Horological Meandering

Received a new watch with the stiffest strap I have ever seen. I managed to destroy the pin on the buckle trying to put the watch on to get it tight enough to my desired fit. ...  

Have never seen that happen before… I would have expected the strap to tear before the buckle became deformed.

Don't change straps all that often to have encountered this, next time use a pick or awl? Hindsight 20/20 🤣

Work it in while bending the strap. Also helps in warmer temps / sun as it soaks in while the below.... For shaping, I have a watch box with stiffened center 'pillows' that are very close to the same shape/size as my wrists. Let Leatherique soak in while ...  

Maybe they will replace gratis.

Not the spring bar pin... Wow! Yes they should replace it.

I followed the advice provided here on forum and it has made a big difference to modeling it to my wrist. But that shouldn’t happen to a pin I don’t think.

Heavy strap.

it might happen.

If I tried to change them it would be even more interesting

The tang must have been jammed between holes.

. . . you used to build the 454.

I can't believe you remembered that

I hope that Patek doesn't make you buy the whole buckle instead of repairing it or simply replacing the pin.