Best way to adjust Aqua Terra rubber strap?

Is tight really the issue or has it just not molded/formed, shaped itself to you wrist yet? As far as putting a new hole in the strap...yes money is money but the strap is worthless if you can't wear it. Get use to it big, put another hole in or get rid of it.

have fun
kfw

Edit for clarity

Based on your pics it looks like you're just between the smallest and second smallest fitting of that particular strap and you're wrist is around 6.5" in circumference. As such you might be better off asking the AD or OB if they have a "short" version of the AT rubber strap, as not only will the clasp sit more centered on the wrist but there will be less overlap of the tucked in portion over the most pronounced end of the clasp. I highly doubt they have a short version since these straps were just introduced and Omega has limited "short" and "long" sizings even for their older designs but it couldn't hurt to ask.

What I mean by that is when the strap is on the smallest or second smallest sizing hole the tapered point of the strap with the sizing holes actually sits underneath the most pronounced edge of the clasp where the hinge is, so there's a bump which is created by the bunching of the clasp on the strap end. Once you get to the third smallest sizing hole the tapered point actually sits inbound of the clasp hinge so there isn't a pronounced bump from the strap and clasp bunching but rather a gap between the wrist and the clasp hing.

See the first two pics in this post for a typical sizing of an Omega strap on the third smallest hole, and note that the very end of the strap sits inbound of the clasp hinge.
https://omegaforums.net/threads/ruber-strap-for-smpc.38270/#post-441874

The only other non-destructive would be to possibly source a small version of the Omega clasp (It would have to be the rounded edge polished version since they don't make an 18mm short brushed clasp to my knowledge) or if you don't mind using non-Omega a Christopher Ward or Frederique Constant clasp, both of which are basically operationally identical to the Omega but fit a bit different.

However, if you don't feel like anteing up another 2-300 for a new Omega strap or clasp then drilling an intermediate hole is completely fine as long as you're not looking to sell the strap later.

I had the same issue with the rubber strap and my AT. My wrist size is 7.75", which is apparently right on the cusp of regular/medium and large when it comes to the AT rubber strap. The OB recommended I go with the large one (strap was ordered over the phone) and when it was installed, it was pretty big. The third hole from the end felt too loose, but the second hole from the end felt too tight. I left it on the third hole and dealt with the looseness. Fast-forward 3-4 months and I've lost about 30 pounds, and the second hole is now perfect. So the suggestion above to eat more pizza (or a lot less) is the correct one. I certainly wouldn't go drilling holes in the strap.

Thanks for all of your replies and advice. It definitely feels like I'm an in-between setting...

I've been wearing it on the tightest setting and it's been tolerable as long as it's cold. However, on Friday towards the end of the day my arm was slightly more swollen, and it was not comfortable at all: I ended up with really pronounced marks from the metal clasp... So I wore it more loose on Saturday, but it's just too lose, having to constantly fidget with the watch to get it to sit right... I'm inclined to continue to wear it in the tightest setting for a few more days, and see if it gets better or if it continues to be painful.

I'm definitely going to have to look into options, since this strap is definitely not comfortable as it is, and keeping me from enjoying the watch. I'll keep everyone posted, thanks again!

Haha, I actually gave that a try yesterday but it's just too clunky, and there's too much space on the sides.

I contacted the local OB and they said they can order a shorter version of this rubber strap that retails for $250.

Do you think a shorter strap will solve my issue? Or will I just end up with an in-between sizing in that version as well, just in between different holes in the band?

You can try out the smaller straps together and see if this offers the right fit. If not, combine the regular size strap to one side and the shorter strap to the other end of the case. One of these two options will net you the perfect fit.

Also try on the shorter clasp with both straps as well as the different ends as @Bushido suggested, since the placement of the lowest hinged portion on the wrist will effect fit and comfort.
Good luck.

Just punch a hole and be done with it. I posted yesterday about a 6 dollar leather punch from harbor freight, go look at the outcome, it looks fine. Besides, once you fold the clasp you dont see it anyway. Not saying I'd approve of a crappy jagged hole but that's not the case. I was in the same boat as OP, last hole was too tight, next hole was fine but the watch was always turnt on my wrist in every direction but where it should be. What's the point of preserving the strap if it doesnt work for you? Sure you can buy a shorter strap and gamble that you wont be in between holes again.

Thanks, and confirmed with the OB that I can try on before purchase w/o commitment. They just have to order it from Omega since all the watches are stocked by default with the regular strap.


Do you know if the shorter clasp comes with the shorter strap? Or is that a few hundred dollars more?


That looks really good! Is that an OEM strap? Looks like you're punching through cloth, which might be easier. Mine's entirely thick rubber, which seems like a really tough material to punch through well -- probably would need to drill instead.

At this point, I'm more inclined to spend the $250 to hopefully get a more comfortable fit with the shorter strap, and I can always keep the longer strap as a back-up if my wrist size ever changes.

But, if I also need to get a different metal clasp, and the cost of the new strap starting going north of $250, I think the equation starts changing... This is one expensive endeavor for sure.

It's a genuine Omega snoopy strap. I went thru 2 layers of rubber, one layer of cordura and one layer of leather. Took me all of 14.936723 seconds to do it. Please do not even use the term drill....... you dont drill leather or fabric...... ever! If you go the hole punch route you will have a cleaner hole than I got since its just rubber, which will punch perfectly.