1950s Roidor - strap dilemma

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1950s Roidor - strap dilemma

Post by Bahnstormer_vRS »

I've had my Grandfather's early 1950's Roidor, that was awarded to him for 25 years long service with The Distillers Company, for a few years but it was badly in need of a service and new strap before it would be practical to wear it.

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I left it with Page & Cooper some weeks ago to deal with the Service element, which included a new crystal and crown, although I decided to leave the dial alone as I like the 'foxing' patina which illustrates its age, and I got it back last week when I collected my Damasko.

It has come up beautifully, a full wind takes about 10 turns and is a smooth as you'd want and its keeping good time, maybe gaining a bit, but there's no harm in that.

My next task is to get a strap for it and my decision is for which type. First up, some relevant details;-

Watch size - case 31mm w/o crown, 44mm lug2lug, 16mm lugs (strap width). The lugs are articulated and will drop 90 degrees, but with fixed spring bars. It was fitted with a pig skin strap on a 'Streamline' deployment that is about to fall to bits.

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My wrist - 7 1/2in or 19cm. I usually wear 42-44mm case watches and therefore 31mm is tiny to look at as shown in this 'naked' photo.

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Strap options

The two difficulties I have are that 1. I need an open ended or NATO/Bund type of strap and 2. most suitable straps are too short at around 75/110mm, whereas I usually get 80/120mm and would like a tad longer to compensate for the small lug2lug distance (5+ mm less than my usual watches).

Option 1 - Replacement Pigskin strap with Streamline deployment.

This is a like for like replacement which, crazily enough, I have found For Sale on ebay http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VINTAGE-PIG-S ... 1876543499

Downside is that, whilst it will (just) fit my wrist, it will be on the last hole of adjustment and the deployment buckle then sits half way round the side of my wrist and has too shallow a curve for this.

Upside is that it will be 'in character' and will be the strap that my Father used to wear the watch on.

Option 2 - Standard Alligator grain leather strap.

This one from Hirsch looks like it will fit the part well and is a good length @ 80/120mm. Its available with a silver finish buckle that will match the case.

https://www.watchobsession.co.uk/collec ... =320544643

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Downside is that the open-end element has to be glued down and thus is not easily changeable afterwards.

Option 3 - Bund style strap

This one is available from Steveo Straps, whom I've had straps from before and looks a good 'Vintage' style.

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Upsides are that 1. it will be made-to-measure for me and, with the articulated lugs, will fit the watch well and 2. the bund style will beef-up the size of the watch against my wrist.

Downside is that it will be, possibly, out of character with the style of the watch.

Option 4 - NATO strap

Something like this, with antique bronze fittings, from Watchgecko

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Downside is that its on available in 18mm or more so I will have to squeeze it in the lugs; although this should be OK as I know this strap is very soft and flexible.


All comments will be warmly appreciated. :wave: I've deliberately not create a 'Poll' as that's too easy/clinical. :problem:

Guy
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And in short measures, life may perfect bee. - Ben Jonson (1572 – 1637)

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Re: 1950s Roidor - strap dilemma

Post by MiniMpi »

Firstly that is a lovely looking piece and great family history to have :clap:
I feel that a nice dark brown leather strap would suit the watch well or what about an expanding strap like I put on my Dad's C3 if you remember ?
That would be very period I think.
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Re: 1950s Roidor - strap dilemma

Post by Amor Vincit Omnia »

Take a look at this, and send David an email.

He has a good collection of hand made straps, and the quality is really nice.

http://www.vintagewatchstraps.com/index.php
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Re: 1950s Roidor - strap dilemma

Post by Lavaine »

Rather than a Nato, a Perlon strap would be period-appropriate and I think would look good.
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Re: 1950s Roidor - strap dilemma

Post by Bahnstormer_vRS »

MiniMpi wrote:Firstly that is a lovely looking piece and great family history to have :clap:
I feel that a nice dark brown leather strap would suit the watch well or what about an expanding strap like I put on my Dad's C3 if you remember ?
That would be very period I think.
Thanks for your suggestions Ferg.

I've always been wary of the expanding strap on the basis that it will pinch the hairs on my arm. What a whimp.

However, IIRC, Kevin_b1 was offering some at no cost. Worth investigating.

Guy

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Re: 1950s Roidor - strap dilemma

Post by Bahnstormer_vRS »

Amor Vincit Omnia wrote:Take a look at this, and send David an email.

He has a good collection of hand made straps, and the quality is really nice.

http://www.vintagewatchstraps.com/index.php
Cheers Steve.

I've been round and back to that website several times. There's a lot of info but its difficult to see what's available.

As you suggest, an email to Dave may be best.

