Attachment 4602
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Tepco's Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear plant's unit 3 reactor after the March 2011 meltdowns
Those of you wanting to try different straps may have experienced how difficult it is to get hold of bronze buckles. If the strap is tapering to 22mm, one can use the buckle which came with the watch. But with 24mm parallel straps, a 24mm bronze buckle is nice - a SS doesn't look good against the bronze of the watch head. There are not many around. DiStefano has one - very expensive - but in 24mm size it is too big and bulky and looks out of proportion with the not so high 42mm watch head. Actually, with a 24mm parallel strap on this watch, I prefer a thinner strap (arund 3-3˝mm thick) and a thumbnail buckle instead of a Pre-V, so the strap-buckle combo won't overpower the watch head in a disproportional manner. But 24mm bronze/brass thumbnail buckles are NOT plentiful out there. The only one I was able to locate was sold by a vendor who has a reputation of non delivery.
So what to do?
I then remembered that earlier I read that another forum member (sorry, can't remember who, but he deserves to be credited) had made an approximation to bronze by heating a SS buckle with a blow torch. I dug out an old SS thumbnail buckle, took it out in the garden and heated it with the torch we normally use for making creme brulee. It worked. The colour is not exactly the same as bronze, but it will more than do in a pinch and it's much better than SS colour. Think of dirty brass with a reddish tint. Just remember to heat carefully and slowly and stop when the metal is dark brazzy looking. If you continue to heat, the metal will turn blue in no time. Actually, I learned that the hard way, so I only got it right with the second buckle. But oh well, SS buckles are cheap and easy to get.
A quick and dirty phone picture:
Last edited by Leif; 12th September 2013 at 11:25.
Joe at Diaboliq Straps also supplies a flame blasted ss strap, it's $20. I'm going to be fitting mine out with one on a distressed brown strap.
Last edited by Schofie; 12th September 2013 at 11:59.
What screwdriver size is suggested for removing the buckle? 1mm be ok? I need to order one and would prefer it be useful for other stuff as well.
Cheers.
2mm, or the smallest flat head from one of those cheap small screwdriver sets you can buy anywhere.
I'm glad I clicked on that from some of the photo's I thought this must be 47mm without crown. I thought it would be far to big to consider.Quote Originally Posted by Steve748 View Post
Try Here
So here it is. I am the proud owner of one of these lovely watches and decided to allow it to patinate naturally. I did however read an earlier post in which Eddie said that sweat is one of the best patination agents.
Taking this insight, I returned from a rather intense 20 mile ride on Monday and promptly made my way upstairs as soon as I got in the house, where my wife was nursing our newborn daughter. I said the words 'don't judge me' to her then proceeded to smear my hard earned sweat all over the watch.
There are two things I would like to confirm:
1. Sweat is indeed an excellent patination agent
2. If you do choose this approach, do it in private. I was judged!
One member confided that he nursed a PRS-30 in his armpit for a couple of hours following physical activity.
Eddie
Whole chunks of my life come under the heading "it seemed like a good idea at the time".
I have said it before and I say it again. Don't ever mention this kind of advice outside the WIS closed circles, or they'll have us admitted to a secure ward. :-)
Finally started wearing this following arrival of a great Steveo strap and two separate orders of tools (ooops!)
Amazing watch all round. Very pleased I took the plunge as the size is spot on.
Some decent pics to follow in the next week or so.
Folks, on a more serious note has anybody successfully had another hole put in the straps that come with the watch? My wrist is just one hole too small for them.
I have just received one of these today, and thought I'd show how the patina is developing naturally.
Any photos of people watches all these years down the line?
Here's mine.
Had this for many years and still really like it, but does anyone else find it really difficult to get the crown out?
Schematics & images show a cut-out below the crown which mine has but it is covered when the crown is fully depressed meaning there is nowhere to stick my nail. I'm left trying to catch the edge of the raised knurls which is very hit & miss and I end up grabbing a different watch!
It's easy once the crown is out enough to adjust the date but not when in fully.
Edit: Well I think I just needed a bit of practice. Not sure why I struggled for so long but got it sorted. Should get this on my wrist a lot more now.
Last edited by Kamakazie!; 5th October 2020 at 17:31.