Question regarding Daytonas on Leather (116515, 116518, 116519)

[sampelligrino]

Hey TRF,

Been getting that "itch" again to pick something up with the Rolex name (SS model), but on the other hand I've been saving up for my grail: the 116515 Rolex Ceramic Daytona. While most Rolexes on non-OEM strap (like Natos or other bands) don't do it for me, the Daytona on the OEM strap looks killer.... I even prefer it to the bracelet versions.

My question to TRF regards the leather strap, sorry if the answers are obvious

- How does the leather band hold up over time? Do you have to replace it ever so often? How do you clean your watch, can you take showers with the watch on?

- If the "shorter" strap is needed (my wrists are on the smaller side), can I just order them via my local AD?

- Could I swap the straps that come with the Daytona to the shorter ones on my own? I've had no problem taking off the bracelets on my 16710 (lug holes) and 116710 (no lug holes), but it doesn't seem easy to take the straps off the 116515 or any OEM strap on a Daytona.

Thanks for all your input TRF, looking forward to your opinions!! - Sammy

[AK797]

Dont know about how the leather holds up but Im also after the ceramic chocolate. Tried that and the YG Daytona panda on brown leather and the chocolate quite frankly blew it away. How long do you think it will take you to save up?

[sampelligrino]

My best guess is about 1 year max to get the funds where I'm comfortable picking my holy grail absent any unexpected events occurring :) What about you AK? I'm personally going after the Ivory dial, love the arabic numerals on the chocolate dial but prefer the simplicity of the white dial.

[landroverking]

Leather is very cool. Change it out about every other year.
I prefer the WG Daytona on a strap.

[tinger]

The thing about daytona/strap combo on a small round/narrow wrist like mine is that the strap falls away from the lugs at a bad angle. Bad in the sense that the sharp lug ends sticks out by itself too much when on wrist. I think this wont be an issue if you have a flat wrist. I'll post a pic when I get home tomorrow.

The short straps are too tight for my 6.5" wrist. The AD gave me gave me a combo of short and regular. While this fit ok, I cant get the clasp to center.
I think for the money, the ABP custom made straps is a better buy.

[sampelligrino]

Originally Posted by tinger

The thing about daytona/strap combo on a small round/narrow wrist like mine is that the strap falls away from the lugs at a bad angle. Bad in the sense that the sharp lug ends sticks out by itself too much when on wrist. I think this wont be an issue if you have a flat wrist. I'll post a pic when I get home tomorrow.

The short straps are too tight for my 6.5" wrist. The AD gave me gave me a combo of short and regular. While this fit ok, I cant get the clasp to center.
I think for the money, the ABP custom made straps is a better buy.

I have flat wrists, but my wrists are even smaller at around 6.2 inches. Do you think the shorter straps would accommodate my wrist size better? Do you ever clean your watch Tinger, with the strap on?

[Solo118]

Sammy, as a semi-new 116518 owner and fellow small wrister... I have good news for you as I already done all the homework!

If you are considering the 116518/9 you need to buy a new strap from RSC. Heres the tricky part! For our size wrist (if we are indeed the same) you need to keep the 6 oclock side from what comes with the watch and use the 12 oclock side from the short strap. The 6 oclock side from the "short" strap is ridiculously small.

You need to go to an AD or RSC yourself to ensure the leathers match!! Cost of $360 well worth it for your first strap! Once the OEM strap wears out, I would then suggest a custom strap such as ABP as it has a similar cost. I do not think you want to go OEM again after because you need to buy 2 straps!!

I had an aftermarket strap (cost $150) and IMHO it was nothing like the OEM. Was not worth my time/money as I much prefer the OEM strap. The good part is RSC NY called me saying they have a different size strap (not same as the short) that may fit. I will be going Friday to try it out.

Once I get the strap and see it works I can give you the part number or whatever code is on the bottom so you can use when you obtain your watch.

Now if you are lucky enough to obtain a 116515 the news gets better (but with a draw). The way the new clasp is designed for the 116515 the 6 oclock side even in "short" size is a normal length. This means you can go direct to an AD or RSC when you need a new strap and just buy the short size. The bad news- I do not know if there are other colors available for this reference as both dials have a black strap!

Best of luck on your mission! I feel like the short strap expert after a short 2 months into ownership :)

[GerardoG]

Originally Posted by Solo118

Sammy, as a semi-new 116518 owner and fellow small wrister... I have good news for you as I already done all the homework!

If you are considering the 116518/9 you need to buy a new strap from RSC. Heres the tricky part! For our size wrist (if we are indeed the same) you need to keep the 6 oclock side from what comes with the watch and use the 12 oclock side from the short strap. The 6 oclock side from the "short" strap is ridiculously small.

