WatchFan1
1386
FINALLY - My custom strap for 5135 arrived from Patek NY....and I could not be happier
As many have noted in numerous posts on this on other forums before:
"5135 is nice I would buy it, but it just does not fit right on my wrist....or feels / looks too big"
"5135 is nice I would buy it, but it just does not fit right on my wrist....or feels / looks too big"
Well - I could have somewhat of a good news for you ;-)
I have rather thin wrist myself (I wear my two PPS on second to the last hole on "regular length " tang
buckle strap) but I have noticed something noteworthy:
buckle strap) but I have noticed something noteworthy:
1) first of all - Patek went to 'extra padded' straps for 5135 (they now have cut-outs in the back for
quick pin release) this was not the case when 5135 was introduced in 2004.
quick pin release) this was not the case when 5135 was introduced in 2004.
2) these straps are VERY stiff and do not 'give-in' until after a few days of wearing. Because of this
IT IS VERY DIFFICULT to achieve a comfortable fit if you are trying this watch for the first time at your Patek dealer.
In fact - it is almost impossible 0 unless your wrist is huge.
IT IS VERY DIFFICULT to achieve a comfortable fit if you are trying this watch for the first time at your Patek dealer.
In fact - it is almost impossible 0 unless your wrist is huge.
3) Even stock padded straps fit a lot better after a few days and while contouring around
your wrist - somewhat fill out the 'excessive gap " that is between the lugs (see top pictures)
your wrist - somewhat fill out the 'excessive gap " that is between the lugs (see top pictures)
Because of this - I decided to get a custom strap done for my 5135 Gondolo Calendario.
Objective #1 was to eliminate the 'hump in the middle" of the strap and achieve still 'better
looking' fit ...even as the worn stock strap fits a lot better when comparing to a brand new one.
looking' fit ...even as the worn stock strap fits a lot better when comparing to a brand new one.
- Objective #2 was to get one made to fit a deployant clasp.
(As we know the total length for ''deployant' and regular straps is the same but 'the split' is
different to accommodate for proper position of the deployant.)
For example - for a 'Regular" length PP strap for tang buckle - we have 115/75 mm (190 mm total) but
for the same size strap for deployant clasp the lengths are 125/65 (also 190mm total)
(As we know the total length for ''deployant' and regular straps is the same but 'the split' is
different to accommodate for proper position of the deployant.)
For example - for a 'Regular" length PP strap for tang buckle - we have 115/75 mm (190 mm total) but
for the same size strap for deployant clasp the lengths are 125/65 (also 190mm total)
Looking at the pictures from the top you can see the significant difference between stock and custom strap.
as I received the custom strap today - it was VERY stiff and the initial fitting on the deployant was horrible.
I took it of the watch and off the buckle - and let it marinate in the zip lock on the
sun for a couple of hours in a nice bath of Leatherique. (This is IMO - one of the best lather treatment liquids for
cars, home sofas, jackets - you name it.)
After about 3 hours I took it out, dried thoroughly in paper towels and then buffed with soft cloth.
WOW - you should see this. Both straps were nice and soft as al dente spaghetti ;-)
I put it on the watch, attached the deployant - HEAVEN !
I am VERY happy how my 5135 feels and looks on my wrist.
A huge thanks go to Tracy D. from PP New York (HSWA) who understood the nuances of this
custom order. She returned my strap twice to Camille Fournet as she knew exactly what I wanted and
she noticed some deviations in the first two straps.
A huge thanks go to Tracy D. from PP New York (HSWA) who understood the nuances of this
custom order. She returned my strap twice to Camille Fournet as she knew exactly what I wanted and
she noticed some deviations in the first two straps.
One thing I need to mention before you drive Tracy crazy with your custom orders:
- the sketch I was preparing - was only for custom strap manufactures I was considering before
Then I decided to go with Patek as they use Camille Fournet and I knew my strap would come made
of proper high quality hides and within PP specs.
This is all you need to specify to get this type of strap - ONLY 3 things:
1) - two lengths of straps
2) - if it is for deployant or Tang buckle (deployant in my case)
3) - MOST IMPORTANT: - 'rectangular' profile - if you want to achieve this similar look and fit.
Then I decided to go with Patek as they use Camille Fournet and I knew my strap would come made
of proper high quality hides and within PP specs.
This is all you need to specify to get this type of strap - ONLY 3 things:
1) - two lengths of straps
2) - if it is for deployant or Tang buckle (deployant in my case)
3) - MOST IMPORTANT: - 'rectangular' profile - if you want to achieve this similar look and fit.
Hope at least some of you will find this helpful ;-)
You can see all of the pictures of this custom project on the link below:
.
http://www.mkmotorsport.com/watches_strap.htm
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FINALLY - My custom strap for 5135 arrived from Patek NY....and I could not be happier
As many have noted in numerous posts on this on other forums before: "5135 is nice I would buy it, but it just does not fit right on my wrist....or feels / looks too big" Well - I could have somewhat of a good news for you ;-) I have rather thin wrist mys...
PARDON THE PUN
GREAT WATCH, BUT I MUST SAY; I DO NOTICE THE DIFFERENCE, AND I DO NOT LIKE IT...BACK TO THE DRAWING BOARD...
I don't see the point and effort here.....
....but this is your watch, your money and your time....
RE: "I don't see the point and effort here..... "
...perhaps I should have stated that I wanted to get also a BLACK strap to begin with......... ...I think at least that should explain the point why I even bothered..... Since I knew I wanted to own also a different color strap, I tried to get it done in ...
IMHO your efforts and money...
were well spent. Everything from every angle looks right to me. As always, wear it in good health. Miki
