freddy333 Posted June 17, 2011 Report Share Posted June 17, 2011 My rubber strap just arrived & this is what it looks like on my GMTIIC Remove the bracelet from your watch (2 springbars) & disconnect the clasp from your existing GMTIIC bracelet (1 screw & 1 clasp springbar). Then, attach the strap/clasp combo onto your watch using the original 2 springbars from your bracelet. Depending on your dexterity & tools, about a 15 minute job As you can see here, the strap is about 1 notch too long for my 7" wrist, which should (& probably eventually will) be cut to size There is not much that goes into 2 flat pieces of rubber, but the fit (onto the bracelet/case) is good & my only complaint is a lack of instructions (for those without experience r&r'ing Rolex bracelets). Although I find steel bracelets to be more comfortable, the rubber strap's dark gray, matte finish definitely tones down the GMTIIC's bling factor, giving the watch a more purposeful guise. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redwatch Posted June 17, 2011 Report Share Posted June 17, 2011 Been waiting for this review. Thanks for sharing Freddy! Looks great! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dluddy Posted June 17, 2011 Report Share Posted June 17, 2011 Love it Freddy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
asf Posted June 17, 2011 Report Share Posted June 17, 2011 Looks great! Reminds me of the breitling ocean racer now with curved ends Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ronin Posted June 17, 2011 Report Share Posted June 17, 2011 Very Cool. Looks right at home on it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DuDro Posted June 17, 2011 Report Share Posted June 17, 2011 Like that alternative look...I' surprised that Rolex hasn't tried to offer rubber straps on their sport models. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freddy333 Posted June 17, 2011 Author Report Share Posted June 17, 2011 I just trimmed the end, so the strap fits much better now. Definitely tones down the polished steel bracelet's Vegas Baby vibe, but the ss bracelet is alot more comfortable. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sneed12 Posted June 17, 2011 Report Share Posted June 17, 2011 Are you making the scrunchy face the model was wearing? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freddy333 Posted June 17, 2011 Author Report Share Posted June 17, 2011 Are you making the scrunchy face the model was wearing? That word (scrunchy) is not in my vocabulary. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TeeJay Posted June 18, 2011 Report Share Posted June 18, 2011 It looks great It looks to be a really quality product, and the fit to the parts is excellent It's definitely a step up from the rubber straps available which mimic the ridges of a presidential bracelet Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freddy333 Posted June 19, 2011 Author Report Share Posted June 19, 2011 Teejay - I cannot say there is $200 worth of material/technology in the 2 flat pieces of rubber I received (especially since they package it without any instructions, which is likely to be a problem for the average gen owner - they are working on that), but I have been wearing the watch since I received the strap & really like the way it looks (compared to the blingy bracelet that comes with GMTIICs). At least, I am not constantly having to pull my sleeve down over my watch to keep from blinding unsuspecting passersby. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TeeJay Posted June 19, 2011 Report Share Posted June 19, 2011 Teejay - I cannot say there is $200 worth of material/technology in the 2 flat pieces of rubber I received (especially since they package it without any instructions, which is likely to be a problem for the average gen owner - they are working on that), but I have been wearing the watch since I received the strap & really like the way it looks (compared to the blingy bracelet that comes with GMTIICs). At least, I am not constantly having to pull my sleeve down over my watch to keep from blinding unsuspecting passersby. That doesn't surprize me at all about the cost/value ratio, but, here's a little something which might surprise you, I wouldn't mind paying the cost for a strap like that which can be fitted to the existing parts. Sure, it's expensive, and could probably be done a lot cheaper, but, to me, that compatibility translates into value for money... It's funny how my moral compass can work sometimes when it comes to an item's value (It's like, I'm happy to pay the dealer price on a DRSD, because that is what the real thing would've cost back in the seventies ) Glad to hear you're enjoying it though I was going to advise you against cutting it that extra notch tighter, but you'd already done it by the time I posted, I hope it's still got enough freedom of movement to give good ventilation so it doesn't get too hot Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
donerix Posted June 19, 2011 Report Share Posted June 19, 2011 The constant quest to find an alternative to the metal bracelet for Rolex sport models. I have experimented myself quite a bit and have to say that at least at wrist shots this looks quite good ( I usually have the problem that it doesn't look so good anymore when looked at from a bit further away and the watch suddenly looks a lot smaller than on the bracelet). This strap looks good, but $200 is a bit steep IMHO The only other rubber I ever liked was a vintage tropic: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
danielv2000 Posted June 19, 2011 Report Share Posted June 19, 2011 Nice looking rubber. But I agree, at 200$' it's steep! I could get a relume or a couple of gen parts at that price! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freddy333 Posted June 19, 2011 Author Report Share Posted June 19, 2011 I wouldn't mind paying the cost for a strap like that which can be fitted to the existing parts. Sure, it's expensive, and could probably be done a lot cheaper, but, to me, that compatibility translates into value for money... I know what you are saying, but, as is the case when comparing cases on standard Daytona reps with those from Phong or NDT, which are many times more expensive even though the metal is the same. The only real difference is that the more expensive item is sized/dimensioned more accurately than the cheaper item. That just does not make sense & it is the same with these straps. Yes, they mate very well with the metal parts, but does it really cost more to measure accurately? I was going to advise you against cutting it that extra notch tighter, but you'd already done it by the time I posted, I hope it's still got enough freedom of movement to give good ventilation so it doesn't get too hot I never wear watches tight & I cut it with sufficient length for future expansion, if required. