Black Bay Maintenance Question

[HERITAGE82]

I have a Black Bay and I use it on the supplied fabric strap. I have a few questions for fellow owners regarding the maintenance:

In the manual it states that the Fabric strap is not to be used I the water. It uses the same wording as it does for the Leather strap (very strange I know, but check your manuals yourself).

I do not understand how this could be since it is a dive watch and the advertising has it wet with the fabric strap on it. I had an AD call Tudor USA and they said “well follow the manual.”

So what would the reason be for the strap not being used in the water? Also, to those that have used it in the water are there any strange repercussions, such as smell or deterioration.

Also, since the spring bars are sewn into place on this strap do we need to remove the strap after each salt/chlorine water use to clean the case back with fresh water? This seems a bit tedious, but if the case back and strap are not washed with fresh water properly then it could cause rust on the case back due to constant contact with the fabric strap that has salt/chlorine residue remaining.

I am not overly concerned with this and could remove the strap after exposure without a problem since I have done it so many times, but it just seems like a non-WIS who would purchase this watch would not be inclined to do so for cleaning.

Thanks for your input!

[5253Reynolds]

I wouldn't worry about wearing the strap in the water. If it does wear out you can replace it for less than $20. As for removing the strap to wash the case back? I guess that's really up to you. I'm no expert but I would imagine it would take years of exposure for corrosion to take hold on the case back. I saw a picture of a TT Sub here on the forum that had been on the ocean floor for a year and was eventually sucked up by a dredge. The Sub looked fine.

[hsfrank]

[QUOTE=5253Reynolds;I saw a picture of a TT Sub here on the forum that had been on the ocean floor for a year and was eventually sucked up by a dredge. The Sub looked fine.[/QUOTE]

Ow! And it keeps on ticking.LOL

[77T]

Maybe stow the factory straps away for the future flip? Then you can get a NATP or Zulu for the daily grind.

[HERITAGE82]

Thank you for the input.

The problem with buying aftermarket Nato straps is you lose the amazing Tudor Buckle. Wearing out the strap is not a huge concern as long as it lasts a few years. They cost around $170. The case back rust is my larger concern since the fabric strap would absorb the Salt/chlorine and constantly be rubbing against the case back.

[NKflyer]

Personally, I'm not a fan of the supplied fabric strap. NATO is cheap, easy to remove if you want to rinse the watch more thoroughly, and available in countless color combos.

[HERITAGE82]

Originally Posted by NKflyer

Personally, I'm not a fan of the supplied fabric strap. NATO is cheap, easy to remove if you want to rinse the watch more thoroughly, and available in countless color combos.

That strap looks great, but for me the Buckle on the OEM strap is too nice to give up!

[TudorBeast]

Is the supplied Tudor fabric strap really $170??

[HERITAGE82]

Originally Posted by TudorBeast

Is the supplied Tudor fabric strap really $170??

When I called I believe it was around that price. I remember clearly it was a hundred something.....not cheap and according to them not waterproof!!

[mike]

Originally Posted by TudorBeast

Is the supplied Tudor fabric strap really $170??

Sure is and comes without hardwear.

[Chainring]

Originally Posted by mike

Sure is and comes without hardwear.

Are you serious? I guess that is why mine will remain sealed in the plastic bag it came in. I prefer the bracelet over anything else I have tried thus far.

[Tudor Fan]

Originally Posted by Chainring

Are you serious? I guess that is why mine will remain sealed in the plastic bag it came in. I prefer the bracelet over anything else I have tried thus far.

Yep. I keep coming always back to the bracelet as well.

[mike]

Originally Posted by Chainring

Are you serious? I guess that is why mine will remain sealed in the plastic bag it came in. I prefer the bracelet over anything else I have tried thus far.

Amazing isn't it. I just got the wire out of my mouth from my jaw hitting the floor.

The bracelet is all I've ever had on mine.

[HERITAGE82]

Originally Posted by mike

Amazing isn't it. I just got the wire out of my mouth from my jaw hitting the floor.

The bracelet is all I've ever had on mine.

I don't like the watch on the SS bracelet or the distressed leather strap (I sold my leather strap after I purchased the watch). The Vintage look and vibe just go incredibly well with the Fabric strap IMHO.

[kokota]

Originally Posted by TudorBeast

Is the supplied Tudor fabric strap really $170??

Originally Posted by mike

Sure is and comes without hardwear.

I disagree, based on RSC NYC.
I was there Oct. '13 and was quoted ~$170 for the factory distressed leather strap.
Close to $200 for the supplied fabric strap is a little overboard, even by Rolex standards.

