Author Topic: #OMG moment  (Read 19107 times)

Offline meoramri

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#OMG moment
« on: September 04, 2016, 12:07:32 PM »
This morning was a major OMG moment for me. The rubber strap for my Emperor Tuna broke!!!



Was taking photos with it this morning....



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....



It was a clean break and very unexpected.



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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Offline mnazri.tan

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Re: #OMG moment
« Reply #1 on: September 04, 2016, 12:27:26 PM »
Happen to me once :)

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Offline Cocas

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Re: #OMG moment
« Reply #2 on: September 04, 2016, 12:33:17 PM »
My Citizen WR200m also encountered the same accident.

Offline meoramri

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Re: #OMG moment
« Reply #3 on: September 04, 2016, 12:47:46 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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Offline JeepWH

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Re: #OMG moment
« Reply #4 on: September 04, 2016, 02:11:48 PM »
In my experience, Seiko rubber straps should be changed every 2 years as a rule, or yearly if you frequently dive in saltwater.

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.

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Offline meoramri

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#OMG moment
« Reply #5 on: September 04, 2016, 02:17:55 PM »
Thanks for the info bro JeepWH. Do you know the lifespan of the newer silicone strap ?


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Offline Cocas

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Re: #OMG moment
« Reply #6 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.
« Last Edit: September 04, 2016, 03:06:41 PM by Cocas »

Offline ck77

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Re: #OMG moment
« Reply #7 on: September 04, 2016, 03:01:13 PM »
yes, only wore few times and sitting in drawer for years. This is what happened shortly I strap it on.



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Offline Gilthoniel

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Re: #OMG moment
« Reply #8 on: September 04, 2016, 03:26:50 PM »
I removed my z22 rubber immediately and replaced it with an isofrane. You should consider an isofrane bro!

Offline Cocas

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Re: #OMG moment
« Reply #9 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.

Offline ck77

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Re: #OMG moment
« Reply #10 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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Offline JeepWH

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Re: #OMG moment
« Reply #11 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.

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Offline meoramri

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Re: #OMG moment
« Reply #12 on: September 04, 2016, 07:30:14 PM »
For the Emperor Tuna, what type of straps would best suit its character? 

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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Offline JeepWH

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Re: #OMG moment
« Reply #13 on: September 04, 2016, 07:42:46 PM »
For divers: My recommendation would be bracelet. You can get original Seiko divers bracelet or go for Super Jubilee by Jean. (I remember there was someone who did it, and posted on a Facebook group but can't seem to locate the link)

Desk diving: Isofrane or bracelet.

Just my 2 cents   ;D
« Last Edit: September 04, 2016, 07:44:38 PM by JeepWH »
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Offline Gilthoniel

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Re: #OMG moment
« Reply #14 on: September 04, 2016, 08:00:22 PM »
Isofrane for both occasion la...

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...

Offline meoramri

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Re: #OMG moment
« Reply #15 on: September 05, 2016, 07:24:47 AM »
Thanks guys for the suggestions.

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.



Here is a close up of the velcro clasp



Here's how it look on the wrist







What do you guys think?
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Offline cky0708

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Re: #OMG moment
« Reply #16 on: September 05, 2016, 08:03:38 AM »
Thanks guys for the suggestions.

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.



Here is a close up of the velcro clasp



Here's how it look on the wrist







What do you guys think?
Nice strap,n luckily did not fall on the floor


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Offline JeepWH

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Re: #OMG moment
« Reply #17 on: September 05, 2016, 08:09:07 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).

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Offline sshark

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Re: #OMG moment
« Reply #18 on: September 05, 2016, 08:59:58 AM »
I thought those silicon strap will last a tad bit longer than those usual rubber straps. It costs few times more ex than ordinary rubber strap. Btw, I think isofrane straps are not guaranteed to last more than 4 years or so,do they? or someone actually had few years experience wearing it.

Offline meoramri

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Re: #OMG moment
« Reply #19 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.

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Offline JeepWH

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Re: #OMG moment
« Reply #20 on: September 05, 2016, 10:15:37 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.
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Offline mwfchai

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Re: #OMG moment
« Reply #21 on: September 05, 2016, 11:40:42 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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Offline meoramri

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Re: #OMG moment
« Reply #22 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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Offline meoramri

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Re: #OMG moment
« Reply #23 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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Offline JeepWH

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Re: #OMG moment
« Reply #24 on: September 05, 2016, 03:48:56 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.
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