Niclas

I have been looking at the 6263 for a couple of months (due to the pictures of freddy333's 6263). In the pictures the watch looks a little chubby. And even more so in the dealers photos. A gen, or freddy333's, look thinner and more elegant. It may be due to the look of the plastic bezel, this version has a rounded edge . I guess that the large size Rol*x on the dial ad to the chubby look also. Still, most people want a good looking out of the box watch and you have to live with the flaws.

For great looking pilot straps try this: http://www.steinhartwatches.de/index.php?i...mp;Sel_Cat_ID=1 I have not ordered yet but they do look nice. The straps are 22mm but it should be no problem.

Very nice combination! Where did you get the Monte Carlo style strap?

I have tried 20 mm: leaves a gap. I have tried 22 mm: does not look good if the strap wrinkles. Go for 21 mm. Another potentially good source (I have noot tried my self yet) is: www.steinhartwatches.de Check under "accessoires". They have nice pilot straps at a good price. They are 22mm but if not possible to squeze in it is probably possible to sand the edges some. I am surprised no one on the forum have mentioned these straps before. They really look great.

Look at www.waccex.de. They have 21 mm alligator grain. I have gator straps from TWB for my pams. TWB have good straps considering the price and I will probably order a couple for my 3717 and Fa Jones as well. Gen IWC gator straps cost about $300 so I guess they are not an option? You can also get the nylon soft strap for the Top Gun at about $250 (22mm). Also try a search for "IWC straps" at fleabay. Some 21mm rep straps at $30 will show up.

Finally! As trombone wrote the trick is to push the spring bar and put a tooth pick in that block the hole in the case. Do this on both sides of the spring bar simultaneously. It helps a lot if you have more than two hands. Hence, ask someone to put in the tooth pick while you hold the case and push the spring bar. The spring bars have a very small ridge for the tool to grip on to, compared to "ordinary" spring bars, which also make it difficult. The end link fits so tight that it is completely impossible to wiggle it, you have to pull it straight out.

Surprise, there is a tool for everything. It is expensive though, and as you point out, the forks probably are to large anyway.

Yes, I tried that at first. However, a standard spring removal tool is to large. The bracelet fits so tight to the case that I believe that you have to push the spring bar from both sides and pull the bracelet out. Hence, I need a pair of "spring removal tweezers".

I have searched the forums regarding this topic. Result: It is hard! A tutorial on this would be very appreciated.

I bought one from Homer this September. Highly recommended

I bought a low priced ($125) 210 with asian movement from Ruby 6 months ago. The 210 is a beautiful watch and it has the feeling of a gen. I will soon order a couple of watch boys gator straps (honey and black with white stitch). I believe the understated elegance of the 210 is great togehter with a gator strap. I bought the low price version to try it out. I really like the 210 and I will get another one when (if) this one dies. An option is the 8 days radiomir (pam 190 ?) with gold hands. The rep is the same as the 210, but with gold hands instead of black (and "8 days" printed on the dial).