I wanted to switch up the look on my Speedy Pro. I actually own a custom made leather strap from Jones in Tokyo that I haven't used in a while. Now I know this watch has a 20mm lug width, but the strap was custom made at 19mm. Just wondering if there would be any issues wearing it like this? Other than the obvious 1 mm floating gap on the band. Its not really noticeable unless you really stare at it. I really like the strap/color and I would hate to reorder something exactly the same all over again.
I had to look to find it, honestly might not have thought anything if you had not pointed it out, how does it look when wearing it?
It’s my understanding that a strap of the wrong size puts pressure on the pins at the wrong point, and therefore is less secure, so *in principle* the pin may break or come out. However, I don’t think a 1mm gap is that significant on a 20mm lug gap, but you’ll struggle to maintain an equal 0.5mm each side - you’ll probably find the gap is all on one side, but if the aesthetics don’t bother you, go for it.
20mm on 19mm lugs often works but I am afraid I don't agree that 19mm looks any good on 20mm lugs, the gaps look terrible. Here is an example of the former:
Be sure to use strong, high-quality spring bars. If the band has room to wiggle it can grab the spring bar as it twists and - if the spring is weak - unseat it from the lugs *crash*
Interesting point - my view is that it's better if the strap can move freely as opposed to having a tight fit as the latter scenario increases the likelihood of the bar moving if there is any movement in the strap.