Strap advice for my MC Automatic.

I have owned my Master Control Automatic since new, and have loved every second of the nearly 2 years of ownership. However, the strap is starting is show its ago, and is due for replacement.

(Sorry of the strange setting of the picture, it is the best illustration of the strap as I like it)

The easy and simple option is to call my favorite dealer, and order a new, OEM strap. I love the OEM strap (just as shown in the picture). Many of the aftermarket ones I have seen do not seem to be up to the same level as this strap (at least in terms of how it looks to me). The problem is, the OEM strap is very expensive for what is essentially a consumable.

Any other options you would suggest for something that looks the same as the OEM strap, or do I just need to bite the bullit and get the real thing?

I have purchased a Tutima chronograph that has taken over as my daily wear piece in order to serve a more practicle and durable role, which I hope will allow the strap on the JLC to last longer than ~18 months.Your thoughts?

Thanks!

Ken

The problem, Ken is

By: amanico : June 26th, 2009-21:37

That if this Master Control is your daly wear, you can't avoid the fact that the strap begins to be very used.... That is normal. Like for shoes, the rule is " one day work, one day rest "... Your strap is very nice, and I'll try to get the same croc, but...

That is one reason I purchased the Tutima.

By: canonken : June 26th, 2009-21:44

As much as I like the JLC, I needed something I could knock around a bit and not feel bad. I guess I will just go for an OEM replacement and deal with it. Thanks for the advice.

Strap options

By: JatG : June 27th, 2009-01:43

Hi Ken - if you're going to spend the money, another option might be to have a strap custom-made by one of the Paris-based ateliers. This won't necessarily be much cheaper than the OEM route but you will have a mind-boggling choice of leather types, colou...

My suggestion...

By: watchme : June 27th, 2009-07:30

would be to get a strap that doesn't show much wear (doesn't darken or discolor much). Have you considered the Navy (my first choice)? It enhances the blue steel seconds hand, and looks fabulous in both a navy blazer and with jeans. -Dean

The wear is the issie, the finish is wearing off...

By: canonken : June 27th, 2009-08:48

...it has gone from a nice maroon color, so a matte near-black, and does not looks so good now. Structurally, the strap is fine, it is just cosmetically ugly.