The Great "Third Party Band/Strap" Thread

[Mac2me]

Bought a blue classic buckle from Utica guy. I'm not a fan. The Edition with blue classic buckle looks great, but on the SS it clashes and really doesn't work. Would not recommend.

Any chance you can take a photo of the band on the watch still? I would have thought the blue would have looked nice on stainless. One of the color purchases I have yet to make for my SS Watch. The band he sells is pretty inexpensive. What did you think of the quality? Side finish of the leather? At first assumed the adapters on it are the same they sell but maybe not if the band comes packaged with the adapters. Are they polished stainless or matte?

Thanks. Sorry you were disappointed but appreciate your feedback.

 

[damant]

Could you post more pics with better (natural) lighting? Thank you

 

[nycgeo]

Wow you have the best veins! My medical students could practice cannulating your veins with ease

Lol, thanks! I used to be a science teacher during our units on the cardiovascular system I would press down on my inner arm to collect the blood a little more in my hand and forearm, and in seconds it would be a living 3D Map of my veins...lol. They were 7th graders so I'd get a reaction mixed between "ewwwwww!!!" and "awesome!!!".

 

[nycgeo]

Hmm. I see what you mean. At first I was thinking it was because it was a metal connector which clearly can't be squeezed like leather to fit the spring pin on if you need more room for the tool to fit in between the band and lug. So I took out my Hadley-Roma metal link bracelet and my band is much closer to the lugs than yours (band is on a Utica guy adapter). My band is a 24mm. I believe I found the model Hoco band you have on ebay -- on there it came mounted on the adapter and assume yours did too. At first I thought maybe your band was a 22mm not a 24mm. Did you measure your band width and the lug width? BTW is your band a brushed stainless? It looks matte in your photo.

View attachment 565633

For the record, I contacted the seller and they have sent replacement adapters out. If they fit better than the others then this is a very nice band option for someone who wants the links look at a reasonable price.

 

[sdallnct2]

Are their black deployment hardware?

 

[soya]

Are their black deployment hardware?

Yes. Often have the mention PVD in the item's name.

 

[Mac2me]

There are. Search for "PVD black deployment clasp". Make sure it will fit the width of the band you want it for and the thickness of it. There are a number of different styles as well.

For example, Hadley Roma makes a matte black PVD SS one that accommodates band ends at 20mm and 2mm thick. The StrapCode site has one that works with 22mm band and 4mm thick. I've seen some on ebay that will accommodate a 24mm wide band.

Considering this is the device that you use to secure your watch to your wrist and if it opens accidentally you could loose your watch or drop it to the ground, I would look for a good quality clasp. You'll be taking it on and off each day at minimum.

 

[aberrero]

Any chance you can take a photo of the band on the watch still? I would have thought the blue would have looked nice on stainless. One of the color purchases I have yet to make for my SS Watch. The band he sells is pretty inexpensive. What did you think of the quality? Side finish of the leather? At first assumed the adapters on it are the same they sell but maybe not if the band comes packaged with the adapters. Are they polished stainless or matte?

Thanks. Sorry you were disappointed but appreciate your feedback.

They are stainless. I bought it because it was only a dollar or two more than getting the adapter on its own, but I don't think they are the same adapters actually, not sure.

The band is actually plastic, the bit about it being real leather is almost certainly a lie. It might be bonded leather, but that is mostly plastic anyway. The buckle is nice though. I will be buying a nice leather band to replace it with, as well as maybe a Hoco Premium black classic.

I just feel that the color is a bit too cold and clinical. The Edition looks really great with the contrast between blue and gold.

 

[Mac2me]

They are stainless. I bought it because it was only a dollar or two more than getting the adapter on its own, but I don't think they are the same adapters actually, not sure.

The band is actually plastic, the bit about it being real leather is almost certainly a lie. It might be bonded leather, but that is mostly plastic anyway. The buckle is nice though. I will be buying a nice leather band to replace it with, as well as maybe a Hoco Premium black classic.

I just feel that the color is a bit too cold and clinical. The Edition looks really great with the contrast between blue and gold.

