Here are the 10 rules that work for me.
1.) Always consider whether the straps AP designed for the watch are the best possible choice. Often they are, as their professional designers gave the strap pairing alot of consideration. In this case, order the OEM strap if you want an upgrade.
2.) Forged Carbon patterns are best paired with a neutral strap: best is rubber, second best is calf and alcantara. Pairing a forged carbon case with a croc or alligator hide with complex patterns is too much, i.e. OTT. You will have a battle of patterns on your wrist.
3.) If you have to force the strap onto the watch or if it leaves a gigantic gap, use it on another watch if you can.
4.) It is often best to find a colour on the dial/tach to echo on the strap: Buemi with red rubber, Schumi with charcoal grey, etc.
5.) Divers and Rubberclads really deserve rubber.
6.) Do not stop experimenting and keep a large collection of straps ready: often a watch/strap finds the strap/watch it deserves after many months of experimenting.
7.) Try to get the buckle or deployant in the middle of your wrist.
8.) Always use a mounted inverted screw tool and sharp screwdrivers for mounting/dismounting a strap. Work in bright light, take your time, and tape off the case and strap to prevent slips of the screwdriver from scratching them.
9.) If the threads on a bar and cap become stripped, replace them. They will only cause trouble later.
10.) Never use loctite.
1.) Always consider whether the straps AP designed for the watch are the best possible choice. Often they are, as their professional designers gave the strap pairing alot of consideration. In this case, order the OEM strap if you want an upgrade.
2.) Forged Carbon patterns are best paired with a neutral strap: best is rubber, second best is calf and alcantara. Pairing a forged carbon case with a croc or alligator hide with complex patterns is too much, i.e. OTT. You will have a battle of patterns on your wrist.
3.) If you have to force the strap onto the watch or if it leaves a gigantic gap, use it on another watch if you can.
4.) It is often best to find a colour on the dial/tach to echo on the strap: Buemi with red rubber, Schumi with charcoal grey, etc.
5.) Divers and Rubberclads really deserve rubber.
6.) Do not stop experimenting and keep a large collection of straps ready: often a watch/strap finds the strap/watch it deserves after many months of experimenting.
7.) Try to get the buckle or deployant in the middle of your wrist.
8.) Always use a mounted inverted screw tool and sharp screwdrivers for mounting/dismounting a strap. Work in bright light, take your time, and tape off the case and strap to prevent slips of the screwdriver from scratching them.
9.) If the threads on a bar and cap become stripped, replace them. They will only cause trouble later.
10.) Never use loctite.
