Post by: meoramri on September 04, 2016, 12:07:32 PM
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160904/f13c5aab0658a1966e99e2ea25e75516.jpg)
Was taking photos with it this morning....
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160904/a773b85934abb8d38becaf6958fbc385.jpg)
When suddenly I felt it going slack on my wrist. Go thing I wasn't carrying anything on my other hand and I was able to grab it before it could fall to the ground. Broke into a cold sweat....
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160904/cc402c16cacbd24c58a03ebe4bb6aec3.jpg)
It was a clean break and very unexpected.
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160904/4be200537ea02af26fa6d0b22c26796e.jpg)
Even other parts of the rubber strap started to break off.
Oh well, it lasted for 4 years.... Anyone with an OMG moment similar to this?
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Post by: mnazri.tan on September 04, 2016, 12:27:26 PM
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Post by: Cocas on September 04, 2016, 12:33:17 PM
Post by: meoramri on September 04, 2016, 12:47:46 PM
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Post by: JeepWH on September 04, 2016, 02:11:48 PM
As it's made of a natural rubber polymer material, It's comfortable to wear and allergy free, but the downside is humidity, sweat and heat will cause it to harden and break after long exposure to such elements.
Post by: meoramri on September 04, 2016, 02:17:55 PM
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Post by: Cocas on September 04, 2016, 02:41:30 PM
Can you all recall how long the rubber strap lasted before the breakage? My SEIKO rubber was approximately 4 years
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My Seiko OM is 4 yrs. My Citizen Diver is about 6 yrs.
Post by: ck77 on September 04, 2016, 03:01:13 PM
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160904/c6fbe687d8225cd71d0770db3e9726cd.jpg)
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Post by: Gilthoniel on September 04, 2016, 03:26:50 PM
Post by: Cocas on September 04, 2016, 03:34:42 PM
I removed my z22 rubber immediately and replaced it with an isofrane. You should consider an isofrane bro!
I changed the rubber strap to SS bracelet whenever there is a strap snapped.
Post by: ck77 on September 04, 2016, 04:52:49 PM
I removed my z22 rubber immediately and replaced it with an isofrane. You should consider an isofrane bro!More expensive than the watch bro
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Post by: JeepWH on September 04, 2016, 05:39:46 PM
Thanks for the info bro JeepWH. Do you know the lifespan of the newer silicone strap ?
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You're welcome bro.
Haven't had much experience with the new silicone straps, as mostly my customers still prefer the traditional z22's.
Post by: meoramri on September 04, 2016, 07:30:14 PM
As a collector I have always kept everything stock. Never been into swapping strap/bracelets before. I guess it's time to dive into this.
If the watch does go to sea, I should get: ??
If the watch is just a desk diver I should get: ??
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Post by: JeepWH on September 04, 2016, 07:42:46 PM
Desk diving: Isofrane or bracelet.
Just my 2 cents ;D
Post by: Gilthoniel on September 04, 2016, 08:00:22 PM
I don't dive but my emperor on isofrane went with me on many trips - snorkeling, swimming, etc.
Sadly it's being enjoyed by another owner now...
Post by: meoramri on September 05, 2016, 07:24:47 AM
This morning while rummaging my drawers of bits-and-pieces I found a canvas strap which I got as a gift years ago.
I've decided to use this as a strap for the Emperor Tuna.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CrjXmEyVIAAAePG.jpg)
Here is a close up of the velcro clasp
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CrjYNsqUMAAdYl-.jpg)
Here's how it look on the wrist
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CrjYfd_VIAQDNC2.jpg)
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CrjYjkMVUAAQeGf.jpg)
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CrjYnC7VMAAtkC4.jpg)
What do you guys think?
Post by: cky0708 on September 05, 2016, 08:03:38 AM
Thanks guys for the suggestions.Nice strap,n luckily did not fall on the floor
This morning while rummaging my drawers of bits-and-pieces I found a canvas strap which I got as a gift years ago.
I've decided to use this as a strap for the Emperor Tuna.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CrjXmEyVIAAAePG.jpg)
Here is a close up of the velcro clasp
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CrjYNsqUMAAdYl-.jpg)
Here's how it look on the wrist
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CrjYfd_VIAQDNC2.jpg)
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CrjYjkMVUAAQeGf.jpg)
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CrjYnC7VMAAtkC4.jpg)
What do you guys think?
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Post by: JeepWH on September 05, 2016, 08:09:07 AM
However I personally do not trust velcro, as it tends to fail when its full of lint. (doesn't stick well after that).
Post by: sshark on September 05, 2016, 08:59:58 AM
Post by: meoramri on September 05, 2016, 10:13:04 AM
Nice strap there.
However I personally do not trust velcro, as it tends to fail when its full of lint. (doesn't stick well after that).
Thanks for the warning. I will definitely would have to watch out for that. Anyhow, I've decided that eventually I will have to get a Seiko original so that I can get the Emperor to be "stock standard" again. Looking at the SEIKO Parts Silicon Strap 22mm "Titanium Buckle, holder" R01X011N9 as the replacement.
