Member X 91 Posted March 27, 2010 Right, I think I'm going to have to bite the bullet (when I have some money...) and shell out for some decent straps for my IWC Portuguese 1939 and Glashutte Senator Sixties reps... The plastic rep straps do them no justice! I noticed on the IWC Porto thread on RWG2 that TWB do some straps that are quite nice: http://www.thewatchboys.com/iwc-style-watch-straps-c-5.html They are quite expensive, though, but not as expensive as the gen straps! lol watch_bits were also proposed as an option, but they don't look very soft to me, more like normal rep straps?? http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vie...em=280258050513 And BOB Straps look much the same? http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/BOB-ALLIGATOR-STRAP-...emZ290377151468 Are there any affordable croc/alligator options available? I'm sure I've asked this before but there are so many makers out there that it's hard to know who specialises in what Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
greg_r 81 Posted March 27, 2010 Bear in mind that low-end 'croc' straps are only croc print - so they're not that brilliant... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
apoopoo999 0 Posted April 30, 2010 You just missed this strap on ebay http://cgi.ebay.com/OEM-IWC-Alligator-Port...af#ht_500wt_955 So did I Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
P_Diddy 0 Posted April 30, 2010 is that real? $66 for gen IWC unused leather strap? heard some stories about rep Hirsch straps being offered on the net through reputable discounters on the net. You just missed this strap on ebayhttp://cgi.ebay.com/OEM-IWC-Alligator-Port...af#ht_500wt_955 So did I Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
apoopoo999 0 Posted April 30, 2010 Its a real IWC but its used, $66 is still a great price for a gator strap is that real? $66 for gen IWC unused leather strap? heard some stories about rep Hirsch straps being offered on the net through reputable discounters on the net. You just missed this strap on ebayhttp://cgi.ebay.com/OEM-IWC-Alligator-Port...af#ht_500wt_955 So did I Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AllergyDoc 40 Posted April 30, 2010 Keep saving and have someone like HK Tan make a nice strap for you. It will cost more than the watch, though. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mbjoer 0 Posted June 23, 2010 Keep saving and have someone like HK Tan make a nice strap for you. It will cost more than the watch, though. Yes, that is unfortunately true. I have yet to come across a rep dress watch with a decent strap, and although it seems unreal, in the rep-world a good strap can well cost more than the watch itself. So why do it? Because the overall impression of a watch is much more based on what is seen and what others will notice. The reality is that outside this small forum there is practically noone who can spot an incorrect dial placement. But many can spot a quality strap. Are the Watch Boys' straps worth it? I have only one from them, and it seemed OK for the price. It comes very close to the OEM, is a bit stiff to begin with but all in all pretty nice looking. Judge for yourself: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Member X 91 Posted June 23, 2010 That's very nice, thanks for the pics :( Did it soften up over time? May I ask how much you paid for it? I need to get a good strap on mine as I think the cheap strap is the main reason I don't wear it very much Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Silverspeed 10 Posted June 23, 2010 Like Greg said the cheaper straps are not real croc leather...although the BOB ones are decent value at least a lot better then the roadkill rep straps Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dingle 57 Posted June 23, 2010 That's very nice, thanks for the pics Did it soften up over time? May I ask how much you paid for it? I need to get a good strap on mine as I think the cheap strap is the main reason I don't wear it very much +1 MB--will this fit on the breguet as well? Did it come in black as a choice? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mbjoer 0 Posted June 24, 2010 I bought from this site: http://www.thewatchboys.com/ They have a fairly wide range of sizes and colours, including black. I think the 20/18 IWC style will fit the Breguet. Price about $110. I have had straps from Ebay (varied success) HKTan (Stiffer than I expected and long wait) and all in all The Watch Boys were OK for the price. I have however lately been made aware of this guy, whom I will test as he looks pretty good: http://forums.watchnet.com/index.php?t=tre...69773&rid=0 - Does anyone know him? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gran 198 Posted June 24, 2010 The best place to buy straps from is http://www.inspire-workshop.com/index.do Contact: [email protected] Price is about 125USD but iits worth it My strap from them for my FM: http://img688.imageshack.us/img688/6500/gran21.jpg Gunnar!!