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Thread: Erikas Original - jury is out for me

  1. #1
    Grand Master RustyBin5's Avatar
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    Erikas Original - jury is out for me

    Received my first ever Erikas Original today. Let’s just get this out the way first, they are a little pricey, but the material and the way it has elastic “give” are definite plus points. Also the way it avoids the unsightly (to some) tuck back of the flap is a bonus. All good so far, but for me there are a couple of negatives.

    Firstly the need to use a spring bar tool to change out the strap is a bit irksome compared to the thread through method of normal natos which is much faster.

    Secondly an issue I haven’t heard before. I find it awkward as all hell engaging the hook into the keeper. Is there a technique to this?

    While my gmt is off getting sorted I tried the Erika on my BBR and it is comfortable and does look and wear very well, but can’t escape the feeling I’m doing something wrong when trying to hook the clasp 🤨

  2. #2
    Grand Master JasonM's Avatar
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    You have to kind of push the top of the slotted bit up whilst pushing the hooked bit up to get the angle, a bit fiddly but once you get it right it gets easier, there are a few YouTube vids showing you how.
    Cheers..
    Jase

  3. #3
    Grand Master RustyBin5's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by JasonM View Post
    You have to kind of push the top of the slotted bit up whilst pushing the hooked bit up to get the angle, a bit fiddly but once you get it right it gets easier, there are a few YouTube vids showing you how.
    I’ll persevere.

  4. #4
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    Yeh, I swore at mine for a week or so until I got the knack of it. With wear the material gets a little more give too which makes it easier.

    I like mine and it's really comfy especially as a holiday/diving strap as it's so easy to adjust as your wrist changes with heat.

    But definitely overpriced - I dont think I'd buy another at full price.

  5. #5
    Quote Originally Posted by RustyBin5 View Post
    feeling I’m doing something wrong when trying to hook the clasp 🤨
    I had the same thing when I got mine. I’ve found it easiest to hook up the little traveller part with my index finger and slide the hook in at an angle. I’ve taken a photo which I hope explains. I don’t normally wear my watches on water bottles but I don’t have a 3rd hand to take the photo!


  6. #6
    Grand Master RustyBin5's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Lukeott View Post
    I had the same thing when I got mine. I’ve found it easiest to hook up the little traveller part with my index finger and slide the hook in at an angle. I’ve taken a photo which I hope explains. I don’t normally wear my watches on water bottles but I don’t have a 3rd hand to take the photo!

    That certainly helps.

  7. #7
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    Haha, yes I had this issue as well. Don't worry Rusty with time it will get better. Inserting the hook at the cut side first while holding the metal keeper does the trick for me. Initially it was pain but now it takes two seconds to do that.

    Let us know when you receive your Black Bay GMT back with description of what has been done to fix the date change problem.

    Cheers

    Sent from my MI 5 using Tapatalk

  8. #8
    Grand Master RustyBin5's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by radarcontact View Post
    Haha, yes I had this issue as well. Don't worry Rusty with time it will get better. Inserting the hook at the cut side first while holding the metal keeper does the trick for me. Initially it was pain but now it takes two seconds to do that.

    Let us know when you receive your Black Bay GMT back with description of what has been done to fix the date change problem.

    Cheers

    Sent from my MI 5 using Tapatalk
    AD actually called this morning asking if it’s ok for the Tudor rep to call me directly - they are looking at my watch just now so at least whatever it is will be dealt with swiftly (as it should be). What I want (other than a fully working piece) is an explanation WHY it happened and not just a “here you go all sorted now have a nice day” comment, so I’m happy the Tudor rep will be contacting me.

  9. #9
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    Great stuff, thanks for keeping us updated!

    I will be interested to know if it happens with other BB GMTs would it be possible to be fixed locally at the AD watchmaker or the watches has to be dispatched to Tudor.

    Sent from my MI 5 using Tapatalk

  10. #10
    Grand Master RustyBin5's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by radarcontact View Post
    Great stuff, thanks for keeping us updated!

    I will be interested to know if it happens with other BB GMTs would it be possible to be fixed locally at the AD watchmaker or the watches has to be dispatched to Tudor.

    Sent from my MI 5 using Tapatalk
    If you repair it locally and not via Tudor you would invalidate the warranty

  11. #11
    Cheers Rusty. I've stalled on the Erika's just yet as I'm happy with the current rubber strap. I was always keen to know how secure the clasp was. Hopefully you find out what the issue was with the GMT. Interested in seeing if u get an explanation, my father in law had an issue with his datejust, never got close to being told the issue, well see if Tudor act differently...

    Sent from my ONEPLUS A3003 using Tapatalk

  12. #12
    Grand Master RustyBin5's Avatar
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    I have to say once it’s on it’s STUNNINGLY comfortable - I’m sold on it. Currently breaking it in on the BBR

  13. #13
    Quote Originally Posted by RustyBin5 View Post
    AD actually called this morning asking if it’s ok for the Tudor rep to call me directly - they are looking at my watch just now so at least whatever it is will be dealt with swiftly (as it should be). What I want (other than a fully working piece) is an explanation WHY it happened and not just a “here you go all sorted now have a nice day” comment, so I’m happy the Tudor rep will be contacting me.
    Mine has just been sent off to Tudor too.