Thanks! I see from your photo that it does have a plasticy look to it. Too bad because I too would like something of nicer quality. But I guess it's worth considering for the adapter and buckle alone. I don't think the flag blue navy looks bad with the SS but can see where gold would warm it up.

I had seen freedomoclock's listing as well as one from Luckycellinc that I'm sure from the photos are the same product. Luckycellinc seems to have it in the same blue color, and they have a bubblegum pink which I was debating on (gave up on getting a pink band from the company that prints Apple style bands so still looking for a band in that color range). Well something to think about and appreciate the feedback.

 

[sdallnct2]

There are. Search for "PVD black deployment clasp". Make sure it will fit the width of the band you want it for and the thickness of it. There are a number of different styles as well.

For example, Hadley Roma makes a matte black PVD SS one that accommodates band ends at 20mm and 2mm thick. The StrapCode site has one that works with 22mm band and 4mm thick. I've seen some on ebay that will accommodate a 24mm wide band.

Considering this is the device that you use to secure your watch to your wrist and if it opens accidentally you could loose your watch or drop it to the ground, I would look for a good quality clasp. You'll be taking it on and off each day at minimum.

Thanks! I think I'm about to pop for a nice $100 leather strap and might consider a deployment clasp. But I seem to be overly anal about wanting black hardware since I have a SG Sport. But the band I'm looking at comes with a nice but traditional buckle (available in black). So just looking at options.

This is the band I'm looking at. It is subtle, but for some reason, I just love the look. And wine color in leather is somewhat rare (that I've seen) and I think will look good w/SG Sport,

http://www.kainheritage.com/html/strap24mm/theheritage2/th2026b.html

 

[Mac2me]

Very nice quality band. Kain has nice stuff in general. I like the burgundy color too. With that stitching I can see a black deployment clasp used with it. Since the clasps are kind of pricy maybe get the band first and swap out the buckle for the clasp later?..nice you have the option of ordering a black buckle with it. That way you can get a feel for whether a clasp would contribute too much black to the look of the watch and maybe minimal would be the way to go at buckle end.

In any event that will be a sharp looking band with your SG Sport.

 

[iVegas]

Thanks! I see from your photo that it does have a plasticy look to it. Too bad because I too would like something of nicer quality. But I guess it's worth considering for the adapter and buckle alone. I don't think the flag blue navy looks bad with the SS but can see where gold would warm it up.

I had seen freedomoclock's listing as well as one from Luckycellinc that I'm sure from the photos are the same product. Luckycellinc seems to have it in the same blue color, and they have a bubblegum pink which I was debating on (gave up on getting a pink band from the company that prints Apple style bands so still looking for a band in that color range). Well something to think about and appreciate the feedback.

If you're looking for nice dark blue leather band I'd recommend the Hoco classic buckle knock off. I had the Freedomunlock blue band, too, and it was garbage. The Hoco is actually quite nice.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/HOCO-New-Lu...Domain_0&var=550847087257&hash=item3aab3a6816

 

[sdallnct2]

Finally got shipping notice on a Monowear band. Had kind of forgotten about it. I think I ordered the olive NATO style. Now that I've bought several, that Monowear seems overpriced. Even w/adapters. But I don't have a band that color or material. So see how it is.

 

[sdallnct2]

Very nice quality band. Kain has nice stuff in general. I like the burgundy color too. With that stitching I can see a black deployment clasp used with it. Since the clasps are kind of pricy maybe get the band first and swap out the buckle for the clasp later?..nice you have the option of ordering a black buckle with it. That way you can get a feel for whether a clasp would contribute too much black to the look of the watch and maybe minimal would be the way to go at buckle end.

In any event that will be a sharp looking band with your SG Sport.

Yea, I feel like I could throw a dart and hit one I like every time at his sight. But due to price, I'm looking more for a nice, but everyday band. That would look good w/jeans as well of I throw on a sport coat.

My MK silicone is my favorite to wear every day (ironic since it was free - well already had it). It is so comfortable. But is casual. So a really nice leather might be great.

