Does anyone know were I can source a good quality (but not stupidly priced) non-OEM IWC Big Pilot watch strap (where I can reuse my deployment)? Tks all.
Does anyone know were I can source a good quality (but not stupidly priced) non-OEM IWC Big Pilot watch strap (where I can reuse my deployment)? Tks all.
Watch obsession have a few and could work with a deployant depending on its type
https://www.watchobsession.co.uk/collections/iwc-style
Cheers,
Ben
..... for I have become the Jedi of flippers
" an extravagance is anything you buy that is of no earthly use to your wife "
I’ve had a couple of straps from The Watch Boys - they offer a good balance of quality to price, in my opinion.
http://www.thewatchboys.com/iwc®-st...m-c-78_81.html
I’m sure I have one here from a big pilot I sold around 6 years ago. Let me take a look
If you want this one we could sort out a fundraiser donation?
Take a look here: https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_s...cat=1103667010
I've bought a few of their 21mm straps for my 3717 Chrono and have been very happy.
Thanks. I did see these but dismissed them as the buckle strap length is 80mm vs the 55mm of OEM. That said I've just noticed that the non-buckle strap length is 120mm vs the 145/150mm of OEM.
So net net it looks like a wash - but I guess the deployment will sit differently? For £40 I may just give it a whirl. THANKS!
Update for those people in the same boat, now or in the future...
So I bought one of the Watchobsession straps as per the link (I've actually bought two replacements from different places - this one came in first).
Good news - the colour match, stitching, etc. is excellent to perfect. Totally looks OEM except for the lack of the orange colour on the inside and the length differences on the buckle end.
Bad news - the longer length does not 'taper' (not in width, but in depth) so it does not 'fit' though the OEM deployment (it's far to thick). I didn't notice the OEM strap tapering in depth so did not even think about that issue.
The so so news is that the buckle is not brushed (or IWC 'shaped') but I knew that on purchase and it's easily solvable and I've got something on order.
Therefore - great strap, quality, match. Does not take IWC deployment. But will look great with an IWC-style buckle which I have on order.
EDIT - Also the rivets are not brushed.
Last edited by Merod; 12th October 2021 at 19:56.
Check out ziczacleather.com
I've bought a Tag strap for their clasp and it worked perfectly.
Good choice of leathers and they will always make custom for a reasonable price.
I’ve just ordered one of these.
https://chrono24.app/iwc/braceletstr...GB&SETCURR=GBP
Last edited by watchmad; 11th October 2021 at 19:03.
Checking accuracy on a winder is a bit pointless, don`t expect the figure to agree with what you'll see in normal wear.
Its nothing like the OEM strap, but the DiModel Tornado is a superb Aviator strap
Discussed here
https://forum.tz-uk.com/showthread.p...-Tornado-strap
Ive got a couple and love them.
Cheers..
Jase
So this arrived for me today.
The colour match to OEM is not as good as the WatchObsession strap (which is bang on) but it's close enough (okay). The rivets are brushed, but sit a little higher than OEM (overall, good). The strap tapers in 'height' so fits the deployment (good). The 'build' feels .... average. The leather is nice but it's not as 'meaty' as the WatchObsession strap (okay).
Overall I think I'll wear this on the deployment for the time being BUT might actually prefer the 'quality' of the WatchObsession strap and will likely move to that when my new buckle comes though (despite the non-brushed rivets).
I hope that helps someone else down the line.
Useful info. The watch obsession looks perfect apart from the buckle. I found the drwaychstrap excellent however it’s not as stiff as the OEM but when on the wrist I find it perfectly adequate and comfy. I was told yesterday the replacement IWC is in and will be sent out to me. I wager when that arrives the drwatchstrap will be removed. I couldn’t bare wearing the watch with the missing rivet so it did it’s job in getting the watch on my wrist in the meantime.
There are lots of non-OEM straps out there but it is a bit of a lottery. I found the drwatchstrap experience a good one.
Wife found this this morning whilst hoovering the kitchen. It fits back in but is a bit loose. …(see previous posts)