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dingle 57 Posted June 24, 2010 I bought from this site: http://www.thewatchboys.com/ They have a fairly wide range of sizes and colours, including black. I think the 20/18 IWC style will fit the Breguet. Price about $110. I have had straps from Ebay (varied success) HKTan (Stiffer than I expected and long wait) and all in all The Watch Boys were OK for the price. I have however lately been made aware of this guy, whom I will test as he looks pretty good: http://forums.watchnet.com/index.php?t=tre...69773&rid=0 - Does anyone know him? thanks for the info MB Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Member X 91 Posted June 24, 2010 Thanks for the links, all B) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
madcatlancelot 1 Posted June 24, 2010 I bought the strap for my BCE from ebay seller budgetplan, the quality is ok and the price is reasonable. You might want to take a look at this as a replacement strap for the IWC. http://cgi.ebay.com.sg/Genuine-Brown-5mm-L...=item19bcad4a3d Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mbjoer 0 Posted July 2, 2010 The best place to buy straps from is http://www.inspire-workshop.com/index.do Contact: [email protected] Price is about 125USD but iits worth it My strap from them for my FM: http://img688.imageshack.us/img688/6500/gran21.jpg Gunnar!!! Thanks for this tip. It looks good. The guy I thought I would buy from did not have what I wanted, so I am now trying from Inspire instead. It will be interesting to compare as I have found it hard to get good information about non-Pam and non-Breitling straps. On another note, I just bought a calfskin strap from Europelli (Signature collection on sale). I have dealt with him before and he is a delight to deal with. The previous one looks really good and has worn well. The one I just bought cost me a grand total of $32 including postage to the UK! Definite recommendation. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gran 198 Posted July 3, 2010 The best place to buy straps from is http://www.inspire-workshop.com/index.do Contact: [email protected] Price is about 125USD but iits worth it My strap from them for my FM: http://img688.imageshack.us/img688/6500/gran21.jpg Gunnar!!! Thanks for this tip. It looks good. The guy I thought I would buy from did not have what I wanted, so I am now trying from Inspire instead. It will be interesting to compare as I have found it hard to get good information about non-Pam and non-Breitling straps. On another note, I just bought a calfskin strap from Europelli (Signature collection on sale). I have dealt with him before and he is a delight to deal with. The previous one looks really good and has worn well. The one I just bought cost me a grand total of $32 including postage to the UK! Definite recommendation. very good Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mo0g 0 Posted October 9, 2010 Sorry for bumping this thread, but I am after a dress watch strap myself and was pointed towards this thread. One question - I have seen a TWB strap I am interested in (for my Lange rep), do we have to stitch the buckles in ourselves? In some ways this will be better as I can take the Lange buckle off my rep strap, on the other hand how easy is it to do a good job of stitching buckles to watch straps? I had assumed that when you buy a strap it includes the buckle! Thx Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mo0g 0 Posted October 9, 2010 Sorry for bumping this thread, but I am after a dress watch strap myself and was pointed towards this thread. One question - I have seen a TWB strap I am interested in (for my Lange rep), do we have to stitch the buckles in ourselves? In some ways this will be better as I can take the Lange buckle off my rep strap, on the other hand how easy is it to do a good job of stitching buckles to watch straps? I had assumed that when you buy a strap it includes the buckle! Thx Dont worry - being a noob.. didnt realise buckles were held in by spring clips too! :-) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Member X 91 Posted October 9, 2010 lol :P They are an easy swap if you get a tool from ebay or the shop on here! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mbjoer 0 Posted December 10, 2010 Alternatively look for straps with quick release spring bars. That makes it super easy to change the strap without tools and you do not rist damaging the watch in the process. It will cost more, but may be worth it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
houndoggie 58 Posted December 10, 2010 I scored 2 TWB gator straps on Watchuseek about a year ago for $60... TOTAL. This doesn't help you any, but they are nice straps. Keep an eye out on watchuseek sales threads, as people tend to sell (non PAM) straps cheaply. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Member X 91 Posted December 11, 2010 Cheers for the advice Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
