Watch band sizes

[speedracer61]

Just got my first 2 reps, a IWC and a Bell & Ross and whereas I like both, they both have bands that are too small. I contact the TD and they said that is the only size they come in but I hate to put another band on that doesn't have the appropriate markings. I don't have large wrist and most off the shelf watches fit me fine. What are my options here? Is this something I should address when buying the watch and maybe ask band length?

 

SORRY FOR THE DOUBLE POST, THOUGH THIS ONE DIDNT GO THROUGH AND NOT SURE HOW TO DELETE IT.

Edited August 11, 2014 by speedracer61

[speedracer61]

Just got my first 2 reps a IWC and a Bell & Ross and whereas both watches are nice, the bands are too small. I don't have large wrist and most off the shelf watches and bands fit me fine. The TD says this is the only size the offer but I hate to change to a band that doesn't have the appropriate markings. Not sure what might options might be and if this is something that is normally taken up with the dealer before the purchase.

[GenTLe]

Asian wrists are small. So it happens that the model used has a short strap.

Get a spare good one, in any case generally the REP straps aren't SO good...

[chronoluvvv]

what size is your wrist ?

[Nightwatch]

Hi and welcome. The ones You already have You´re stuck with. In future purchases You may ask for the strap length like will it fit a 7.5 inch wrist?

 

If You scroll down here on Dan Migliores page You´ll find a conversion table I have used it well and a downloadable wrist-sizer to facilitate.

Aftermarket straps have a much better quality than rep-straps, even machine-made ones like Panatime, the best are hand-made, I recommend Martu for price/quality relationship.

Some smaller TD´s or Toro will fit other straps if available, not for all models if they come with a brand-specific one, just had the issue with the $543 Blancpain that only comes with a tiny 6.5 wrist strap and needs special Torx T3 drivers as well to get it open.

[speedracer61]

It appears my wrist is about 8" and whereas I have seen some really nice bands out there it would be nice to have one that has the original markings. I am sure I can probably search and find gen bands I just wasnt sure if there might be other options. I was also just wondering if anyone else had this problem and is it something you try to address when you buy the watch or do you just accept the fact you are probably going to have to buy a different band.

[speedracer61]

Not sure where to find Dan Miglores page as I would like to see the conversion table!

Thanks

[Mike on a bike]

speed I am at 8.5 in all cases I have to buy another strap, at 8 you are most likely in the same boat. They do not make them to fit us in China in addition rep straps are crap, as a rule we replace them 90% of the time.

 

PS  8 inches is big in the watch world.

[speedracer61]

Thanks for the info, I guess I am between a 7.5 and a 8 and I can see where Chinese measurements might fall a bit short. Do people usually just replace the band with any quality band or is it best to look for a matching factory replacement?

[GenTLe]

I go for the ones I like, no matters the branding on the leather, and I avoid to spend more than 50/60$ for a strap. Eventually I search a branded rep clasp/buckle (i.e. here: http://stores.ebay.com/linamarket/Watch-Clasp-Buckle-/_i.html?_fsub=501570419&_sid=1043351479&_trksid=p4634.c0.m322 ).

 

I.e. for the B&R I'm waiting a restock of the XL one crocodile here (the one that is coming has rubber strap and I want a leather one): http://www.bandrbands.com/index.aspx

 

Other sources in that price range here: http://strappedfortime.com/shop/ (tested for my Tudor BlackBay) and http://www.bradystraps.com/Home_Page.php (waiting one for my BlancPain)