Strap tubes... yes or no?

[petrudis]

I'm in the process of changing out some of the straps that came with my watches, and some have tubes and some don't.

Ok, so here's my question... are strap tubes necessary for the average PAM with lug screws? Will they help the lifespan of the strap, or do they serve another purpose?

What are your recommendations? Your opinions will be appreciated.

 

[SubDude]

If I understand it correctly, the tubes are for the rubber straps. Rubber will kind of grip the screws and can, over time, loosen the screws. As far as I know, the tubes aren't used or needed on leather straps.

Dave

 

[frigpig]

They will lessen the strain on the bar by distributing the weight across it. Straps also move much better with tubes.

 

[karesz501]

I always used tubes whatever type of strap was on my PAM-s, but its over.

Now I only and always use screw replacement springbars. WAAAAAY better and easier

 

[jonathansig]

Tubes allow for better movement of any strap. The leather or rubber strap without tubes may grip you lug screw which can cause it to unscrew or leaving the strap stuck on your lug screw.

 

[exoticwatches]

I have managed to damage one of the push button under the PAM 90 watch case lug hands (not the one on the side), the one that u push down and then press on the side to pop out the bar holding the strap to the watch, and the entire button and spring has come out. Guess I used excessive force.

Now when I talked to the Panerai retailer here in India they are saying it would take minimum of 2 months (that too not confirmed and may take more time) to send the watch back to Swiss HQ of Panerai and get it repaired. Getting repaired too they are asking for a prohibitive price. I donot want to undertake such hassles. Can the Tube & Screw system OR the SPRING BAR system help me in using the watch safely by setting the strap tightly with the watch lug hands ?

Also are these spring bars actually better than using regular tubes and screw sets ?

 

[level z]

if the tube firms snuggly in the strap ... yes .. this will help the wear on the strap and alos allow the strap to more freely ...