Strap stretch

[Archer]

I decided to wear my Blancpain today, and I strapped it on and was getting ready to leave the house this morning, but noted that it was sliding all over my wrist. Now I'm sure this is in part due to the colder weather, so my wrists are a bit smaller than normal, but this was really loose and I think the croc strap (original Blancpain strap) has stretched a bit.

Now when I first got the watch, I had to punch an additional hole in the strap since the smallest hole was still too big. I grabbed the watch strap hole punch I have, and brought it to work. Punched another hole and it fits okay now, but if this keeps up eventally I'll be able to wear this as a belt!

So, anyone else have this issue on their straps? Not talking about break in, because this strap was already quite soft and broken in when I got the watch - this is stretch of the strap itself....

I really don't want to drop the $$ on a new signed Blancpain strap. Anyone have a good source on-line for croc/gator dress straps?

[amanda]

hmmm I think it comes down to quality of leathers used. Even tho it might be an original Blancpain or Panerai or ? doesnt always mean they are the best leather used! Some seem to stretch more than others.

www.abp-paris.com make the best custom watch straps I believe BUT you pay for them, they are pretty pricey. Other than that I've got an unused Modelle croc sitting there waiting for a new watch to fit it (i know topsy turvy hey) and it seems like a pretty good strap. What size do you need?

It all depends how much you wanna spend.

At the end of the day they are all disposable regardless of the cost

[atomic]

Simona is great, but priced in the ABP neighbourhood. HKTAN can make anything but has had production issues that have slowed drastically.

What about Kurt, The Watch Boys? I assume the BP is 20mm across at the lugs. I"m sure he'd have something for you around $100. My Kurt gator on my 210 is great, as are the two Kurt gators on my Archers.

[Archer]

Yep - I know that straps are a consumable, but you would think that one on a $9K retail watch would hold up better than this one has.

I'm sure the fact it has a tang buckle hasn't helped it's life.

I would imagine APB would be the same money as going to an OEM, although I would hope the quality/longevity would be better.

John - you are right it needs a 20mm at the lugs, and tapers to 16mm. If things work out I'll be seeing Kurt soon so I'll ask him about this one. Not sure he would have anything that tapers to 16mm at the buckle.....

[amanda]

atomic said:

Simona is great, but priced in the ABP neighbourhood. HKTAN can make anything but has had production issues that have slowed drastically.

What about Kurt, The Watch Boys? I assume the BP is 20mm across at the lugs. I"m sure he'd have something for you around $100. My Kurt gator on my 210 is great, as are the two Kurt gators on my Archers.

Al - speak to me via PM about HKTan before you even go down that road.

hmm I'd be inclined to switch that tang buckle for a deployant, you'll get much better wear next time around!!! If you do away with the cool OEM buckle.... must say, I'd find that difficult

[launchmini]

Eat some more spinach.

[amanda]

launchmini said:

Eat some more spinach.

you can talk

[atomic]

avalon said:

John - you are right it needs a 20mm at the lugs, and tapers to 16mm. If things work out I'll be seeing Kurt soon so I'll ask him about this one. Not sure he would have anything that tapers to 16mm at the buckle.....

He supplied our 'executive' straps... I'm sure if he doens't have something in stock, he can likely get his hands on one.

I like the idea of switching to a deployant to prolong your strap life and I agree, Amanda, HKTan certainly has seemed to leave some customers high and dry, but it seems things are getting back on track.

Maybe Urs can make you a strap out of koala arse-skin.

[langnam]

Al,
Stretching straps is the nature of the beast. Whether it's the JLC, GO, or Glasshutte, after a while, I'm cranking the strap to the next tighter hole. The Lange strap is the one least succeptible to the stretch, but still, it gets tightenend a bit.

[otis]

atomic said:

avalon said:

Maybe Urs can make you a strap out of koala arse-skin.

Hey, at least it's soft arse skin!
My koalas butts have never even seen rough bark, it's padded velour all the way
Oh man, it's been along day and I wish I didn't watch the news tonight....