double flange and no flange; double shoulder; quick release; straight and curved; you get the idea - and I have been unable to remove the stock springbars on my EPIX (Gen 2).

    The only option a jeweller would have is to destroy the EPIX springbar and replace it with one designed for removal with a matching pin (the end piece that fits into the watch lug) diameter.  Correct pin and barrel (the center part of the springbar) diameter are important to allow correct fitment of Garmin QuickFit bands (i.e. barrel diameter) and to avoid wear on the hole in the watch lugs due to excess play (i.e. pin diameter).

    If you know of some trick a jeweller can perform to remove the EPIX springbar without destroying it, then please share.

    If one is willing to destroy the EPIX springbars and are willing to trust a "jeweller" to source the correct (dimensionally) springbar as a replacement, then by all means go ahead.  One cautionary warning:  Of all the multitude of suppliers to professional watchmakers, I was unable to source correct replacement springbars for my 6x Pro from anywhere but Garmin - they just do not commercially exist outside the Garmin supply chain.  Fairly close replacements were available, but they were either incorrect barrel diameter or incorrect pin diameter.

    I'm all over this for personal reasons.  I want to be able to use any damn 22mm band/bracelet I want, and that requires me to be able to remove (and replace) a suitable set of springbars on my EPIX.  I'm not saying it's impossible, I just haven't determined what sacrifices/compromises are required to meet this goal.

    HTH

  • 0 over 3 years ago in reply to gaijin

    I have an Epix on order and am extremely disappointed about this.  For such an expensive watch, its disappointing that Garmin has taken this approach to lock people out from choice.  It truly makes me want to cancel my order.

  • 0 over 3 years ago in reply to gaijin


    that's the way I have pried and forced them to bend when I had unfortunately installed Instinct springbars (the same as the Epix) on my Fenix 6. I was stuck and could not remove them like you are now stuck on the Epix...
    So applying gentle force, the springbar bends then pops out. It is done in a matter of seconds. Actually the springbar can jump at the side of the room so be careful.
    It does not damage the horn or the hole in the socket. The springbar can be definitively bent so do it if you got spared springbars 22mm.
    I was able to find OEM Springbars in 22mm though "Garmin Parts" on Ebay.
    they came from China after a detour through Russia (3 weeks) but are identical to my OEM Garmin springbars with a fat head.
    I also use 22mm "smaller head" Seiko "Fat Diver" springbars which are much less prone to pop out when used with a Nick Mankey's Hook Strap than the OEM Garmin 22mm for reason unknown.

  • 0 over 3 years ago in reply to NemoSandman

    Brute force and the Seiko "Fat" springbars are currently my last resort - still trying to imagineer a more elegant solution.  The Seiko 22mm bars are a bit too large for the Garmin QuickFit bands, so not ideal, but thanks for the tip!