Cost of replacing a watch strap

Irish_Nomad

I hope this is a suitable question for the forum.

I have a Baume & Mercier Hampton Classic and it needs a new strap. I went into Weirs today and they quoted €220 and said there was no cheaper option if I wanted to keep the buckle fastening. Maybe it's just me getting old but that seems a crazy price for such a small item. I also recall replacing it 3-4 years ago for a fraction of that amount.

Does this price seem reasonable to people here and does anyone know of cheaper alternatives ?

Wibbs

Sounds a bit much alright. Unless it's a really special size or buckle attachment I can't see why the price is so high. Most buckles are held on with spring bars just like the strap attachment on the watch head lugs themselves. So if it's say a 20 mm lug width it might taper down to a 15 mm width at the buckle. It could be a length issue on top of that, if it's one of those straps/buckles that allows for little adjustment. In which case maybe that's the only strap they have in that size. Either way IMHO they are extracting the urine and no mistake. I would defo shop around other places. Personally I have gotten my straps online and fitted them myself, but if you're anxious about that I can understand why.

Irish_Nomad

Thanks for the replies.

I don't have a digital camera. This image is the closest match I can find but the fittings are somewhat different. I'll try to get a photo of mine.

F1S_2.jpg

I'll have a hunt around online and see if I can find something suitable.
Any other recommended sites apart from ABP ?

Cyrus

just check the size of the strao where it meets the watch head and where it tapers to the buckle, itll be something like 20/18 mm or 18/16mm, then buy an after market strap of your choice in that size

try waccex on ebay, watchworx.co.uk, simply straps, timefactors.com

piaget

Check out Freda watch straps in the US, I bought a DiModell (german made) sharkskin watch strap from them for about €50 euros delivered and they will throw in a free spring bar tool for DIY changing if you mention you seen their ad on one of the watch forums such as Timezone or watchuseek. I have it fitted to my Seamaster and the quality is as good as the Omega crocodile strap and far better than Hirsch etc you would get here. If you lug size is an even number eg 20mm, 18mm then you're laughing.

Irish_Nomad

Just to keep you informed :

I got in touch with Freda Watches and it looks like I can get an alligator skin strap (without any notches punched) for $100+$3pp. That's about €75 so your help and a little surfing saves me €145. Not too bad assuming I can put it together when it arrives

btw Cyrus : I found Watchworx and Time Factors but I couldn't see any sign of a site called Simply Straps.

Blackpitts

try this website
http://www.watch-band-center.com/shop-watchstrap.html

and go for soem good brand like Morellato or Hirsh, they are even better than the original ones and cost way less than that

StealthRolex

bedlam wrote: »

Do you happen to have a picture of the buckle? I find it hard to believe there is no other way to keep it than ordering an OEM stap, sounds like they are trying to pull a fast one.

You're probably right Bedlam - most tangs are removable with the right tools and more than likely the tech in Weirs will do this upstairs.

I have a Breitling tang on a Hirsh strap I use on my Tudor when I'm tired of the Rolex bracelet.