 

[Bobajobbob]

I'm loving my Hoco gold band with my SG Sport. View attachment 564751 View attachment 564752

That is truly horrible on so many levels

 

[damant]

Yes. Often have the mention PVD in the item's name.

View attachment 566338

Yes. Often have the mention PVD in the item's name.

View attachment 566338

Fyi.
That specific buckle is for panerai watch style bands only.. Notice : The holes on the these bands types are wider...

 

[soya]

Fyi.
That specific buckle is for panerai watch style bands only.. Notice : The holes on the these bands types are wider...

Is this clasp compatible with regular straps? It's the only 24mm compatible I've found http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&alt=web&id=331490870945&globalID=EBAY-US

 

[Mac2me]

Panerai bands have kind of rectangular holes for adjustment on them as oppose to the traditional round holes you see on bands. So you will want to match any buckle to the style of band you will be using. I don't have any history with deployment clasps so am not aware if the locking pin in the clasp has to match the type hole of the band (Panerai or traditional). Sure someone here can answer that. The band is secured at the spring end to the clasp and I would think that the pin in the clasp at the other side just needs to be able to fit in the hole, whether round or rectangular, but I could be wrong.

Here's a video from Esslinger.com's website on YouTube that illustrates how to use a deployment clasp (taking one off and putting one on). Hopefully it will help you in your selection. BTW their website (video library section) has lots of very helpful instructions on watch care, parts replacement and selecting or measuring for watch bands.

BTW there are deployment clasps with closure buttons on them. Adds some extra protection from the clasp opening since you have to depress the buttons to release it. Here's another video from Esslinger.com illustrating it.

 

[damant]

Is this clasp compatible with regular straps? It's the only 24mm compatible I've found http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&alt=web&id=331490870945&globalID=EBAY-US

Fyi.
Each watch strap or band has two important variable : 1. The lug width ( attachs to the watch body) ( ie 20,22,24...)
2. The buckle size. (Ie 18,20,22..)
3. Buckle/strap style ( traditional vs Panerai style ...)

Most often the lug width is different than the buckle size; therefore dont assume they are the same. For example 24mm straps might have 22mm buckle size !


So shop for the buckle /size accordingly.

Back to your question : yes that buckle would fits traditional 24mm size straps (but with 24mm buckle size instead of 22mm buckle size).

 

[rezilient]

Testing our new leather colors and Sykla stainless steel deployment clasps.

What do you think?

 

[Mac2me]

For those looking for info on different types of clasps/buckles here's a good recap:

http://blog.esslinger.com/watch-clasps-watch-buckles-and-watch-extenders/

Keep in mind the sizes listed are what Esslinger carries.

 

[soya]

Testing our new leather colors and Sykla stainless steel deployment clasps.

What do you think?

Really liking the texture of this strap!

 

[Javabird]

Finally got shipping notice on a Monowear band. Had kind of forgotten about it. I think I ordered the olive NATO style. Now that I've bought several, that Monowear seems overpriced. Even w/adapters. But I don't have a band that color or material. So see how it is.

Please do post your reactions once you get it. I have been considering that band. What size watch do you have, 38 or 42mm?

 

[iBighouse]

I just ordered a band from Andreas Truong at BlackForestAtelier on Etsy. He was kind enough to create a custom listing for the band I wanted without the watch adapters (have some I just bought and am very pleased with the fit and finish on them). Also, he also allowed me to change the design by eliminating the "+" symbol cutout seen on the keeper band on the website photo. So, my watchband should look like this without the adapters and without the "+" cutout on the keeper.

By the way, Mr. Truong was VERY quick and responsive to my inquiry and I thank him for being so accommodating. So far, for customer service, their business gets an A+ from me. I will follow up with actual pictures of the watch and my review once it arrives.

 

[Jdgrey52]

Finally got shipping notice on a Monowear band. Had kind of forgotten about it. I think I ordered the olive NATO style. Now that I've bought several, that Monowear seems overpriced. Even w/adapters. But I don't have a band that color or material. So see how it is.

When did you order your monowear band? Just curious to see if I can figure out when mine will ship.