Radiomir Fixed Lug Strap Change: Your Solutions?

[chris5264]

Thanks, I think I understand. The version I got was from Joshua, so it seems to be different. Still, I'm with you on this whole ride. For about 200-250 and a few minor mods, this could be a nice way to satisfy the need for a WM vintage. Now for the clear caseback. I've tried about everything on this and nothing has fit so far.

[ryyannon]

Chris,

What you've done with the Base should work perfectly with a 26mm strap - I'm sure you can even get away with using a 24mm as you've done, without running to much danger of it slipping off.

I'd say you were home free on this particular project!

Triple Cowbell to celebrate!

[Finepics]

Here is my display back which also has a brushed finish. I have rounded the corners of the flats to make them a better shape.

[chris5264]

LOL, too early to get out the cowbell and celebrate,,,,,,another glass of wine and I'm going to make my own display back using a dremel.

Finepics,,,,,,wow,,,,,,,,,,,,that looks great. Obviously our two projects are on different levels. Very impressive work.

[ryyannon]

With that movement and all the attention to detail, that's totally in another league compared to my mass-produced 2533.

On the other hand, and at this point in my interest in the hobby, I'd be incapable of investing the time, money and skill necessary to producing a one-of-a-kind beauty as yours....

While we're on the subject of unique, handcrafted vintage Paneraii, take a look at what adeeos has put together over on TRC:

http://www.replicacollector.com/members/in...showtopic=26287

[chris5264]

My method of cuting the lugs seems to work very well. A strap change is actually easier than any other watch right now. The only bad thing is that because the metal moves just a little each time, who knows when it will just break off.

[ryyannon]

Looking better and better, Chris.

Your pioneering work will surely serve as an inspiration for those unhapy with the fixed lug problem and not desirous of wearing a riveted strap.

As for it coming loose, I don't see why it should - unless you're doing something like banging on a cowbell for eight hours a day.....

But you still need the definitive stap, my boy :-)

[RageRover]

They are called "open ended watch straps." Do a google search for "open ended watch strap" or band and you will get a bunch of hits. I have seen them before, they often have 2 metal "tangs" which you bend down, and voila!

That said, all of the ones I've seen are ugly

IMHO, do what they did on the gen Panerai 3646, sew it on. Here's 2 pics from Antiquorum:

http://images.antiquorum.com/131/medium/122.jpg

Buy a nice strap, take it to your shoe maker, show him your watch, and have him help you. You can also ask him to make you a strap.

I happen to be a medical school student and very good with a scalpel (I was even asked to be a dissection assistant last semester), so I'd be more than happy to take a watch strap apart for you! lol

I think as long as you find a strap made of nice, thick leather, I don’t think it would be too bad to remove a few of the stitches at the top of the strap (where the spring bars normally go through) and then re-sew it.