    I'd be grateful if you could update once you've spoken to Tudor.

  14. #14
    Grand Master RustyBin5's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by whoami View Post
    Mine has just been sent off to Tudor too.

    I'd be grateful if you could update once you've spoken to Tudor.
    Will do but not on this thread - there’s a gmt thread I’ll update there

  15. #15
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    Quote Originally Posted by RustyBin5 View Post
    If you repair it locally and not via Tudor you would invalidate the warranty
    If the procedure is simple enough, I believe the local AD has watchmakers trained at Rolex to perform certain work on the watches. I used their services for changing the steel bezel on my Explorer II. I will ask if their intervention (if needed) will invalidate the warranty.

    While you are waiting for yours, here's mine on Erica's.;)

    Any news on your side? Edit: just seen your response above. Will be checking the other thread.



    Sent from my MI 5 using Tapatalk

  16. #16
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    These Erikas are a new one for me, are they a recent development?

    Like the idea of the elastic element, but does it need to be tight to allow the clasp to hold?

    I tend to like my NATO’s slightly loose so that I can fit a finger underneath. Kind of like the slight movement of the watch head as you get on a bracelet.

    TBF, I’m not yet convinced anything is going to beat the comfort of sinn rubber & large clasp, most comfy thing I’ve ever worn.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

  17. #17
    Quote Originally Posted by Mj2k View Post
    Like the idea of the elastic element, but does it need to be tight to allow the clasp to hold?
    No, not particularly. That was one of my concerns too.

  18. #18
    With the tudor gmt being a new model I would have thought all watches would have gone back to tudor directly so they can come up with a solution to the problem. Persevere with the Erika's strap - they are brilliant.

    Sent from my E6653 using TZ-UK mobile app

  19. #19
    How adjustable are they, or do you need to buy the exact size?
    It's just a matter of time...

  20. #20
    When you order you give your wrist size - each one is made to your spec/options.They have quite a bit of adjustment as well.
    Quote Originally Posted by Omegamanic View Post
    How adjustable are they, or do you need to buy the exact size?
    Sent from my E6653 using Tapatalk

  21. #21
    Grand Master RustyBin5's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Omegamanic View Post
    How adjustable are they, or do you need to buy the exact size?
    Infinitely adjustable via the sliding hook keeper. Bit fiddly but once done it’s as close to the perfect fit as you can get. Think perlon

  22. #22
    Grand Master RustyBin5's Avatar
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    Erikas Original - jury is out for me

    when I get the BB58 it will be on bracelet, but the OEM nato looks great. When I go onto Erikas site under the Black Ops section it looks like the khaki thread option would be perfect as centerline but no option to select that. If you pick for eg the red centre line you can then pick khaki thread. What I don’t want is a red centreline with a khaki cross stitching. Does anyone know if I am reading that correct? I emailed Erikas but had no reply?
    Last edited by RustyBin5; 19th July 2018 at 13:41.

  23. #23
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    I found Erika does take a little while to reply, but she/he/they will get back to you.

    Joe

  24. #24
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    Quote Originally Posted by RustyBin5 View Post
    [IMG]When I go onto Erikas site under the Black Ops section it looks like the khaki thread option would be perfect as centerline but no option to select that. If you pick for eg the red centre line you can then pick khaki thread. What I don’t want is a red centreline with a khaki cross stitching. Does anyone know if I am reading that correct? I emailed Erikas but had no reply?
    As far as I understand it, that's correct - the centreline is the colour you select in the picture, but what you select from the drop-down menu is the cross stitching part.
    Last edited by andy100; 19th July 2018 at 15:51. Reason: Spelling

  25. #25
    Grand Master RustyBin5's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by andy100 View Post
    As far as I understand it, that's correct - the centreline is the colour you sleect in thep icture, but what you select from the drop-down menu is the cross stitching part.
    Ah that’s a blow. Wanted the khaki centreline

  26. #26
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    Quote Originally Posted by RustyBin5 View Post
    Ah that’s a blow. Wanted the khaki centreline
    Yeah I think that would look really good too. Maybe worth emailing it as a suggestion to Erika?

  27. #27
    Grand Master RustyBin5's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by andy100 View Post
    Yeah I think that would look really good too. Maybe worth emailing it as a suggestion to Erika?
    Yeah have done with the above pic to show what I mean. See what happens

  28. #28
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    Looking at mine which arrived today I’m pretty sure the centreline is woven into the strap material rather than stitched on after.
    It would look great though.

  29. #29
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    Quote Originally Posted by joe1978 View Post
    Looking at mine which arrived today I’m pretty sure the centreline is woven into the strap material rather than stitched on after.
    It would look great though.
    I know when I enquired as to whether the vintage strap could come with a khaki centre stitch rather than the red, I was told "no", but assumed that was down to the webbing being actual vintage NOS/reclaimed webbing that's used for those. But I think I agree that the centre line is woven in. Still, maybe she'll take the idea for a future run!

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