unusual bund question

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Hello all,
I have a rather unusual question (but if I had found an answer I wouldn’t be asking).

Background:
I have a nickel allergy, which is usually no issue, as I commission a custom strap with a “stealth” bund that is nearly invisible for every steel watch I buy.


It generally does mean, however, that stainless bracelets are out of the question.

I have a Zenith A277 incoming (arriving tomorrow). From the pictures, I believe it is is spectacular condition, with the original ladder bracelet. I usually have no hesitation removing a bracelet, wrapping it up in case I later sell the watch, and putting it away in a storage box - never to be seen again. In this case, the Zenith ladder bracelet is such an icon on its own, and paired with an A277, I would love to be able to wear it.

1. Has anyone ever faced this question? I presume not, but worth asking
2. Given the ladder bracelets’ open design, the leather would be visible. I would probably go with an un-dyed leather to minimize contrast, but how ridiculous do you think would this look? Would it be better to lean into it and have this made from my usual bourbon/cognac cordovan?
3. Is it worth a shot? Or should I just suck it up and use my tried and true solution. I’m commissioning a bund for this watch either way - it will be my only 22mm lugs.
 
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Dont know of any "ladder" bund idea strap option but here are 2 other options.
- Zenith has a Titanium ladder bracelet for the Cover Girl watch, hidious expensive but non-alergic, if it fits the lugs ?
- Or try some serious DIY by using protective polishing tape from Amazon amongst others, ;
Polishing Protect Masking Tape foil for Watchmakers for Watch Bracelet,

on the underside of the bracelet to see if it works ? Good luck as that watch and bracelet deserve to be worn !
 
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Hello all,
I have a rather unusual question (but if I had found an answer I wouldn’t be asking).

Background:
I have a nickel allergy, which is usually no issue, as I commission a custom strap with a “stealth” bund that is nearly invisible for every steel watch I buy.


It generally does mean, however, that stainless bracelets are out of the question.

I have a Zenith A277 incoming (arriving tomorrow). From the pictures, I believe it is is spectacular condition, with the original ladder bracelet. I usually have no hesitation removing a bracelet, wrapping it up in case I later sell the watch, and putting it away in a storage box - never to be seen again. In this case, the Zenith ladder bracelet is such an icon on its own, and paired with an A277, I would love to be able to wear it.

1. Has anyone ever faced this question? I presume not, but worth asking
2. Given the ladder bracelets’ open design, the leather would be visible. I would probably go with an un-dyed leather to minimize contrast, but how ridiculous do you think would this look? Would it be better to lean into it and have this made from my usual bourbon/cognac cordovan?
3. Is it worth a shot? Or should I just suck it up and use my tried and true solution. I’m commissioning a bund for this watch either way - it will be my only 22mm lugs.

Who makes them?

Let's see a pic when it arrives and then it's a bit easier to offer suggestions once we know what you are dealing with.

Ps. Love the Memovox - one of my wanna haves
 
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Ron:
I like the idea of the tape. I’ve seen videos of that sort of thing, but wonder about its durability. I don’t think I would do the Ti bracelet, if only because I would still need a bund for the watch head, which sort leaves me where I started. I think I’ll get some of that tape either way, since if it works, it would open up other bracelet options.

blubarb:
Thanks! That JLC is one of my grails. It was the reason I started collecting Memovoxes, which were my gateway into real collecting. As soon as I could afford it, I snapped one up and can say it is a very satisfying watch.

I worked with Watchstrapheaven on the design. I am an engineer and drew the template for him. I made 3 templates for him for a range of watch sizes, in case anyone else wants to use the design. He does really great work, and he’s also a pleasure to work with. I cannot recommend him highly enough.

I’ll post some pictures tomorrow once I pick it up from UPS.
 
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I don't know about the bracelet, but couldn't you just put a standard protective sticker on the back of any watch?
 
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I don't know about the bracelet, but couldn't you just put a standard protective sticker on the back of any watch?
These bunds create a small gap that stops the watch from resting on my skin altogether. I don’t have to worry about the sides of the case or the lugs. Most watches don’t have a perfectly flat back all the way to the edge, and the stickers only seem to cover the central flat part of the case-back.

I’ve never tried the stickers, and they might work, but I have thought about it. I was concerned about durability and whether they might not be inadequate.

It’s not like I break out in hives when I touch nickel, but after wearing a watch without a bund for a day, I start to itch, and after 2-3 days, it turns into a real contact dermatitis. I’ve even replaced my steel buckles with sterling silver because even that small point of contact causes issues.
 
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I don't know about the bracelet, but couldn't you just put a standard protective sticker on the back of any watch?

or the back of the ladder bracelet allowing it to curl over the edges for stickability? Would coating the back of the bracelet with clear nail polish work for you? My wife does this with her the watches that she responds negatively to (usually the nickel) and it seems to work. Just a thought.
 
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I don’t have to worry about the sides of the case or the lugs. Most watches don’t have a perfectly flat back all the way to the edge, and the stickers only seem to cover the central flat part of the case-back.

I see, didnt realize it was that precise ! There is also the "Newman" bund strap on which he wore his Daytona, but it is much wider over the whole length of the strap, i think Hanhart / McQueen also had those ? Or do one better and make it your Forte, go wrist it like a Gladiator !

 
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I can’t picture it being comfortable wearing a bracelet over a leather strap - fussy to wear and hard to clean? It would also have a strong leather bar look, I’d think, but that’s a personal choice. Putting the bracelet away for eventual sale of the watch would be my vote.
 
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I can’t picture it being comfortable wearing a bracelet over a leather strap - fussy to wear and hard to clean? It would also have a strong leather bar look, I’d think, but that’s a personal choice. Putting the bracelet away for eventual sale of the watch would be my vote.
I just picked it up from UPS and it’s every bit as good as I’d hoped. I think I’m going to go the full leather route; the bracelet is a little jingly, and I’m not sure I can get used to it. I’ll end up just saving it in my bracelet box in case I do ever decide to sell - which I cannot imagine right now.
 
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Maybe of topic but I would have bought a gold watch. Titanium, ceramic, or so...

Wouldn't it be easier ?
 
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Maybe of topic but I would have bought a gold watch. Titanium, ceramic, or so...

Wouldn't it be easier ?
Easier? Absolutely. But I have a collection I’m proud of, and I’m not going to stop wearing it now. I have a titanium bracelet watch and I have a number of gold watches, but all my favorite pieces are steel. Gold is for special occasions, and I’ve honestly never even worn my titanium watch.

The watches I’m interested in are mostly vintage chronographs and chronometers. A few of those come in gold, but a tool watch with a gold case feels wrong to me. The only gold watch I ever really wear is my polerouter. I am looking to add a 30t2 rg (small seconds) in gold, if I find the right one. It wouldnt replace my steel one, though. I would even sell my steel zenith 135 to fund a gold one, if the right one popped up. I have zero interest in gold capped or plated, however, which does limit my options.

I also enjoy the fact that I have a bespoke solution that makes my collection rather unique. I have even come to accept, if not embrace, the visible bund pad on the right watch.