It took me an email with G. Gerlach and about 20 minutes of using their supplied spring bar tool to install. It’s a sun blasted stainless steel (316L type) at 22mm. The tool Gerlach supplies with each watch isn’t bad, just a little small. I have a tool that I ordered a long time ago that’s larger and more robust and has a small regular screw tip on one end.
It took at least 15 minutes just to get the new bracelet on the watch. I then had to remove 4 links and then tweak on the diver’s clasp area.
Previously because the fit is so tight, I emailed Gerlach about sending another bracelet because I thought the one they supplied didn’t properly align. They told me if I couldn’t get it on (it should fit Enigma) to send the watch and bracelet to them in Poland and they would install it. Reading that as a nice brush off, I tried again with more vigor. Which paid off for me. And them.
Why did I change from the default canvas/leather?
Honestly, the supplied canvas/leather that came on the Enigma is a great strap. It buckles easily, looks perfectly retro, doesn’t have metal tabs to hold the band down, wears wonderfully, and is a joy.
However, if I am going to be in and out of the water as I plan this summer, that canvas and leather are not going to be able to keep up with me. That’s why I ordered the stainless with the watch.
It does dress the watch up and now I don’t need to worry about water at all. It also adds some heft which is nice.