(http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0243/0993/products/P-R01X011N9_a_large.jpg?v=1470110342)
Post by: JeepWH on September 05, 2016, 10:15:37 AM
Yup, thats the correct strap for your Tuna.
However, I doubt that Thong Sia has it in stock. You may need to get it via Seiya etc.
Post by: mwfchai on September 05, 2016, 11:40:42 AM
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Post by: meoramri on September 05, 2016, 11:46:30 AM
My old baby g is with rubber strap...its still in good condition....but then again..i wear it regularly..wet n dry..etc.....I always feel rubber should be not be kept away..like rubber soles on shoes..the more u wear...last long..dun wear...koyak sendiri...my 2 cents
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You're right. The deterioration is accelerated by long period of storage in my case.
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Post by: meoramri on September 05, 2016, 11:48:00 AM
You're welcome bro.
Yup, thats the correct strap for your Tuna.
However, I doubt that Thong Sia has it in stock. You may need to get it via Seiya etc.
Yup, I need to source one directly from Japan.
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Post by: JeepWH on September 05, 2016, 03:48:56 PM
The one you mentioned R01X011N9 is the upgrade strap which can fit the tuna but is way more expensive.
Post by: D'Andy on September 05, 2016, 04:27:29 PM
Post by: meoramri on September 05, 2016, 04:46:18 PM
Actually bro, after consulting my parts catalogue reference, the original Seiko issued strap for your SBDX011 should be code DFL3EB which is available at Seiya.
The one you mentioned R01X011N9 is the upgrade strap which can fit the tuna but is way more expensive.
Thanks for the info. The former is rubber while the latter is silicon. Looking at the likelihood of failure of rubber to be higher, I'll go for the latter.
May not be the same as the original but at least it is still a SEIKO with titanium bits.
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Post by: meoramri on September 05, 2016, 04:49:54 PM
Hi Meor, the B&R velcro strap surprisingly did not look out of place matched with the Tuna puck. You may just start a new trend hereafter.
Thanks for highlighting to me. I realised that I got one B&R Velcro strap as part of the presentation package when I bought my B&R BR02 diver a few years ago. Let me try to find it and see how it suits the Emperor.
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Post by: JeepWH on September 05, 2016, 07:30:35 PM
Actually bro, after consulting my parts catalogue reference, the original Seiko issued strap for your SBDX011 should be code DFL3EB which is available at Seiya.
The one you mentioned R01X011N9 is the upgrade strap which can fit the tuna but is way more expensive.
Thanks for the info. The former is rubber while the latter is silicon. Looking at the likelihood of failure of rubber to be higher, I'll go for the latter.
May not be the same as the original but at least it is still a SEIKO with titanium bits.
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Yup, the latter is sillicone.
Post by: chrisyen on September 05, 2016, 07:47:05 PM
I hate the old emperor tuna n mm300 rubber strap
It's too hard to my liking!
I nvr wear with that at all
Now the newer strap on my sbdx014 is silicon I belief
Lighter ... Very comfortable
N likely Hv longer lifespan
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160905/b35c9041593ddc7f63ca22dc02a15a1e.jpg)
Post by: vinorus on September 07, 2016, 10:27:26 AM
I use nylon nato for my Tuna now and it looks nicer and gets compliment from people actually.
Post by: meoramri on October 05, 2016, 04:11:39 PM
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Ct_xMp_VIAA8znO.jpg)
Post by: Cocas on October 05, 2016, 04:27:11 PM
It's time for you seriously to look into your current collection that having the rubber straps. The same accident happens again.... :Startled:
Post by: Jedirat on October 05, 2016, 04:36:46 PM
My second #OMG moment in as many months - this time the BR02-92...
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Ct_xMp_VIAA8znO.jpg)
Bro Meor, very unfortunate. Btw, how long your BR strap lasting?
Post by: meoramri on October 05, 2016, 04:52:21 PM
My second #OMG moment in as many months - this time the BR02-92...
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Ct_xMp_VIAA8znO.jpg)
Bro Meor, very unfortunate. Btw, how long your BR strap lasting?
About 3.5 years since I got it.
Post by: JeepWH on October 05, 2016, 06:24:43 PM
For those who has rubber strap watches. It is recommended that you check your straps annually or every 3 months for straps older than 2 years.
How to check?
1) Visually inspect the whole strap under strong lighting to see if there are any cracks or signs of fatigue apparent. If yes, replace with new strap.
2) Bend the strap in all directions, and give it a twist. Check for any signs of lessened elasticity (ie stiffness) and also signs of cracks and fatigue at the bending point. If yes, replace the strap.
All said, its recommended to replace rubber straps every 2 years or annually which is better.
To make sure straps last longer, wipe down the strap with a soft, damp cloth after every time you wear it. Leave it to air dry before storage.
Post by: meoramri on October 05, 2016, 07:20:48 PM
Wow...@meoramri bro
It's time for you seriously to look into your current collection that having the rubber straps. The same accident happens again.... :Startled:
I hear you. I have a handful that uses rubber straps. Will need to relook at them now.