You need to go to an AD or RSC yourself to ensure the leathers match!! Cost of $360 well worth it for your first strap! Once the OEM strap wears out, I would then suggest a custom strap such as ABP as it has a similar cost. I do not think you want to go OEM again after because you need to buy 2 straps!!

I had an aftermarket strap (cost $150) and IMHO it was nothing like the OEM. Was not worth my time/money as I much prefer the OEM strap. The good part is RSC NY called me saying they have a different size strap (not same as the short) that may fit. I will be going Friday to try it out.

Once I get the strap and see it works I can give you the part number or whatever code is on the bottom so you can use when you obtain your watch.

Now if you are lucky enough to obtain a 116515 the news gets better (but with a draw). The way the new clasp is designed for the 116515 the 6 oclock side even in "short" size is a normal length. This means you can go direct to an AD or RSC when you need a new strap and just buy the short size. The bad news- I do not know if there are other colors available for this reference as both dials have a black strap!

Best of luck on your mission! I feel like the short strap expert after a short 2 months into ownership :)

You pretty much covered it all! I ordered a small strap from Rolex (had the watch shipped with it, I did not want to spend the additional $300+ on a short strap and then have a medium size sitting there), and the clasp is centered and just fine.

I agree that Daytonas on strap look GREAT!

[tinger]

Sol covered it nicely!
Let me know how the new strap fit.

I think with a 6.2" wrist, the short strap should be OK. But definitely try it out at the ad/boutique. The short strap was too tight for me with no room to adjust further on clasp

[A.Sharp]

How about cleaning it? Do these straps hold up even after getting them a bit wet?

[Solo118]

Originally Posted by A.Sharp

How about cleaning it? Do these straps hold up even after getting them a bit wet?

I am new to leather, so I would love to know how to prolong the life of the strap.

As for water I wouldn't shower with it, but maybe a couple of drops are OK? I know usually if straps get wet or sweaty they tend to smell bad after a while.

[LittlePud]

The only main caveat with Daytona on leather is that a Daytona that comes with a stock leather strap isn't compatible with an OEM Rolex bracelet afterwards, should you want to change your mind. If you want to be able to switch between a bracelet and a strap, I believe you might need to get the stock bracelet version, as the stock strap version comes with fixed bars across the lugs.

[sampelligrino]

Originally Posted by Solo118

Sammy, as a semi-new 116518 owner and fellow small wrister... I have good news for you as I already done all the homework!

If you are considering the 116518/9 you need to buy a new strap from RSC. Heres the tricky part! For our size wrist (if we are indeed the same) you need to keep the 6 oclock side from what comes with the watch and use the 12 oclock side from the short strap. The 6 oclock side from the "short" strap is ridiculously small.

You need to go to an AD or RSC yourself to ensure the leathers match!! Cost of $360 well worth it for your first strap! Once the OEM strap wears out, I would then suggest a custom strap such as ABP as it has a similar cost. I do not think you want to go OEM again after because you need to buy 2 straps!!

I had an aftermarket strap (cost $150) and IMHO it was nothing like the OEM. Was not worth my time/money as I much prefer the OEM strap. The good part is RSC NY called me saying they have a different size strap (not same as the short) that may fit. I will be going Friday to try it out.

Once I get the strap and see it works I can give you the part number or whatever code is on the bottom so you can use when you obtain your watch.

Now if you are lucky enough to obtain a 116515 the news gets better (but with a draw). The way the new clasp is designed for the 116515 the 6 oclock side even in "short" size is a normal length. This means you can go direct to an AD or RSC when you need a new strap and just buy the short size. The bad news- I do not know if there are other colors available for this reference as both dials have a black strap!

Best of luck on your mission! I feel like the short strap expert after a short 2 months into ownership :)

Awesome information Sol, thanks a TON!!! I'm aiming for the 116515, if I can get the 116518/9 then I figured I might as well save a bit more for the Ceramic Daytona. I love the black strap on the 116515's, with the Ivory dial. If I get any more questions, you might get a PM or two from me!

I was still wondering though about cleaning it and like you said, if the strap gets sweaty then what?? How do you clean your straps, if at all? Or do you just wipe around the case?

The reason I'm concerned is because here in Hawaii, the humidity can really crank up and my wrists will sweat. I hope a leather Daytona would still be feasible out here, hopefully not having to swap out straps every year..

[Lrd2sea]

Try ABP. IMO they make straps far superior than oem.

[CJ01]

Great thread! Really informative stuff. Daytona on leather is my grail.

