Review - Leather Strap for MB Timewalker

[spookycord]

Lately I find myself moving away from bracelets and moving toward straps on most of my watches. Although the bracelet on the MB Timewalker series is one of it's defining characteristics, I still wanted the option of throwing on some leather.

I originally was going to go buy a gen croc strap. I headed to my local Mont Blanc store and after browsing the cases, I asked to see some straps. The sales woman seemed a bit annoyed, but brought out the straps and quoted me $350 for a black croc + $60 for the buckle I think. After thinking about it for a very long time, I decided I'd try out the rep strap to see how it looked and if I liked the combination enough, I would be back to buy the gen strap. It's similar to the process many use in deciding on which gen watch to buy. Get the rep first. If you absolutely love the watch, then consider the gen!

Contacted my rep dealer. <$50 bucks, strap + buckle. 1 week later. Sweet!

The basic dimensions and patterns and stitchless design are spot on. The polished buckle is very nice, with the star pattern rod ends and cut out to match the design of the lugs on the watch. The MONTBLANC etching is deep and clear.

Although it is a nice piece, it is not up to par with the Breitling rep straps. The plastic exterior is a bit cheap too. Overall though, I'm pleased. Variety is the spice of life...and reps. Let me know what you think. Here it is.

-Spookycord

 

[iarenap]

interested in knowing where you came across the brown strap? i have the black, but the brown looks much better, imop. any help would be great.

 

[Neg]

The brown contrasts nicely with the silver. That is a great looking watch, they've come a long way since the first version with the faux chronograph and dollar store bracelet.

 

[rickds]

I just got my Timewalker Friday and would like a quality thick faux Chroc band. Can you please tell me where you got it.

Thanks

Rick

 

[Importr]

Very nice combo.

I'm becoming more and more interested in the MB line-up of reps...

...I will have to get one for my next fix :twisted:

 

[fakemaster]

Anything looks good on a Timewalker.

 

[spookycord]

Yep everything looks good, including this OEM PAM dark brown croc. It's 22mm but squeezes into the 22mm gap pretty easily.

 

[guanaco]

Thanks for the small review, personally, I wouldn't give $300+ for a strap just because it's branded under a famous brand, if you want quality alligator/crocodile straps you can get a Hirsch or DiModell for about $120 and if you want a great alligator grain or crocodile grain go for a bob straps or Hirsch, or DiModell... etc. That go for no more than $35! Just my 2 cents!

 

[optimis9]

Great looking strap. How is it compare to the gen? My experience is that, even the rep with real croc leather lack the shine and refine feel of the Gen Branded strap.. YOur opinion or experience please..

 

[spookycord]

Great looking strap. How is it compare to the gen? My experience is that, even the rep with real croc leather lack the shine and refine feel of the Gen Branded strap.. YOur opinion or experience please..

Well the brown croc strap is a Gen Panerai strap. IMHO it's no better than most aftermarket genuince croc straps. Many aftermarket straps are better and offer more variety in color, thickness, stitch etc.

The gen Mont Blanc gator is actually matte so it's not gonna have much shine anyway. But in terms of finish the gen Mont Blanc is much better. $250 better? Doubtful...That being said, the MBTW has grown on me so much I might splurge on it. BTW they do offer a calf strap for half the price.

Ideally I would like to find a strap maker that can replicate the gen MB strap in croc leather with the same thickness in a stichless design. Any suggestions?