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New strap for fixed-lug watch

  1. VetPsychWars Wants to be in the club! Aug 24, 2016

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    I have a Ferrero "trench watch", the white radium dial, radium skeleton hands, sterling case with wire lugs...

    and I wanted a decent strap on it.

    The other day I was thinking, hm. I have some NOS (when I bought them) JB Champion 5/8" shell cordovan straps. What's interesting about these straps, the ends are cut to a point, folded, and sewn. You basically see a V-shaped row of stitching, and the small pocket made by this process is where you put your spring bar.

    Assuming you have one, of course.

    I knew I had a strap in that Horween #8 color, the brownish burgundy. This strap has a deep, rich color you might not realize is really dark not-black. but it really brings the right watch to life.

    The tools:
    Small, sharp knife blade
    Smallest sewing needle I had
    Black thread
    5X loupe
    Needle-nose pliers

    The procedure:
    - Cut the existing stitching
    - Resew using the black thread and existing holes

    After a lot of swearing and some hand cramping, I finally got it done. Note to anyone wanting to do this: wax the holes with a soft wax. I used musical instrument "grease" for slides and corks.

    Please enjoy the photograh below. I like how it came out and these NOS JB Champion straps are Really Nice!

    Tom
     
    ferrero.jpg
    ahartfie likes this.
  2. VetPsychWars Wants to be in the club! Aug 24, 2016

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    Also note sterling buckle came with the watch and I reuse it any time I change straps.

    Tom