[HERITAGE82]

Originally Posted by Terpits

I would just dunk the watch with strap in fresh water let it sit and shake. I shower with it too, so it gets some warm soapy cleaning. I haven't noticed anything bad after water exposure. It somewhat hardens (I can't think of a better word) but I think it is good since it fits better. I too would have been ok if that was the only strap for it. I bought the bracelet option and put it on a couple of times but I always switch back to fabric after a couple of hours. I like the Isofrane but if I will order it, I would only use it for the Pelagos, not the BB.

The only thing I dislike with the fabric, the loose metal loop. I thought about bending so it would be more snug and not slide.

IMHO, this watch is best with the fabric strap.

Thanks for the info and yours looks great. I am going to wear mine and follow your lead!

Originally Posted by kokota

I disagree, based on RSC NYC.
I was there Oct. '13 and was quoted ~$170 for the factory distressed leather strap.
Close to $200 for the supplied fabric strap is a little overboard, even by Rolex standards.

The cost of the Distressed leather strap is $650, and the Fabric strap is expensive, but imagine that Tudor views it as a strap option so therefore it is going to cost a high premium just for being made by them.

[Terpits]

Originally Posted by QCASANOVA

The cost of the Distressed leather strap is $650, and the Fabric strap is expensive, but imagine that Tudor views it as a strap option so therefore it is going to cost a high premium just for being made by them.

That is USD?? 21% of the watch price!
I have been planning on ordering another fabric strap. I should do this soon before they jack up the price!

[mike]

Originally Posted by kokota

I disagree, based on RSC NYC.
I was there Oct. '13 and was quoted ~$170 for the factory distressed leather strap.
Close to $200 for the supplied fabric strap is a little overboard, even by Rolex standards.

Well, I have no idea about RSC, but 170 USD is a fact. I ordered one without asking the price(who would have thought).

Comes in a plastic bag marked Tudor Black Fabric with no hardware.

[HERITAGE82]

Originally Posted by mike

Well, I have no idea about RSC, but 170 USD is a fact. I ordered one without asking the price(who would have thought).

Comes in a plastic bag marked Tudor Black Fabric with no hardware.

When you say no hardware, do you mean no buckle or no steel hardware at all?

[landroverking]

Wait let me understand this. You want to get a dive watch wet ?



LOL

[HERITAGE82]

Originally Posted by landroverking

Wait let me understand this. You want to get a dive watch wet ?



LOL

Yes, that is the point of them.... However, the strap supposedly isn't made for the water?!?!

[Old Expat Beast]

This is what happens when you outsource your straps to the same people who make robes for the Vatican, I guess. Fancy, but expensive and not waterproof.

[Jake B]

My guess is that it will stretch and contract with use in water, and they're looking to cover their butts knowing that if they don't simply state not intended for use in water then they could look forward to an endless onslaught of unreasonable and ridiculous emails from customers whining about how the strap didn't remain completely brand new looking after use in the ocean.

Go ahead, use it in the water, but realise that it will stretch when wet, and will then contract when it dries out, just like any other fabric strap.

[Wesley Crusher]

The fact that the OEM strap is $170 is enough of a reason not to go swimming/diving with it. Buy a $15 nato, use it for swimming/diving and replace it with the OEM strap for dry conditions.

[Outback]

Originally Posted by wesley crusher

the fact that the oem strap is $170 is enough of a reason not to go swimming/diving with it. Buy a $15 nato, use it for swimming/diving and replace it with the oem strap for dry conditions.

+1

[melons]

I removed the fabric strap from my BB shortly after receiving it. Been wearing it on several different 3 ring zulu's, they are perfect for the BB.

[Terpits]

I saw that on the manual too. That didn't stop me. I love the strap for the same reasons you mentioned and I wouldn't consider any alternative.

[Dr. Robert]

Doesn't have a tudor buckle, but the isofrane buckle & strap are sharp & the strap makes any dive watch look better.

[phils]

If that what Tudor says, don't use the strap.
What's the matter with the excellent bracelet that's supplied? That would be my choice.

[HERITAGE82]

Originally Posted by Terpits

I saw that on the manual too. That didn't stop me. I love the strap for the same reasons you mentioned and I wouldn't consider any alternative.

I feel the the same way you do. The Tudor fabric strap is fantastic. It feel is and looks great.

Have you noticed any adverse reaction from the strap after water exposure?

Also, did you remove the strap for cleaning after or just run it under clean water?

Originally Posted by phils

If that what Tudor says, don't use the strap.
What's the matter with the excellent bracelet that's supplied? That would be my choice.

I didn't buy the stainless strap option, since to me I wanted to use the watch on the Fabric strap specifically.

I appreciate everyone's input....