Long shot, but wish to ask anyway: Bumblebee w/ APBands Yellow corsa?

[boursachi]

Hello all, I realize this is a long shot but I wish to ask if anyone has any pictures of a Bumblebee with APBand's Prototipo Yellow Corsa 24mm strap.



I recently put on the OEM Rubber strap and I am loving the practicality and comfort, as opposed to the factory's hornback. However, I now realize that yellow in the strap is a lot .. cooler. :)
Besides, I think that style will work best with rotating the BB with the GPC.

Originally I wanted a custom strap, based off the Singapore F1 strap that I had on my Panda. But that fell through, and now after trying on the rubber, I think my best alternative and best to suit all-around purposes would be the 24mm with the GP style.

The decision to go with the 24mm has in no small part been the result of trying on the Sebastian Buemi at the AD. What a beautiful watch that is, not done justice in pictures, and the wider/newer/Diver-like rubber strap looks great on the 42mm case!

Thus, I am reallllly hoping someone can find a picture or more of the BB with that strap from APBands!

[boursachi]

Gentlemen, long story short, the strap arrived. I have my peeves or reservations and all that, but do not wish to share or nag or whine etc. If any BB owners are interested in this set-up, kindly notify me and we can discuss this! :)

[TSW]

It sure looks cool, Although I wish they had been compatible with OEM clasp.

[SpunkyQ8]

nice strap
but i have an observation on it's tampering, It may suit bigger cases but not really this particular one

[boursachi]

Originally Posted by TSW

It sure looks cool, Although I wish they had been compatible with OEM clasp.

Thanks. And yup, I am a believer in the AP clasps!
This transition was not an immediate one; while I love the GPC's and I have grown to appreciate the tang on it, I did however throw a fit the first week I got it crying for a larger sort of clasp LOL.
For the BB, I wanted the wider strap "style" after trying on the SB with its rubber, but figured why go with that (all black + material) when I was having the "regular" OEM rubber on the way at the time. :)

In hindsight and after being addressed in a low manner by the seller, I may have done the wrong thing but I was aesthetically motivated and gotten 70% of the look.

Originally Posted by SpunkyQ8

nice strap
but i have an observation on it's tampering, It may suit bigger cases but not really this particular one

Thanks!
I know exactly what you mean, and was never convinced it would work on the 42mm case.
However, I changed my mind when I tried on the SB at the dealer. Did you see that one in the flesh yet? :)

[SpunkyQ8]

Originally Posted by boursachi

Thanks!
I know exactly what you mean, and was never convinced it would work on the 42mm case.
However, I changed my mind when I tried on the SB at the dealer. Did you see that one in the flesh yet? :)

Yup! saw it in malaysia few weeks back, it didn't really grab my attention
IMO the 44 line looks way better specially the forged carbon..

[kilyung]

I thought about getting that strap and buying a punch so that it'll work with my Diver clasp but I'm enjoying my BB on Diver (24mm taper) rubber strap too much. How's the quality of the APBand strap?

[boursachi]

Originally Posted by kilyung

I thought about getting that strap and buying a punch so that it'll work with my Diver clasp but I'm enjoying my BB on Diver (24mm taper) rubber strap too much. How's the quality of the APBand strap?

First, I LOVE your watch but I must admit, before seeing the SB's 42mm case on the Diver strap, I was wondering why would you do that. ;) When I did try the SB on, I thought okay NOW I know that the pictures do NOT do the set-up justice. BEAUTIFUL. I already have the 'normal' OEM rubber and figured I should wait before going on a strap-spree, especially because silly old me sold the Panda and cannot alternate freely between them.

As for the quality of the strap, I rate it at 70%. One thing is for sure, the quality of the OEM is RIDICULOUSLY HIGH. Wow, I never realized this (as I have been a Rolex wearer almost exclusively beforehand, and thus only dealt with the bracelets.)

1. The yellow suede is NOT the same shade/tone/colour as the dial's yellow. Sure that is hard because they are made of different materials. However, the way it was advertised + the fact that the OEM stitch seems to be spot on gives me confidence that it should have been the same tone and a perfect match.

2. There were smudges on the strap fresh out of the box.
In all fairness, they have offered to "exchange" (but would not do it through FedEx both ways as I am in Kuwait) at first but then said they cannot exchange a mounted strap, having already proposed to them a different idea which basically says that I get a cheaper strap instead via FedEx which is all leather and without suede to disregard the disappointments of the suede, and the fact that I do not end up throwing the PVD tang buckle I got from them in the bin as I am not a Panerai wearer and have no use for it.

3. I was not intending nor was I ever going to make a thread on any of the forums I frequent about this matter, however I will say that given the reviews they have up on their website I expected stellar service, and that is NOT what has happened. I am as big a gear head as I am a watch nut, and I have dealt with Ferrari and Porsche dealerships that had, let me say, the same attitude.
In the end, they have offered to refund me. I say "offered" as I am trying to answer your questions. Now, why would anyone with dignity agree to that after being made out to be a begger? And for what, less than $400 at the most, or an extra $170 that the business to try and settle this?