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Post by: meoramri on October 06, 2016, 07:16:02 AM
A word of advice:
For those who has rubber strap watches. It is recommended that you check your straps annually or every 3 months for straps older than 2 years.
How to check?
1) Visually inspect the whole strap under strong lighting to see if there are any cracks or signs of fatigue apparent. If yes, replace with new strap.
2) Bend the strap in all directions, and give it a twist. Check for any signs of lessened elasticity (ie stiffness) and also signs of cracks and fatigue at the bending point. If yes, replace the strap.
All said, its recommended to replace rubber straps every 2 years or annually which is better.
To make sure straps last longer, wipe down the strap with a soft, damp cloth after every time you wear it. Leave it to air dry before storage.
Thanks for the advise bro!
Post by: vinorus on October 06, 2016, 07:50:47 AM
Post by: ck77 on October 06, 2016, 08:07:55 AM
Post by: ndtaan on October 06, 2016, 08:34:19 AM
The only visual way that you can check if the rubber is aged or not is to bend the rubber and look at it bend area with a magnifying glass(if it's just starting to aged,you can't see it with your naked eye).
If you see minute cracked lines,than it break eventually...time to change.
Post by: Cocas on October 06, 2016, 08:47:50 AM
How about those expensive rubber straps like Rubber B and Isofane?
As long as not metal. All other materials made strap will break eventually. Thick leather and nylon certainly last longer than rubber.
Post by: JeepWH on October 06, 2016, 09:07:06 AM
The B&R and typical Seiko rubber straps are made of natural rubber so they tend to break after awhile.
Post by: ndtaan on October 06, 2016, 09:16:31 AM
I think the best way to prevent the "OMG" situation is to do some checking every once in a while.
Although the metal bracelet last longer and it doesn't break.the screws of the link can sometimes loosen by itself and drop off,when that happens....OMG!!.It happens to me once with my Cartier Santos :Startled:
Post by: gchee on October 06, 2016, 02:32:31 PM
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Post by: ndtaan on October 06, 2016, 02:35:42 PM
To prevent and prolong it's life. Try to wear it often. The longer it stays in storage the quicker it will deteriorate.I think that applies to shoes,not too sure if it's the same with watch bands
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Post by: vinorus on October 06, 2016, 03:21:39 PM
Post by: Cocas on October 06, 2016, 06:29:09 PM
Interesting topic... I have an 20 year old G-Shock, I changed straps every 3 to 4 year, but the outer case in soft plastic totally broke into pieces and the screws at the front is exposed. Making me stop using that. Bad experience, maybe.
Rubber or plastic material casing is not meant to last forever. When it's time that due to change then it must be changed. :Cheers:
Post by: ndtaan on October 06, 2016, 08:12:15 PM
I hope my Corum Tide Rubber back doesn't suffer the same fate :Praying:Interesting topic... I have an 20 year old G-Shock, I changed straps every 3 to 4 year, but the outer case in soft plastic totally broke into pieces and the screws at the front is exposed. Making me stop using that. Bad experience, maybe.
Rubber or plastic material casing is not meant to last forever. When it's time that due to change then it must be changed. :Cheers:
Post by: JeepWH on October 07, 2016, 06:38:46 AM
The "tend to break after awhile" period is very subjective as it depends on the wearer.
I think the best way to prevent the "OMG" situation is to do some checking every once in a while.
Although the metal bracelet last longer and it doesn't break.the screws of the link can sometimes loosen by itself and drop off,when that happens....OMG!!.It happens to me once with my Cartier Santos :Startled:
Put some threadlocker on the screw thread, or UHU Glue in a pinch. ;)
Post by: ndtaan on October 07, 2016, 06:41:55 AM
Post by: Cocas on January 20, 2017, 05:42:39 PM
Post by: Cocas on January 20, 2017, 06:25:32 PM
Post by: meoramri on January 20, 2017, 07:03:51 PM
Arrrrr....the second ring have broken :oWhen it deteriorate, it deteriorate completely ....
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Post by: Cocas on January 20, 2017, 07:30:28 PM
Arrrrr....the second ring have broken :oWhen it deteriorate, it deteriorate completely ....
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Ya, I dare not to wear the watch now.
But I gradually replace the rubber to bracelet to avoid future "OMG moment" :D
Post by: Yikkie on January 20, 2017, 09:00:05 PM
Post by: Cocas on January 21, 2017, 09:26:26 AM
Arrrrr....the second ring have broken :o
Finally got the bracelet changed
Post by: meoramri on November 14, 2017, 06:46:59 AM
Seiko SKX009 rubber strap - 3 years 2 months in my possession before kaput
Post by: meoramri on November 15, 2017, 07:19:51 AM
Laco 1925 Squad Atacama “Ninja” Reference 861632 - exactly 4 years before strap kaput (Oct 2013)
Replaced with..
(https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LjzaJ1L9PA4/WgudHMfWfSI/AAAAAAABGIA/a3gQmfsUWkUOZBZNTgA2P33b8FtWhpTugCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_4634.JPG)