Punch hole in leather strap - value? (Cartier)

[Rinz]

Hey all. I'm totally new into the watch world, and yesterday i got my first watch. A Cartier Tank. Bought it vintage, but with an original Cartier leather strap. The problem for me, is that it does not fit that well, either it's a bit too lose or a bit too slippery.

So i'm thinking about going to a watch-place and have them punch another hole in the strap. However; i also bought the watch with a bit of investing thoughts behind; at least that i want to have the feeling, that it will not fall in value. So my question is will a watch's value go down, if you punch an extra hole - and modify the original strap? Or is the value mostly in the dial?

Looking forward to getting a bit more clever.

Best wishes, Rinz

[rootbeer7]

A strap is a strap. It might make it easier to sell at a later date if in good original condition, but I wouldn’t overthink it. As far as an investment? It’s a lovely watch. If you’re lucky it will hold its value, but you’ll make more money elsewhere! Punch the hole, make it comfortable and wear it!

[CPRWATCH]

Why not buy another strap ( it doesn't have to be expensive )& try it on for comfort , if it still doesn't feel right then punch another hole . We all want the goldilocks feeling when wearing our watches whether on leather or bracelet or Nato . Then relax & enjoy

[Rinz]

Originally Posted by CPRWATCH

Why not buy another strap ( it doesn't have to be expensive )& try it on for comfort , if it still doesn't feel right then punch another hole . We all want the goldilocks feeling when wearing our watches whether on leather or bracelet or Nato . Then relax & enjoy

Could be an idea! I just like that the current strap is original + i absolutely love the colour etc of it! :)

[CPRWATCH]

Originally Posted by Rinz

Could be an idea! I just like that the current strap is original + i absolutely love the colour etc of it! :)

I'm pretty sure you can find a very similar looking strap & of good quality quite easily , in fact once you start looking you will be spoilt for choice . And you will still have the original strap with minimal wear ,should you decide to move the watch on at a later date .

[Rinz]

Originally Posted by CPRWATCH

I'm pretty sure you can find a very similar looking strap & of good quality quite easily , in fact once you start looking you will be spoilt for choice . And you will still have the original strap with minimal wear ,should you decide to move the watch on at a later date .

Thanks! And the reason being is, that you think it can lessen the value, if i am to punch a new hole in the original one? :)

[omar-rye]

I personally would tuck that strap away and wear the watch with a high-quality aftermarket strap, pairing it with its original buckle. The vintage leather strap could be brittle and might break apart due to its age.

[enjoythemusic]

Agree with others, it is very easy to buy another strap and have at it. i do this often :)

[santoshlv426]

A future fastidious collector will be annoyed with a punched strap. Keep the strap original and buy another strap.

[1William]

Don't destroy the strap with a hole punch. Pick up another strap or two and enjoy the watch. If you should decide to move the watch at some point in the future, you will have an undamaged strap. Beautiful watch.

[llngoc]

Have you tried to see if Cartier can provide a matching replacement? But for leather strap, as someone mentioned, it probably would become brittle and not "usable" after 10-20 years anyway. I usually do not like to punch hole too but not for value retention and more like that the buckle does not center right if the strap is too long.

Whenever I got a new Aquanaut, I order two sets of new straps since these has to be cut and I am OCD about Patek discontinuing them one day.

[DJH1977]

People with extremely expensive watches change straps routinely. Go for it--grab a couple. Charming Tank Must!