takman
999
Going down the rabbit hole of bespoke straps...
Have any of you considered/followed through with modifying the spring bar holes on your watch? Why would you ever do something like that you ask? Well, let me elaborate... You see, if you want your bespoke strap to have curved ends, simply curving the ends will not make the strap hug the watch. The holes for the spring bar actually have to be positioned closer to the case. Let me share some photos to illustrate:
This is a standard straight strap
Here is the same watch with a curved strap, notice the space between the strap and the case is quite obvious due to the position of the spring bar holes
Here is an image showing two spring bar holes, one for straight end straps, the other for curved straps. By positioning the holes closer to the case you can achieve a ”cleaner" and in my opinion more bespoke look.
So, dearest forum... has anyone tried to (gasp) modify their watch to accept curved end straps? What was the process like or did your watchmaker just look at you funny? Do you even like the idea of curved straps or have I just ventured way to deep into customization?
Photo credits to Delugs strap company.
Best,
Chris
Going down the rabbit hole of bespoke straps...
Have any of you considered/followed through with modifying the spring bar holes on your watch? Why would you ever do something like that you ask? Well, let me elaborate... You see, if you want your bespoke strap to have curved ends, simply curving the end...
Ah yes the cost
That is another variable unknown to me but I would probably pose this question during a routine service where the movement might need to be uncased anyway. I think I’d only trust the manufacturer to perform such work though.
I understand now…
I may have flown too close to the sun on this one and went for a deep deep dive… I almost lost my purist head on this one! Thank you for the feedback
A very emphatic answer
Curious to know your strong feelings here… concerns over damage? Affects to the collectibility? Or something else?
Good point
I have never been a fan of most case modifications. I lost sight of the fact that even the two small spring bar holes are a modification. Thank you for the reminder!
I did not know that Ming had this option - very nice touch but you better line up your bars correctly
BTW, I use curved end straps with my Rolex, which avoids the case eating up the leather. It works a wonder
Hah
As if it isn’t already hard enough to line up the spring bars, eh? Yes depending on the position of the holes, slightly curved ends can work on a watch designed for straight ends. Sometimes you can also specify the thickness of the leather which wraps aro...
I agree, but…
If you want a curved end strap to hug the case it is almost necessary to have spring bars holes repositioned. You can also try to play with the thickness of the leather at the spring bar end but to get that “tight” look the strap needs to be just a millim...
I think instead of playing with the case you can ask a strap artisans to play with the positioning of the curved pins to bring it as close to the case as possible...
in the end this is a matter of personal preference, but i would not mod a case. Good luck!
You are very brave, but totally respect your decision.
However I wouldn't have done that... To me the watch case is sacred.
No worries, I am not that brave…
The photos are not of my watch. I was feeling out this idea so thank you for your input as well.