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TeeJay Posted June 19, 2011 Report Share Posted June 19, 2011 I know what you are saying, but, as is the case when comparing cases on standard Daytona reps with those from Phong or NDT, which are many times more expensive even though the metal is the same. The only real difference is that the more expensive item is sized/dimensioned more accurately than the cheaper item. That just does not make sense & it is the same with these straps. Yes, they mate very well with the metal parts, but does it really cost more to measure accurately? I suspect that the price tag is so they can target the product at gen Rolex owners who would feel that a $20 aftermarket strap was 'sullying' their watch, but would feel more comfortable fitting a rubber strap with a higher price tag I think 'end use' is all important when it comes to things like this, especially the cases. If someone wants to do an accurate build, they will be willing to spend the money to buy the necessary parts. If accuracy is less important, the cheaper alternatives tend to be acceptable. It's like I'm wondering if the HE valve on the 1665s available at the $250 mark from dealers is actually functional, or purely cosmetic. Part of me says functional would be nice, but I'm not likely to be saturation diving any time soon, so it's really not an essential feature. I guess my view on it is a bit like faux chronos: I'd rather they did something, or be totally omitted... Of course, I can't see myself having the spare cash for some time, so it's a pretty moot point at the moment I never wear watches tight & I cut it with sufficient length for future expansion, if required. Glad to hear I'm not sure if you remember the silicone strap I had a year or so back (mysteriously got lost somehow ) but that had a flat back to it, and it really did get uncomfortably warm at times, especially compared to the way more comfortable Tropic-style Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freddy333 Posted June 19, 2011 Author Report Share Posted June 19, 2011 I suspect that the price tag is so they can target the product at gen Rolex owners who would feel that a $20 aftermarket strap was 'sullying' their watch, but would feel more comfortable fitting a rubber strap with a higher price tag I think you are exactly correct. It's like I'm wondering if the HE valve on the 1665s available at the $250 mark from dealers is actually functional, or purely cosmetic. Part of me says functional would be nice, but I'm not likely to be saturation diving any time soon, so it's really not an essential feature. As it turns out, the working He valves on aftermarket cases & some reps are designed like the gens. In case you missed it, read this. However, as I see it, the only reason to have a proper working valve is so that, upon close inspection, the watch looks gen. Having an engraving or etching in the side of the case is an obvious give-away of fakery (to a knowledgeable viewer). I'm not sure if you remember the silicone strap I had a year or so back (mysteriously got lost somehow ) but that had a flat back to it, and it really did get uncomfortably warm at times, especially compared to the way more comfortable Tropic-style I have never been a big fan of aftermarket rubber straps (still not ). But, when you need to tone down the bling, all I can say is desperate times call for desperate measures. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TeeJay Posted June 20, 2011 Report Share Posted June 20, 2011 I think you are exactly correct. It appears to be a fine product though, and I've never minded spending money on something expensive which I consider to be worth the cost As mentioned before, the compatibility with the watch's existing clasp is something which (to me) makes it worth the pricetag (although of course, it could definitely be done cheaper ) As it turns out, the working He valves on aftermarket cases & some reps are designed like the gens. In case you missed it, read this. Thanks for the link, I didn't realize that the MBWs had the faux valves, I'm glad I haven't asked a friend in Bangkok to have a look at the prices in the mall, as that would've really ground my gears, I think I'll just wait and see what happens when I eventually order one from WatchEden and hope for the best However, as I see it, the only reason to have a proper working valve is so that, upon close inspection, the watch looks gen. Having an engraving or etching in the side of the case is an obvious give-away of fakery. You are correct there, there is no need for a land-lubber like me to actually need the functional HE valve on the watch at all, and it is certainly a function which I would never see used. For me though, the knowledge that it was non-functional would probably irritate. A bit like the aforementioned faux chronos. I don't mind if a rep Daytona might have one of those day/date/24 hour movements, as those hands still perform a function, but when a watch has a dial with subdials marked out, and a hand just glued in place... That's what I really find frustrating Of course, as before, it's all a pretty much moot point at the moment till I can spare the cash to buy the piece, as with the lume tests, I'm just doing my groundwork to try and get a good project out of it Of course, anyone seeing it who knows what it is, would likely immediately know something was wrong ( ie why would I be wearing one... ) but I'd still like everything on it to actually work properly I have never been a big fan of aftermarket rubber straps (still not ). But, when you need to tone down the bling, all I can say is desperate times call for desperate measures. They do indeed Of course, a cheaper option would have been to re-finish the bracelet and brush the mid-links Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freddy333 Posted June 20, 2011 Author Report Share Posted June 20, 2011 They do indeed Of course, a cheaper option would have been to re-finish the bracelet and brush the mid-links What? Modify a gen or gen-like part? Never. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TeeJay Posted June 20, 2011 Report Share Posted June 20, 2011 What? Modify a gen or gen-like part? Never. What was I thinking to suggest such a thing? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freddy333 Posted June 20, 2011 Author Report Share Posted June 20, 2011 What is the world coming to? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TeeJay Posted June 20, 2011 Report Share Posted June 20, 2011 What is the world coming to? I know, I'm even planning projects which're as per original spec rather than my normal custom craziness, then again, it's supposed to be the End of the World before too long anyway Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThinkBachs Posted July 8, 2011 Report Share Posted July 8, 2011 Big Bummer: No strap for the DSSD! How could they make one for the Daytona but not the DSSD? I don't get it.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.