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I am so screwed....

SkunkPrince
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Bought a NOS Omega strap on eBay. Small pics, but looked promising. Still in the package!

The straps were stored in the package like this:

IMG_1096.jpeg


When I got them apart, this is what I found:

IMG_1098.jpeg


As you can see, the passage of decades caused the long strap and the keepers to take on more of a greenish hue, while the short strap retained its blueish hue.

And if that wasn't bad enough, it's too short for me.

I would have considered dying it, but since it's too short, what's the point?

Am I hosed like I think I am? Would someone actually consider buying it? I know I sure as heck won't get back what I paid. But I do think a professional dye job might rescue it.

What do you think?
 
perks713
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Just need another one where the short half was left facing up instead of the long side… 😀

If you just want to recoup cost, best bet might be to dye it and then sell it, I don’t know.
 
Duracuir1
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Sorry to hear about this. The dye job will only work if you go very dark, (black or dark brown). Otherwise you may need to dilute your dye for the already darker piece. It’s a nice old strap though. Good luck.

Edit: The colour looks more evenly matched in your second post.
 
SkunkPrince
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Duracuir1 Duracuir1
Sorry to hear about this. The dye job will only work if you go very dark, (black or dark brown). Otherwise you may need to dilute your dye for the already darker piece. It’s a nice old strap though. Good luck.
I'm dying another one black that otherwise had some damage. Since this one is too short, I'd let the buyer handle the dye.
 
JimInOz
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If it was me I'd return it.
However, that decision would be based on what was shown/described (or not shown/described) in the listing.

Second option would be to pass it on and let the new owner decide.
 
Evitzee
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You win some, you lose some. You lost this one, just move on.
 
nicks
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Sorry to hear it doesn’t fit. For me, the colour mismatch is just a quirk, and I’d wear it - eventually, I expect the two sides would get close.

FWIW, I had the same thing happen with a couple of straps I bought from a watchmaker stash. Luckily I didn’t pay much for the lesson.
 
Walrus
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Cool look I guess the real downfall is the size.
 
SkunkPrince
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110mm and 75mm. If your wrist is a bit under 7 inches (mine is 7-1/4") then it will work for you on a 50s Seamaster or similar.
 
noelekal
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I love the look of the rolled edge straps of the era. I'd be tickled to find a source for reproductions that had "the look."

SkunkPrince; I'd be interested in that one as is, color, hue, and all if only it would fit me. If it did, I'd find a use for it on some watch here.
 
JwRosenthal
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I bought an original tropic that was too short. I threw it in a drawer. 2 years later I got a watch with an original tropic that was too long- mix and match…two that fit perfectly!
I gave up on vintage straps a while ago- they are just too much of a crap shoot- old leather that may look perfect but is dried out and starts to fall apart within a week. Even if I tried to oil or lotion them, most are top-coated and nothing you do will get through that. Glued keepers that fall out after the first wear, stitching that rotted, buckles that are going green and staining the leather- they are just a mess. I know many here have had good luck with old straps, but it’s like winning the lottery.
 
Dan S
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They don't look too bad to me, just needs someone with the right size wrist. TBH, it would probably work for my wrist. Just put them in the sales forum. Don't forget to mention the width. 😉
 
cristos71
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Vintage is mostly a long game, so just put the dark half in a sunny place for >0 <70 years and at some point in the future, when the fade catches up, you, or one of your heirs, will be able to wear it again.
 
STANDY
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May I ask what leather it is ?
 
SkunkPrince
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STANDY STANDY
May I ask what leather it is ?
I’ve head it referred to as “shrunken calf” but I don’t know for sure.
 
STANDY
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SkunkPrince SkunkPrince
I’ve head it referred to as “shrunken calf” but I don’t know for sure.

As many in that shape (the padded outer edge) and age are actually Elephant leather 😗
 
SkunkPrince
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STANDY STANDY
As many in that shape (the padded outer edge) and age are actually Elephant leather 😗
I have an elephant strap made by Jacoby Bender and branded Omega. Totally different look. I'm reasonably sure it's calf. Don't know about the "shrunken" part.
 
mac_omega
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what I can tell for sure: it is not Elephant leather

most likely calf...
 
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