[GerardoG]

Originally Posted by sammyofkahala

Awesome information Sol, thanks a TON!!! I'm aiming for the 116515, if I can get the 116518/9 then I figured I might as well save a bit more for the Ceramic Daytona. I love the black strap on the 116515's, with the Ivory dial. If I get any more questions, you might get a PM or two from me!

I was still wondering though about cleaning it and like you said, if the strap gets sweaty then what?? How do you clean your straps, if at all? Or do you just wipe around the case?

The reason I'm concerned is because here in Hawaii, the humidity can really crank up and my wrists will sweat. I hope a leather Daytona would still be feasible out here, hopefully not having to swap out straps every year..

Straps (leather) are not the same. As in outpr watches, there are diferent options and qualities. Cheaper will break easily at bend points and will smell TERRIBLE after wearing it for a week in 100F weather (just by getting your wrist sweat). Higher end will not present those problems for a long time. One way to extend the life is adding a deployment buckle (as in a Daytona) as you would bend the strap less and, when sweated in, just clean with a damp cloth in fresh water to remove salts/minerals that our sweat has. I would not suggest diving or swimming with a leather Daytona, but a few drops here or there will be fine.

As for quality, people owning Panerai watches (guilty here) buy straps for fun, not because they get damaged. Patek owners do not replace the straps on their watches often, ditto for Breguet, AP, JLC and, Rolex of course.

Now, take a 'less expensive' watch on leather, and you will be replacing straps every year! (Been there).

Hope this helps.

[Mjsongin]

The absolute best straps for any watch are custom made at www.AbpParis.com. They will make a strap out of anything for you from ostrich feet to alligator to a basketball.

[Solo118]

Originally Posted by sammyofkahala

Awesome information Sol, thanks a TON!!! I'm aiming for the 116515, if I can get the 116518/9 then I figured I might as well save a bit more for the Ceramic Daytona. I love the black strap on the 116515's, with the Ivory dial. If I get any more questions, you might get a PM or two from me!

I was still wondering though about cleaning it and like you said, if the strap gets sweaty then what?? How do you clean your straps, if at all? Or do you just wipe around the case?

The reason I'm concerned is because here in Hawaii, the humidity can really crank up and my wrists will sweat. I hope a leather Daytona would still be feasible out here, hopefully not having to swap out straps every year..

Best of luck to you. I really wanted the 116515 but the 116518 is priced much less. You can find a pre loved 116528 for the same money as a like new 116515.

Anyways keep in mind the new 116515 has a different design strap which strap makers may not know how to replicate just yet.

I was playing around on ABPs site and it looks like they have a special strap called ultra resistant that should be perfect for you!

[sampelligrino]

Originally Posted by GerardoG

Straps (leather) are not the same. As in outpr watches, there are diferent options and qualities. Cheaper will break easily at bend points and will smell TERRIBLE after wearing it for a week in 100F weather (just by getting your wrist sweat). Higher end will not present those problems for a long time. One way to extend the life is adding a deployment buckle (as in a Daytona) as you would bend the strap less and, when sweated in, just clean with a damp cloth in fresh water to remove salts/minerals that our sweat has. I would not suggest diving or swimming with a leather Daytona, but a few drops here or there will be fine.

As for quality, people owning Panerai watches (guilty here) buy straps for fun, not because they get damaged. Patek owners do not replace the straps on their watches often, ditto for Breguet, AP, JLC and, Rolex of course.

Now, take a 'less expensive' watch on leather, and you will be replacing straps every year! (Been there).

Hope this helps.

Gerardo that is very helpful, thanks a ton. Like you said if I get the 116515 then I'd plan to keep the OEM strap on with the clasp at all times, not a fan of changing straps or bracelets. I guess I would just have to wipe the straps with a damp cloth every once in a while.

[sampelligrino]

Originally Posted by Solo118

Best of luck to you. I really wanted the 116515 but the 116518 is priced much less. You can find a pre loved 116528 for the same money as a like new 116515.

Anyways keep in mind the new 116515 has a different design strap which strap makers may not know how to replicate just yet.

I was playing around on ABPs site and it looks like they have a special strap called ultra resistant that should be perfect for you!

Thanks Sol For me, the ceramic bezel is a must have (although I know it has its fair share of detractors too), and I just prefer the look of the Daytona on a strap compared with a bracelet. My GMT2 and 2c already have bracelets anyways

Sol do you change your straps on your 116518 a lot? Is it easy to do?

[Solo118]

I do not, I haven't even taken off the plastic yet! I had RSC install the aforementioned cheap strap and I am going back on Friday as they advised they have a different size for me to try out. The question is which color to go for as I have the white panda dial.