4. Is it a bad strap? HELL NO.
Is it perfect for the Bumblebee? Still, no.
Would I recommend it to a fellow BB owner? Here is what I will advize:

a. Make sure you ask, nicely, that they inspect the strap before shipping to ensure the quality.
b. If you have the means to it ask if they can send pictures under specific light to see the "real shade" of the suede so there are no surprises.
c. If you want the 'grand prix' mode, with the suede sides, the corsa lines in the middle, the wider width throughout, then yes. It is not perfect but it will convert the watch's appearance.
d. Let us face it, part of the reason we all acquired a BB is the ceramic bezel/carbon case duo which enables us to wear it at all times, for everything, and while doing anything; including perhaps running into water - or even some sort of oil, cooking or motor or otherwise - and I think we will have to be just as careful with the OEM "coloured strap" as an aftermarket's.

Haha this is not what you bargained for as a reply, but I am more of a lurker here and witnessed the bond and really want to be part of it over the years so I hope this is how it is coming across.

[boursachi]

First 4 pics show the smudges on all 4 ends.
Pics 5 and 6 show the fit on the plots which is good enough.
7 and 8 show the "tank look" of the strap with it being 'off the case'.

[EdChoi]

Originally Posted by boursachi

First 4 pics show the smudges on all 4 ends.
Pics 5 and 6 show the fit on the plots which is good enough.
7 and 8 show the "tank look" of the strap with it being 'off the case'.

Brother this is why I respect you.

I would be apesh*t mad with that band.

[EdChoi]

Originally Posted by boursachi

Haha this is not what you bargained for as a reply, but I am more of a lurker here and witnessed the bond and really want to be part of it over the years so I hope this is how it is coming across.

Stop wasting time at ts and post all your pics here

[ocwatching]

I asked a few AP guys a while back when I was considering changing straps like I do with Panerai...and this was the general opinion...
while AP Bands provide vast selection and alternatives to OEM...none gave an enthusiastic thumbs up (given the price point)...

sorry to hear about your experience..
still love the BEE though!

[boursachi]

Originally Posted by EdChoi

Brother this is why I respect you.
I would be apesh*t mad with that band.

Stop wasting time at ts and post all your pics here

Haha thanks I will try to post here more often!
And thank you for your words, to be honest I found it below me to respond once he gave me the tone as if I was trying to score a free strap or something. I am not sure if he remembers that he screwed me before all of this after leading me on that he can make a custom strap for me; after continued emails with no reply he just said I cannot and I can buy the one on offer. Like I said, in hindsight, I was wrong I even went again and got that strap but it is what it is now.

I honestly was trying to be the good guy who would compromise and settle for "less" of what he paid for + what he wanted (as a buyer) aesthetically, and that is why I made a proposition after he said FedEx both ways would be too expensive. Well excuse me for not seeing any reason to pay even $1 to ship a strap that would have been worthless.

All in all, lesson learned. I am keeping the strap because I am a grown man who lives with his decisions, good or bad, and since the sides are screwed up anyway I might as well beat it like the OEM rubber strap.

Originally Posted by ocwatching

I asked a few AP guys a while back when I was considering changing straps like I do with Panerai...and this was the general opinion...
while AP Bands provide vast selection and alternatives to OEM...none gave an enthusiastic thumbs up (given the price point)...
sorry to hear about your experience..
still love the BEE though!

Absolutely, a friend on another forums has made that observation many times. This has helped me "lower" my expectations (albeit not to THIS standard lol) in the first place.
Thank you, I agree the BB is awesome minus the strap. The 24mm width, the corsa lines, and the "coloured" sides make it a 'cooler' watch for what I want, but definitely not up to the standard of an AP. That is for sure.

Tonight, my friend noticed and asked me about it and I had to explain that this is an aftermarket strap and that he should not judge AP by it. He saw the GPC's strap weeks before, and I showed him pictures and he got the point.

[kilyung]

Originally Posted by boursachi

First 4 pics show the smudges on all 4 ends.
Pics 5 and 6 show the fit on the plots which is good enough.
7 and 8 show the "tank look" of the strap with it being 'off the case'.

Disappointing. Thanks for the review!

[boursachi]

You are more than welcome, mate. :)

I settled on those two photos, one in daylight and one with flash, to further demonstrate how the strap looks out there in real life.
I am not trying to 'enable' here nor wish to 'disable' anyone with the posts above. Fact is I feel, subjectively of course, that I was mislead and further mistreated (not just misunderstood). That being said, if the quality has been higher without the smudges, and the suede brightened up more, this would be a great option to any BB owner who is looking to spice it up.
IMHO, if that BB wearer owns a GPC, then I truly believe this 'look' (won't say strap) is a must. Yup, regardless of the different tones/shades. Of course having ensure the suede is 100% with no smudges whatsoever. I sincerely wish that if anyone deals with them that they get the service they deserve as enthusiasts and not just buyers.