Guy

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And in short measures, life may perfect bee. - Ben Jonson (1572 – 1637)

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Re: 1950s Roidor - strap dilemma

Post by Bahnstormer_vRS »

Lavaine wrote:Rather than a Nato, a Perlon strap would be period-appropriate and I think would look good.
Great idea Chris.

Certainly an inexpensive option for starters, particularly as its summer (or so I am told).

Guy

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And in short measures, life may perfect bee. - Ben Jonson (1572 – 1637)

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Re: 1950s Roidor - strap dilemma

Post by Bahnstormer_vRS »

Bahnstormer_vRS wrote:
Lavaine wrote:Rather than a Nato, a Perlon strap would be period-appropriate and I think would look good.
Great idea Chris.

Certainly an inexpensive option for starters, particularly as its summer (or so I am told).

Guy

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Well, you won't believe how hard it is to find a 16mm Perlon! 18mm, 20mm, 22mm all fine but 16mm! :problem:

Nevertheless, the good old bay of E came to the rescue with this;- http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/222171149024? ... EBIDX%3AIT

Described as brown, but looking closely the weave is done with brown and black thread. Duly bought. :thumbup:
In small proportions, we just beautie see:
And in short measures, life may perfect bee. - Ben Jonson (1572 – 1637)

Inscription on the Longitude Dial
Hatfield House, Hatfield, Hertfordshire AL9 5NB, England
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Re: 1950s Roidor - strap dilemma

Post by Bahnstormer_vRS »

Bahnstormer_vRS wrote:
Lavaine wrote:Rather than a Nato, a Perlon strap would be period-appropriate and I think would look good.
Great idea Chris.

Certainly an inexpensive option for starters, particularly as its summer (or so I am told).

Guy

Sent from my Xperia Z5 Premium
Well, you won't believe how hard it is to find a 16mm Perlon! 18mm, 20mm, 22mm all fine but 16mm! :problem:

Nevertheless, the good old bay of E came to the rescue with this;- http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/222171149024? ... EBIDX%3AIT

Described as brown, but looking closely the weave is done with brown and black thread. Duly bought. :thumbup:
Bahnstormer_vRS wrote:
Amor Vincit Omnia wrote:Take a look at this, and send David an email.

He has a good collection of hand made straps, and the quality is really nice.

http://www.vintagewatchstraps.com/index.php
Cheers Steve.

I've been round and back to that website several times. There's a lot of info but its difficult to see what's available.

As you suggest, an email to Dave may be best.

Guy

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Next up I've had a good read of David's website and, this time around, it has made a lot more sense.

However my Roidor's 31mm case and 16mm lugs do not match up with any of his standard straps. :problem:

An email is called for. :thumbup:

Guy
In small proportions, we just beautie see:
And in short measures, life may perfect bee. - Ben Jonson (1572 – 1637)

Inscription on the Longitude Dial
Hatfield House, Hatfield, Hertfordshire AL9 5NB, England
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Re: 1950s Roidor - strap dilemma

Post by smegwina »

Delighted that you have found a strap for this wee piece if history. A wonderful watch that deserves to be kept ticking and keeping the legacy of a grand old man alive.

Bravo.

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Re: 1950s Roidor - strap dilemma

Post by Bahnstormer_vRS »

@smegwina - many thanks Nick.

Certainly the Perlon will get it wearable quickly and I can then take time to get something leather. :thumbup:

Guy
In small proportions, we just beautie see:
And in short measures, life may perfect bee. - Ben Jonson (1572 – 1637)

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Hatfield House, Hatfield, Hertfordshire AL9 5NB, England
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Re: 1950s Roidor - strap dilemma

Post by tempusmaximus »

I think that Perlon strap will go well with your watch Guy , nice choice .
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Re: 1950s Roidor - strap dilemma

Post by Bahnstormer_vRS »

tempusmaximus wrote:I think that Perlon strap will go well with your watch Guy , nice choice .
Thanks Bernie. :thumbup:

Guy
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And in short measures, life may perfect bee. - Ben Jonson (1572 – 1637)

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Re: 1950s Roidor - strap dilemma

Post by Lavaine »

Nice catch Guy. Good price for a NOS Eulit too. I'm surprised that finding a 16mm would be that hard since Perlon's are from an era of smaller watches. Looking forward to seeing it on the watch.
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Re: 1950s Roidor - strap dilemma

Post by Bahnstormer_vRS »

NOS Eulit Perlon arrived today.

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Looks to be a good combination, particularly as the weather is warmer and I've gained a bit of a sun tan.

Guy

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In small proportions, we just beautie see:
And in short measures, life may perfect bee. - Ben Jonson (1572 – 1637)

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