I got one too from Andrew... amazing watch. One of my favorite reps w/o a doubt! I've always wanted an IWC but they are so small and girly sized. This one is perfect at 44mm!!!!
Not often I get to ask and answer a question the same day. After trial and error I've discovered that in order to swap straps on the 46mm B&R you should:
1. Remove only one screw for each lug. The bar will slide out either end with some difficulty.
2. You must use something that is the same diameter as the lug in order to tap it through to the other end.
Looking at the lug ends w/ a 20X loop it's clear that the finish work on the cases are pretty bad with jags of metal
that may need to be hammered thru to get the bar out.
3. When you reinsert the screws into the bar don't be surprised if it doesn't tighten up as the metal is made of chewing gum I think. I've considered using spring bars and super gluing the allen screws in for looks.
I've got a couple 46mm serving trays and want to swap out the straps. Yes.. they're good quality but I don't like the way they taper at the end and in spite of Trusty's recommendation to never attempt a swap.. I must. The allen screws are soft and easily chewed away by the supplied tool but I was able to remove the 2 screws from one strap. It looks like the bar needs to be pushed thru one side or the other but it's not moving. Tried a tooth pick no luck. Anyone have luck with this so far?
I spoke to Greg regarding his straps, he uses 3-4 oz and yes uses a filler. I bought a slew of different remnant leathers from Tandy since they are close by.. enough to make maybe 3000 straps if I had the time. I'm still working on my first frankenstrap 3-4 w/ filler and it's very pliable. Any idea where to source 24/26 buckles cheap? $20 is rediculous. Are you done w/ your first yet?
I was just in the Tandy Allentown store on Saturday!! I met the manager "Jeff".. good guy and I'm sure he can help you out? Let me know if you want me to contact him. Shipping can't be that bad??? By the way.. 6-8 oz leather is pretty thick? You have to fold over the strap so you have a loop for the lug screw?? Might want to stick w/ 3-4 oz stuff as use a filler to beef it up.
Oh yeah.. we have it great.. we have the most hated leader and we are the most hated people on the earth. Stay in Canada dude.. in fact move farther north so so you can escape the nuke blast.
Thanks! I'm also gearing up to make my own straps. Tired of spending oodles of cash for straps that just don't do the watches I put them on justice. These tutorials will come in handy!
That's freaking hilarious.. I love the comment "how sad". Forget the crappy rep... I kinda like the strap.. it's simplicity and rough exterior is attractive in some way. Kinda of like a fred flintstone strap.