1950s Roidor - strap dilemma
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1950s Roidor - strap dilemma
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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. I've deliberately not create a 'Poll' as that's too easy/clinical.
Guy
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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. I've deliberately not create a 'Poll' as that's too easy/clinical.
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
And in short measures, life may perfect bee. - Ben Jonson (1572 – 1637)
Inscription on the Longitude Dial
Hatfield House, Hatfield, Hertfordshire AL9 5NB, England
- MiniMpi
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Re: 1950s Roidor - strap dilemma
Firstly that is a lovely looking piece and great family history to have
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.
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
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
He has a good collection of hand made straps, and the quality is really nice.
http://www.vintagewatchstraps.com/index.php
Steve
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Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints, kill nothing but time
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Linguist; retired teacher; pilgrim; apprentice travel writer
Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints, kill nothing but time
Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexatious to the spirit. (Max Ehrmann)
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Re: 1950s Roidor - strap dilemma
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
Thanks for your suggestions Ferg.MiniMpi wrote:Firstly that is a lovely looking piece and great family history to have
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.
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
Sent from my Xperia Z5 Premium
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
And in short measures, life may perfect bee. - Ben Jonson (1572 – 1637)
Inscription on the Longitude Dial
Hatfield House, Hatfield, Hertfordshire AL9 5NB, England
- Bahnstormer_vRS
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Re: 1950s Roidor - strap dilemma
Cheers Steve.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
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
Sent from my Xperia Z5 Premium
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
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
Great idea Chris.Lavaine wrote:Rather than a Nato, a Perlon strap would be period-appropriate and I think would look good.
Certainly an inexpensive option for starters, particularly as its summer (or so I am told).
Guy
Sent from my Xperia Z5 Premium
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
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
Well, you won't believe how hard it is to find a 16mm Perlon! 18mm, 20mm, 22mm all fine but 16mm!Bahnstormer_vRS wrote:Great idea Chris.Lavaine wrote:Rather than a Nato, a Perlon strap would be period-appropriate and I think would look good.
Certainly an inexpensive option for starters, particularly as its summer (or so I am told).
Guy
Sent from my Xperia Z5 Premium
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.
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
And in short measures, life may perfect bee. - Ben Jonson (1572 – 1637)
Inscription on the Longitude Dial
Hatfield House, Hatfield, Hertfordshire AL9 5NB, England
- Bahnstormer_vRS
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Re: 1950s Roidor - strap dilemma
Well, you won't believe how hard it is to find a 16mm Perlon! 18mm, 20mm, 22mm all fine but 16mm!Bahnstormer_vRS wrote:Great idea Chris.Lavaine wrote:Rather than a Nato, a Perlon strap would be period-appropriate and I think would look good.
Certainly an inexpensive option for starters, particularly as its summer (or so I am told).
Guy
Sent from my Xperia Z5 Premium
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.
Next up I've had a good read of David's website and, this time around, it has made a lot more sense.Bahnstormer_vRS wrote:Cheers Steve.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
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
Sent from my Xperia Z5 Premium
However my Roidor's 31mm case and 16mm lugs do not match up with any of his standard straps.
An email is called for.
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
And in short measures, life may perfect bee. - Ben Jonson (1572 – 1637)
Inscription on the Longitude Dial
Hatfield House, Hatfield, Hertfordshire AL9 5NB, England
Re: 1950s Roidor - strap dilemma
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.
Sent from my IRON using Tapatalk
Bravo.
Sent from my IRON using Tapatalk
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Re: 1950s Roidor - strap dilemma
@smegwina - many thanks Nick.
Certainly the Perlon will get it wearable quickly and I can then take time to get something leather.
Guy
Certainly the Perlon will get it wearable quickly and I can then take time to get something leather.
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
And in short measures, life may perfect bee. - Ben Jonson (1572 – 1637)
Inscription on the Longitude Dial
Hatfield House, Hatfield, Hertfordshire AL9 5NB, England
- tempusmaximus
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Re: 1950s Roidor - strap dilemma
I think that Perlon strap will go well with your watch Guy , nice choice .
Bernie
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Re: 1950s Roidor - strap dilemma
Thanks Bernie.tempusmaximus wrote:I think that Perlon strap will go well with your watch Guy , nice choice .
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
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
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
NOS Eulit Perlon arrived today.
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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Looks to be a good combination, particularly as the weather is warmer and I've gained a bit of a sun tan.
Guy
Sent from my Xperia Z5 Premium
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
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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