Patek Philippe

I've always been curious about this. On Patek pieces with a deployment clasp, why is the buckle side of the strap at the 6 o'clock, when traditionally it would be at 12 o'clock? I think it looks strange when I look at wrist shots and the tail of the strap is sticking out on the inside of the wrist. I hope there isn't an obvious answer to this that I should've figured out on my own=/ Thanks.

I find it much more ergonomic to pull the strap toward yourself to place into the holders. The other way requires that you bend your arm and try to do it on the opposite side.

And to put the longer part in the usual way... 

I don't think there is a specific reason. Good question, now I Wonder...

Best,

Nicolas

I find that the watch simply sits in a better place on my wrist when worn with the strap reversed from the factory configuration, so I want to swap it too.  So how does one release the screw-ended lugs on the officer case? Simply a matter of turning one end while the other is held steady? 

It can prove to be a challenge doing this by yourself particularly if the screws have ben locked down with adhesive. I have always had another person secure one screw with a screwdriver while I used another to back out the screw on the other end. This way the screw heads aren't damaged.

Adhesive, as in ordinary glue? Or is there something specific to be used here? This message has been edited by LouS on 2014-06-20 11:32:53

Patek uses ERGO 4001 but there are some others like the blue loctite which has light adhesion properties that will prevent the screws from backing out but be light enough to be easy to remove later.

I feel it's a matter of design.

by another manufacturer at the time the Patek folding buckle was introduced. In fact if I'm not mistaken, the name "deployant" may have also been protected. The unique thing about the Patek design was it allowed you to use your existing straps with punched holes without having specialty straps being made. I remember hearing this explanation years ago and seemed logical at the time but have not seen anything substantive in writing. So many companies stake claims about things, like who made the first wristwatch, etc. that it can be confusing.

I do agree with others that when the buckle is fitted with the 12 o'clock element fitted at six o'clock position, it looks awkward so I did as others and reversed it. I did find the buckle did fit but felt differently after reversing the position of the strap and after a little careful forming, it worked out just fine.

Could it be that it is positioned this way to resemble a metal bracelet?

At least mine isn't 5711R.

Maybe the Nautilus buckle is designed differently.

By configuring it with the long part towards you, the deployant will sit on the outer side of your wrist instead of inner, which can be annoying and very noticeable when going through your daily actions.

Same goes for AP ROO deployants, which is why some people i know reverse the straps too.

Since reading this initial post it has been on my mind. 

more comfortable, and easier to take on-off, in the "Patek configuration," and use this orientation for all deployants.  I know others who prefer just the opposite.