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.
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 🤨
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
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.
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!
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
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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.
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.
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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...
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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
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.
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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.
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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.
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How adjustable are they, or do you need to buy the exact size?
It's just a matter of time...
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.
I found Erika does take a little while to reply, but she/he/they will get back to you.
Joe
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!