[Fiddy]

Thank you for sharing and review.
My BB is coming within 2 weeks.
This would be one of the strap options.
:)

[fabini]

its the perfect strap. its the same as the GP. that yellow and black combination really complements the watch. very impressed. excellent choice.

[boursachi]

Originally Posted by Fiddy

Thank you for sharing and review.
My BB is coming within 2 weeks.
This would be one of the strap options.
:)

you are more than welcome! kindly read my advice above to ensure satisfaction. you will LOOOVE the watch :)

Originally Posted by fabini

its the perfect strap. its the same as the GP. that yellow and black combination really complements the watch. very impressed. excellent choice.

thanks a lot! that was my intention as well, to imitate the GP so i can alternate between them in my rotation :) i will however reserve to say that the AP strap costs 20% less and is 200% better quality haha. seriously though fwiw, if aesthetics is the aim, it will suffice! :)


enjoy

[mrarchiegoodwin]

I really have been away from AP too long. I did not know until reading this thread that the BB is carbon!

Can you please share with me your experiences with the carbon finish? What components are carbon? How crisp are the edges? Have you "tested" it against any sharp objects? How well has it held up? How "dark" is the finish in daylight, artificial light, etc.?

I left off in the PVD days when there was speculation about carbon. I got an EOD (was that a precursor to the BB?) and realized the finish was too delicate for everyday wear so I put it in the sock drawer and I haven't seen it since.

To about the new band.

[kilyung]

Originally Posted by mrarchiegoodwin

I really have been away from AP too long. I did not know until reading this thread that the BB is carbon!

Can you please share with me your experiences with the carbon finish? What components are carbon? How crisp are the edges? Have you "tested" it against any sharp objects? How well has it held up? How "dark" is the finish in daylight, artificial light, etc.?

I left off in the PVD days when there was speculation about carbon. I got an EOD (was that a precursor to the BB?) and realized the finish was too delicate for everyday wear so I put it in the sock drawer and I haven't seen it since.

To about the new band.

You exiled your EOD in the sock drawer for three years without wearing it??

FC finish is awesome for daily wear. It hides scratches exceedingly well. Edges aren't as crisp as metal but the crisp ceramic more than makes up for it. It's not a dark color like some PVD but has very different looks deepening on lighting. I've been rafting, hiking, biking with mine without incident.

[mrarchiegoodwin]

Thank you for your response to my question.

I am delighted to learn that there is finally a tough enough material for watch cases and will go to the AD to fondle the carbon.

I regret not having worn the EOD. It has been over 10 years, but I like knowing that I have it.

Have fun with your Bumble Bee!

[h999r]

Look awesome !!

[boursachi]

Originally Posted by mrarchiegoodwin

Can you please share with me your experiences with the carbon finish? What components are carbon? How crisp are the edges? Have you "tested" it against any sharp objects? How well has it held up? How "dark" is the finish in daylight, artificial light, etc.?

i had a ROO Panda (steel bezel steel case) for 2 years, it was a beautiful watch, i sorely miss it, and i am a subscriber to the thought that hairlines/scratches/dents even give character to a watch. however, it started to get on my nerves how it appeared under artificial light. i missed the perfect brushed finish on the steel bezel.
i honestly am shying away from another steel AP piece, although i cannot think of anything other than either a Panda ROC or a Panda ROO on bracelet! i rotate a few rolex pieces, and yes they have the usual wear on them, but it is NO WHERE NEAR as obvious as on an AP ..
now, i have been wearing the bumblebee in the same settings and environments, using it just as i used the panda, and it still looks brand new.
i did hear it being rubbed against a rough surface, or the occasional thud of a hit somewhere, and still it looks brand new. i am of course talking about normal usage, and NOT taking it to extremes (for example working out with dumbbells all around), and so far it has been proven to be GREAT .. i pray and wish that it stays this way :)

i read about the cracking and breaking of the ceramic on APs, and to be honest, i cannot imagine any sensible, normal, day-to-day scenario that this could happen in

as for the carbon, it is just incredible aesthetically. it reflects the different lights wonderfully, and it shows when you take a photo with flash .. it looks like marble. it is still a 'black' watch, the finish is dark and i would describe it as black more than any other shade of grey. the polished ceramic part is subtle, but it does catch your eye when you look at the watch, the "matte" carbon, the brushed bezel, the polished part of the bezel, all work great with the dial and glittery linings of the arabic numerals/subchronos

you definitely have to go check it out in real life.. you will understand that i am not selling you on a BB and just saying it as it is ;)

Originally Posted by h999r

Look awesome !!

thanks mate! i am liking the effect and attitude it gave the watch ..
perhaps i can beg AP to make me one like the GPC's only with yellow suede