I also plan on buying a rubber b for summer time to avoid sweaty leather and possibly even take it swimming. I sure hope to grow cajones by then to do the change myself. It's a pretty easy process from what i hear. For 116515 I do not think its compatible yet but I would definitely look into that if you want some alternatives/additions to leather.

[www777]

I rather like my WG on strap. No issues after a year of wearing but could see the need to replace after a few years.

[AK797]

Originally Posted by sammyofkahala

My best guess is about 1 year max to get the funds where I'm comfortable picking my holy grail absent any unexpected events occurring :) What about you AK? I'm personally going after the Ivory dial, love the arabic numerals on the chocolate dial but prefer the simplicity of the white dial.

Im buying an AP this summer so this will probably be next year for me too. I cant wait but I will

One thing you can do to your strap is occasionally spray your fav aftershave on it, then when you put it on you get an unexpected pleasant surprise. It also usually lasts a few days, just a simple way to keep it smelling decent. Dont think a rubber strap would work on such a luxurious watch and also a shame they didnt release the bracelet version this year as that would look good esp on the ivory I think, but the black leather is perfect for the choc dial imho.

[BJT]

Originally Posted by Solo118

Sammy, as a semi-new 116518 owner and fellow small wrister... I have good news for you as I already done all the homework!

If you are considering the 116518/9 you need to buy a new strap from RSC. Heres the tricky part! For our size wrist (if we are indeed the same) you need to keep the 6 oclock side from what comes with the watch and use the 12 oclock side from the short strap. The 6 oclock side from the "short" strap is ridiculously small.

You need to go to an AD or RSC yourself to ensure the leathers match!! Cost of $360 well worth it for your first strap! Once the OEM strap wears out, I would then suggest a custom strap such as ABP as it has a similar cost. I do not think you want to go OEM again after because you need to buy 2 straps!!

I had an aftermarket strap (cost $150) and IMHO it was nothing like the OEM. Was not worth my time/money as I much prefer the OEM strap. The good part is RSC NY called me saying they have a different size strap (not same as the short) that may fit. I will be going Friday to try it out.

Once I get the strap and see it works I can give you the part number or whatever code is on the bottom so you can use when you obtain your watch.

Now if you are lucky enough to obtain a 116515 the news gets better (but with a draw). The way the new clasp is designed for the 116515 the 6 oclock side even in "short" size is a normal length. This means you can go direct to an AD or RSC when you need a new strap and just buy the short size. The bad news- I do not know if there are other colors available for this reference as both dials have a black strap!

Best of luck on your mission! I feel like the short strap expert after a short 2 months into ownership :)

Thanks a million for this thread , it has saved me a massive amount of time and probably money. I have a 116519 and had already done my own research and had arrived at most of the same conclusions but it is great to have your own decisions ratified. I have PM'd Solo118 via another forum and had a very helpful reply. Thanks again.

[2106]

Hi all, does anyone know if there is a rubber strap available for the 116515 with a rose gold deployment. I sent Everest an email last week but still no response. Their website has a ss deployment but no rg. Also not sure if they have one to fit the 116515 yet?

[mynameistaken]

Just got the 116515, does anyone any updates on straps available for this model.

Thanks!!

[Lgear080]

Rubber b... All the way

[locutus49]

Sammy, you are a strapping young man, but I vote for bracelet, because although they will get scratches (that can be buffed out), they look great AND withstand all moisture and athletic activities. Just keep in mind that in the future you might be able to buy a bracelet to fit your watch.

The Daytona you are eyeing is gorgeous, and you will be the talk of the town. The only negative is that if you are married, she will get jealous of all the flirts you get from brazen women with a sharp eye for fine watches.

[Solo118]

Originally Posted by mynameistaken

Just got the 116515, does anyone any updates on straps available for this model.

Thanks!!

Congrats!!

You have a few options, but I am not sure if the custom strap makers have the schematics for the RG Daytona. You could always ask!

Options:
1) RSC direct- Not sure if they have color options, but black is standard so hopefully you can get a nice dark brown? I bought a strap for about $450 when I first aquired my 116518.
2) Rubber B- I have had my Rubber B for about 10 months and it is excellent. I am going back to leather, but for the summer/vacation you can't beat having your 11651x on a Rubber strap!
3)ABP Paris- One of the best strap makers around from what I read. They have many options including a sweatproof lining that should help prolong the life of your strap. The options are around $350 which is still a bit less than RSC!

[sturgeon123456]

People reviving threads that are a year old again like crazy lately lol. Did the OP ever get a watch?