346 Strap Questions

[Storch]

Hey guys,
Been lurking here for a while and learned a lot which lead to me picking up a KW 346 from the M2M section.
I love the watch but not the brown Migliore strap it came with. Don't get me wrong, it's a greatstrap, but I want to go with something darker for this watch.
So this is where the questions come in.

First off, is is possible to pick up a replacement for the brown rep croc? I sent a pm to Kuvarsit and am waiting on a reply, but was wondering if anyone else might know where one could be had.

Second, is it "OK" to use a 24mm strap instead of a 26mm? I ask because there seem to be much fewer 26mm straps out there and even fewer 26/24s.

Third, does anyone have any experience with Chimera straps? I saw a seller on ebay going by the name reikaye that is selling some decent looking 24mm straps at very attractive prices (which is already a bit of a warning) but I was wondering if anyone had any experience.

Fourth, can anyone suggest a good source for26/24 straps? I've been going through all the straps sections on all the forums I am on and looking through the trusted dealers on each, but would welcome recommendations.

Finally, and I apologize if this is a complete noob question, I was looking at this thread: http://forum.replica-watch.info/vb/sho...d.php?t=183127 and I noticed that where the two lug bars meet there seems to be some kind of cap joining them. Is that specific to the 505 or should my 346 have those as well? As you may have inferred, I do not have them, so if they should be there, can anyone suggest a source for replacements?

I'm sorry for the big wall of text, but I'm not going to learn if I don't ask.
Thank you for reading all of this and I appreciate all your help.

 

[kilowattore]

Starting from the end, that tiny bit of metal that joins the lugs should be there on the 346 as well, but you can mount strap safely even without. I have done that

Chimaera straps are the same as our rep straps, so pretty cheap and not great quality. Some members like them, but if you're on a budget I suggest you to look at Panatime or BOB straps because they're better imho.

You can mount a 24/22 strap on your 346, but you will expose a noticeable part of the lugs, some members do it, but imho it looks better on a 26/22 or 27/22 strap. Again the above sellers offer a variety of budget straps in this size.

If you want the rep strap, most likely kuvarsit is your better choice, but you will probably overpay it.

I would never downgrade to a rep strap from a custom Migliore strap, you will understand why when you will have them in your hands

Hopefully I covered all your questions, good choice on the 346, it's a great watch

 

[mysterio]

Chimera / King Straps is a known ebay seller.

 

[shelby1501]

I have two Chimera/Kingnob straps and had one BOB and from that experience I prefer Chimera. Nice straps for the money, at least these two that I have.

 

[crapie]

I've had 4 straps from chimera
2 were amazingly good for the money
1 was their blue croco grain which was crap
the other was a faux OP ammo strap, slightly above decent

i scratched up my 346 when I first got it and sent it in for sandblasting
will be picking up an orloff croc (26/22, light brown caramel) soon

 

[tootall]

Hey guys,
First off, is is possible to pick up a replacement for the brown rep croc? I sent a pm to Kuvarsit and am waiting on a reply, but was wondering if anyone else might know where one could be had.

Second, is it "OK" to use a 24mm strap instead of a 26mm? I ask because there seem to be much fewer 26mm straps out there and even fewer 26/24s.

Third, does anyone have any experience with Chimera straps? I saw a seller on ebay going by the name reikaye that is selling some decent looking 24mm straps at very attractive prices (which is already a bit of a warning) but I was wondering if anyone had any experience.

Fourth, can anyone suggest a good source for26/24 straps? I've been going through all the straps sections on all the forums I am on and looking through the trusted dealers on each, but would welcome recommendations.

1. You can get a rep strap, but please read this thread first before you do: http://forum.replica-watch.info/vb/showthread.php?t=18950&highlight=bonded

2. Yes, you can use a 24mm strap. However, as kilowattore pointed out, the lugs would show more.

3. The experience I have had with them, is that they are mass produced inferior products. Especially compared to the Migliore strap you currently have.

4. I could make you one. As could some of the other custom strap makers here on RWI.

Hope that helps.

 

[Storch]

A huge thank you to everyone.
I am adjusting my thinking and the rep croc is definitely out of the puicture now. (Thanks tootall for the great info there).
Again, my problem with the Migliore has nothing to do with quality. I don't want any to get the wrong idea. It is a very well made, very soft strap. I'm just not a fan of the color.
Over the last couple of days, I have tried out a (rather crappy) black strap I had laying around and you can definitely tell the difference.
I've got it narrowed down to a few contenders and it's just a matter of deciding how much I'm spending.
Again, thanks to everyone.