black263 228 Posted March 10, 2015 OK, admit you were suckered in by the title, but this is actually a serious question. Now I know all about WR testing, vacuum testing, etc, but that's not what I'm interested in. I want to ask about bracelet and straps. I had always known that leather and water was a no-no, and had believed that WR testing and a SS bracelet or rubber strap was the solution. However, I've read threads where the clasp on a bracelet had push button opening, and the spring had corroded, and that got me thinking about the WR of the bracelet/rubber strap. I'm guessing that spring-bars don't have SS springs in them, so do we need to do something to stop the springs corroding. What about bracelet pins? What about the ratchet spring for the bezel? Are they stainless or is there anything else that needs to be considered before going into water with a rep? I admit, I've never considered anything other than WR of the watch head, and would be grateful for advice on the rest of the watch. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Daywatch 4 Posted March 10, 2015 Hi, I use the SS bracelets (previously oil-bathed) a lot in salt water and never had an issue. As with all objects exposed to seawater and salt it just should be rinsed with tap-water afterwards. The thin Chinese springbars the reps come with are the lowest quality available, so whenever possible I replace them with some thicker and better ones from Cousins.Uk (10 for about £ 2 GBP). NATO-straps are a cheap and feasible solution - if You don´t want to use the SS bracelets or straps - with the added advantage that should one side come loose in rough waters it´s still held by the other. Leather-Natos are fine as well or any leather that is neither glued or double-sided. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SSTEEL 0 Posted March 11, 2015 Good advice ^^ Always invest in some high quality stainless steel spring bars to replace the rep ones. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
plankton 1 Posted March 11, 2015 Good advice ^^ Always invest in some high quality stainless steel spring bars to replace the rep ones. Where do you order good spring bars? Ofrei (misspelled) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SSTEEL 0 Posted March 11, 2015 Yes, or Esslinger, I get mine from cousinsuk, HSwalsh, or Gleave&Co, all in UK. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
