Datejust 116200/116234 on Leather Strap

[dp98wr]

I am looking to put a leather crocodile strap on my 36 mm Datejust, but I have read that the case of the new style Datejust, along with the placement of the lugs, will scratch the leather of the strap. Has anyone experienced this and/or does anyone have their Datejust on a leather strap with no issues?

[Sparkle_zo]

I am also interested...

[Snapper7]

I’ll express my desire for an answer here too.

Just fitted a strap (Di Modell so not an expensive one) but as soon as it was on it has royally scuffed the edge of the strap. It appears to catch the bottom of the case.

I’ll try to stick a picture up later.

Thanks
David

[cosmoliu]

I don't know about the datejust, but certainly for my OP 34, there is a sharp edge to the case perimeter that cuts into the strap, about half way between the lugs. The thicker the leather, the deeper the cut. This happens as the strap flexes up and down across the case perimeter. I tried pulling the strap away from that sharp edge as I put the watch on, because the cut happens as the strap goes from sticking straight out, as when the watch is stored flat, to pushing the ends down to conform to the wrist. However, it's hard to do that every single time. The cut, or scrape, is noticeable, but I have gotten used to it. After cutting into the leather for about a 0.5mm, it seems to stop. Then, if the strap needs it, I fill in the color with a Sharpie pen, or similar, which makes it much less noticeable. Shame, really, because I really like my watches on a strap most the time.

I can also try to post a pic or two this evening.

BTW, the grey ColaReb strap on my Air King, left in my avatar, is one of the thicker straps I have, and shows the cut/scuff probably the most.

[Snapper7]

Now with pics.
Mine is a 2005 16234 so has no external lug holes. Not sure if this makes any difference.
Had to use the spring bars supplied with the strap as I struggled to get the Rolex ones to stick out enough either side of the strap. They both look the same but the aftermarket are a tiny bit longer. It’s going to be fun getting the strap off as it is so tight against the lug shoulders there is no space to slide the spring bar tool down onto it.

Very annoying all the same.

[jjjones]

I just bought a 116234 and have held off putting it on a leather strap for this reason. Has anyone tried using curved spring bars?

There's also some ppl who sell endlinks for the 116234 but i dont see how this would work as wouldn't using an endlink make the space between the lug and case even smaller?

[cosmoliu]

The scratch/scuffs on my straps look just like the above, so no need for me to post more pics. I did get a pair of Smarty End Links from Singapore a couple of weeks ago. They have a short opening in the center, so the strap still scrapes on the sharp edge of the case. At least is is a shorter scuff. On the other hand, the end links do mask the scuffs, so are a viable solution. The downside is that a fraction of a mm is taken up by the end link, so only the thinnest of my straps will still fit in. Even then it is a struggle to get the spring bars to engage. They do look nice, though.

http://www.smartyendlinks.com/

[jjjones]

Originally Posted by cosmoliu

On the other hand, the end links do mask the scuffs, so are a viable solution. The downside is that a fraction of a mm is taken up by the end link, so only the thinnest of my straps will still fit in. Even then it is a struggle to get the spring bars to engage. They do look nice, though.
http://www.smartyendlinks.com/

These were the endlinks i was looking at. Do you have any pictures of them installed? Would love to get an idea of how they look and what straps "work" with them. I'm ok with the straps getting scratched, as long as they are hidden and not visible.

[AdamG]

Go for a ‘curved’ watch strap, avoid Hirsch as they don’t fit.

Everest is a safe bet!

[cosmoliu]

Originally Posted by jjjones

These were the endlinks i was looking at. Do you have any pictures of them installed? Would love to get an idea of how they look and what straps "work" with them. I'm ok with the straps getting scratched, as long as they are hidden and not visible.

I'm out of town until next week. I'll make a note to get some pics up then. Too bad- I just took the strap that works best off last night. Bad color match. De Beers leather stamped with an ostrich pattern. Not too bad a band, but clearly not ostrich from forearm's length away. I had also modified a Bonetto Cinturini rubber strap to fit by sanding down the end. That was the strap I most wanted to use with the end links; I had ordered both at the same time. Then I learned I am allergic to the latex in the formulation. In both cases, I had to push the spring bar towards the watch case to get the end to engage the hole. Bit of a hassle. I would almost guarantee that the ColaReb strap in my avatar could not be coaxed in.

[fskywalker]

I have the ss endlinks from George (Smartyjones18, http://www.smartyendlinks.com/) and they work pretty well on the Datejust 116200, Turnograph 116264 and Tudor Date Day watches had (as pointed above the leather cannot be too thick or will not fit).

The other option is to buy leather bands that comes with the ss endlinks, like the one shown below from Everest (on my sold 116200; that band was designed for the GMT / Sub but fitted well on my 116200 and 116264), think they have alligator versions of them.

[rye]

Hi All,

I too am looking to install a leather strap on my 116200. I was looking at straps from Everest.

There is the Datejust curved end leather strap. However, based on their website and customer support, it is not compatible with 6 digit Datejust models (116xxx). Does anyone have any experience with these straps on a six digit (116xxx) Datejust ? What is exactly the issue if any ?

www_everestbands_com/collections/datejust/products/everest-curved-end-leather-strap-with-tang-buckle-for-rolex-datejust

Someone else has suggest the Everest Submariner with Steel End link straps.
These apparently also fit the six digit (116xxx) Datejust models. Can someone please confirm if that is the case and if there are issues with scratching against the edge of the case ?


www_everestbands_com/collections/rolex-submariner-date/products/everest-steel-end-link-alligator-embossed-strap-with-tang-buckle-for-rolex-submariner

Thanks