A tale of straps: Review of straps paired with the Datograph Perpetual

Nov 28, 2021,06:59 AM
 

What does one do after completing a crazy hunt for a watch?  He goes crazy hunting for the perfect strap to pair it with.  At least, that's what happened to me in the past month.





Lange does a perfect job with its watches, but the default brown strap that came with the Datograph Perpetual never felt "right" to me.  Even before I obtained the watch, the more logical choices were grey and blue.  So I swapped the brown with my 20mm Barton straps immediately after purchase.





To sum up straps from Barton: value for money, no-frills, gets the job done.  And given the price point, one can go crazy getting multiple straps without breaking the bank.  However, it would be found wanting if one demands the highest level of craftsmanship and quality.  

And that's where Delugs come into the picture.





It took me a while, but I only discovered this brand after starting the strap hunt, which is all the more ironic given that both Delugs and I are from Singapore.  Once I chanced upon its website though, there's no turning back.  While it's a pity that there's no showroom to view the straps in person, I put my faith in the studio pictures and glowing reviews, and placed an order for a Glossy Grey Crocodile which swiftly arrived within a couple of days. 





My trust was not misplaced.  Delugs got the shade of grey and the degree of gloss just right, and the strap looks even better in person. The strap is extremely supple, and was an immediate joy on the wrist without a break-in period. The stitch work is immaculate, and the beautiful graining of the crocodile skin is wonderfully presented in the most natural manner.  The grey intensifies the monochromatic side of the Datograph Perpetual, making it suitable for dressier occasions.







The lining is crafted with Zermatt leather from Haas tannery, which I understand from Ken, the founder of Delugs, as being specially developed for use as a lining material.  The comfort is apparent immediately upon wear, and stays comfortable throughout a day of wear.  The exceptional quality is further reflected in the more discreet quick-release spring bar, which is barely noticeable as compared to the Barton shown in the earlier picture.





I rank this above the original strap from Lange, as well as other 3rd party straps I previously purchased from very established European strap makers.  I was so pleased with it that I immediately placed a second order for a matte Alligator in Boreal Green.





The second strap was a confirmation of the consistency of Delugs' quality.  However, the variance in color brought out a very different side of the Datograph Perpetual.  Visually speaking, the Boreal Green is more of cross between dark green and navy blue, and really brings out the blue elements of the watch, namely the blued hands, moonphase display and night indicator.









If I have to quibble, the only thing I wish was available from Delugs is a slightly lighter shade of blue from its current navy blue offerings, which are too dark for my liking.  Ironically, the Barton navy blue (right most strap in the following picture) meets my preference better in that aspect.  If Ken from Delugs happen to read this and produce a crocodile strap in that shade of blue, I will place my order in an instant.





Thank you for bearing with me in this long read.  The honeymoon continues!


More posts: DatographDatograph Perpetual

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Comments: view entire thread

 

Indeed, the grey and blue are a perfect match.

 
 By: Rhyzen : November 28th, 2021-23:33
I'm tempted to get even more straps to see how the variations will pan out!

Yes please do!

 
 By: amanico : November 29th, 2021-07:58

Thank you for the kind words Orahu!

 
 By: Rhyzen : November 28th, 2021-23:34
And for bearing with the long read!

You are sure invested… I like this color most

 
 By: PoyFR : November 28th, 2021-14:30
I am not sure it is a color you are referring or if it is a light effect but this one here re-pictured looks great. ...  

Hi PoyFR

 
 By: Rhyzen : November 28th, 2021-23:35
Indeed, the glossy grey stands out among all three for now!

Thank you for the kind words Fab!

 
 By: Rhyzen : November 28th, 2021-23:35
My wife says I'm like a kid let loose at the candy store with the straps!

All three Color’s looks superb with your watch!

 
 By: Chronometer (aka yacomino) : November 28th, 2021-15:20

Thank you for the kind words Chronometer!

 
 By: Rhyzen : November 28th, 2021-23:36
At the moment, the grey has dominated the time with the watch.

Thank you Emcquillan!

 
 By: Rhyzen : November 29th, 2021-15:46
To be honest, the grey has been getting a lot more time on the wrist after a period of switching. Let's see when would the mood switch for the blue!

Thank you Darren!

 
 By: Rhyzen : November 30th, 2021-12:02
I just read about your new Datograph Perpetual, heartiest congratulations!!

Grey & Blue Look Nice, Will You Swap the Buckle?

 
 By: Steve E : December 1st, 2021-06:36
Congratulations on this acquisition. Very nice! I was wondering if or when you will replace the Delugs buckle with a Lange buckle? Below is my 2nd favorite view of my L1. ...  

To be honest, I'm still considering.

 
 By: Rhyzen : December 1st, 2021-14:05
The watch came with an 18mm deployant, so I would either need to get a 16mm buckle to match the strap, or get a customised strap with 20/18 widths. The straps are currently still mounted with Delugs' buckles, which are decent.

I’m waiting on two 20/18 straps from Delugs

 
 By: montecristo#2 : May 12th, 2022-17:59
I’ve got two Lange buckles (a platinum and a white gold) so with quick release it will make swapping straps on my Dato a snap!

Very nice choice of colours. Each of the three works a treat and cannot find fault with any of them.

 
 By: Rosneathian : December 2nd, 2021-03:01
Don't know Barton so cannot comment. I don't rate Delugs at all I'm afraid. Their straps feel like they are produced from bonded leather and have a dried chewing gum feel. The edge fill looks like it's fixed by a resin applicator. Etc. Etc. Really poor. I... 

Thank you for sharing, AoS!

 
 By: Rhyzen : December 2nd, 2021-06:55
I'm sorry that you have the unfortunate experience with Delugs, and I guess I'm fortunate that my own experience with their straps have been favorable.

My friend, your remarks were in no way intemperate.

 
 By: Rhyzen : December 2nd, 2021-23:44
In fact, I appreciate your candor. A diversity in views is what makes discussions useful, and that should be the raison d'être of this site. Cheers!

Thanks so much for this and I love the look

 
 By: Clementkc : May 12th, 2022-07:23
I actually have a 1815 Up/down on order and I am looking at a few straps from Delugs. I have read that you should stick to white gold spring bars with white gold cases. Have you noticed any issues with the steel spring bars? Thanks!

My apologies for the late reply!

 
 By: Rhyzen : May 15th, 2022-16:15
From my personal experience, I've never observed any issues with the pairing of stainless steel spring bars with white gold or rose gold watches. This was the combination for my old Saxonia Automatik in rose gold, which held well for the 4 years of owners... 

Apprecite the response

 
 By: Clementkc : May 24th, 2022-00:04
Thanks for the confirmation. Off to the strap sites I go lol.

^^^

 
 By: diracpoint : May 24th, 2022-15:11
I have read that some Langes have Ti insert inside the lug holes to prevent wear. Although, I just use original WG spring bars.