'Gator for my 233 - help selecting type plz

[Travelller]

I'm working with John on a new strap - I need an elegant black strap that I can wear both to work in a suit as well as with a nice dress shirt & jeans, etc.

First it was Ostrich vs. Alligator but I can't deal with the "bumps" on the Ostrich so it's going to be 'gator.

Then I realized I only own one gator strap - a very straightforward flat-textured (smooth) surface. In comparison, hornback always caught my eye but I think it might be too much for the 233, particularly since I will have the strap padded closer to the lugs. Then I came across a few posts here of "baby hornback" and I thought to myself that might be the way to go.

What would you guys recommend among the three?

Let me throw Caiman croc into the mix as well. I understand that there's a difference between the regular and "leg" sections of this beast...

Your input would be very much appreciated (pics are a bonus )

[kilyung]

Here's my favorite

[alexlt730512]

Originally Posted by kilyung

Here's my favorite

who made this strap?
thank you

[Travelller]

Originally Posted by kilyung

Here's my favorite...

That looks sharp, sir! What type of gator is it (or what part of the skin)? Is it padded or simply lined?

Merci

[p_mcgee]

I've tried the antique brown, golden brown & black with ecru stitch gators on my 233 and didn't like any of them. For me they are too shiny & don't work so well with the domed crystal. Mike's black gator above looks nice.

My favorites right now (along with the OEM tunnel) are the antique black calf, tan calf & dark brown assolutamente.

[kilyung]

Mine's a TWB strap.

[alexlt730512]

thank you Mike

[Cru Jones]

Funny enough, I've been in the hunt for a few days for a black gator that's rugged, thick and casual, as opposed to dressy. If I come across what I've been looking for, I'll let you know.

[Travelller]

Originally Posted by Travelller

...I need an elegant black strap...will have the strap padded...

Originally Posted by p_mcgee

... For me they are too shiny & don't work so well with the domed crystal...

Originally Posted by Cru Jones

Funny enough, I've been in the hunt for a few days for a black gator that's rugged, thick and casual, as opposed to dressy...

@both - when I wrote "elegant black strap" I meant in comparison to Swiss ammo or rugged-finish calf, but certainly not "Patek - dressy". I don't think that look works with any historical PAM, which is why I want padded straps to make it look more rugged

I'm also thinking about letting John "antique" it, like he did with this grey camo alligator:


It has a more "flat" reflection (or lack thereof) as opposed to a more classic finish like his normal finish:



On another note, I'd like to get a belly vs. hornback opinion from someone - preferably someone that ones both In the meantime, I've come to learn that "baby hornback" refers to caiman croc only.

[Cru Jones]

Originally Posted by Travelller

On another note, I'd like to get a belly vs. hornback opinion from someone - preferably someone that ones both In the meantime, I've come to learn that "baby hornback" refers to caiman croc only.

FWIW, here's a baby hornback from ted su.

[Travelller]

Originally Posted by Cru Jones

...here's a baby hornback...

Looking good, sir

A few words to back up that great pic would go a long way; how thick is the strap - what's it lined with, is it supple or stiff, etc.

Merci

[Cru Jones]

Originally Posted by Travelller

Looking good, sir

A few words to back up that great pic would go a long way; how thick is the strap - what's it lined with, is it supple or stiff, etc.

Merci

thanks.

the best part about the strap is definitely the look. it's a tad thin, not very supple and not of the best quality i'm afraid, but, at the price point, it's not bad at all.

[Travelller]

Originally Posted by Cru Jones

the best part about the strap is definitely the look...

Well it does look damn good, I'll give you that

But it confirms what I heard - that (good quality) American Alligator trumps Caiman Croc... . A real shame though because I like the smaller "horns" on the Caiman then the bigger ones found on gator. I think the AA HB will be overkill for the 233, but I can't be sure 'till I see some photos and/or hear it from an [ex-]owner...

So far I'm leaning towards padded belly, maybe with a dull ("antiqued") finish... lining will be black eel for sure - love the pattern of eel

[bcacncnc]

Originally Posted by p_mcgee

I've tried the antique brown, golden brown & black with ecru stitch gators on my 233 and didn't like any of them. For me they are too shiny & don't work so well with the domed crystal. Mike's black gator above looks nice.

I've had a similar dilemma with the 233. What I found is that it doesn't really match well with the ecru stitching. That's why I think the black stitching on black gator works best (better). Mikes pic makes it look really nice. I have the OEM black gator with ecru stitch. I'll try and find a pic after my vacation to do a comparison with Mikes.

[Shikar]

Fav is black OEM gator for my 233.

Regards.

[Travelller]

Originally Posted by bcacncnc

...I have the OEM black gator with ecru stitch. I'll try and find a pic after my vacation to do a comparison with Mikes.

Thank you sir

Check this out - one fantastic strap indeed. The question is ...does it fits the 233...

[p_mcgee]

Originally Posted by Cru Jones

Funny enough, I've been in the hunt for a few days for a black gator that's rugged, thick and casual, as opposed to dressy. If I come across what I've been looking for, I'll let you know.

Maybe a Simona vintage gator

[Time Collector]

Originally Posted by Travelller

Thank you sir

Check this out - one fantastic strap indeed. The question is ...does it fits the 233...

I love the AP Safari look it has working for it.

[bcacncnc]

Originally Posted by Travelller

Thank you sir

Check this out - one fantastic strap indeed. The question is ...does it fits the 233...

Hi guys. I found this pic on my iPhone. I think Mikes black stitch on black gator looks more matching.





Here's another all black strap. It's the OEM buffalo. It's a really nice strap but lacks the character of the gators.

[Travelller]

Originally Posted by bcacncnc

...think Mikes black stitch on black gator looks more matching...

Thanks for digging those out

I guess I see your point... I usually like my straps with hi-contrast thread but in this case, "going dark" may be best...

[Cru Jones]

Originally Posted by p_mcgee

Maybe a Simona vintage gator

thanks, and, yes, a black vintage gator is exactly what i'm looking for, but, she doesn't have them available in black. my burgundy vintage gator is one of my favorites.

[p_mcgee]

Originally Posted by bcacncnc

I've had a similar dilemma with the 233. What I found is that it doesn't really match well with the ecru stitching. That's why I think the black stitching on black gator works best (better). Mikes pic makes it look really nice. I have the OEM black gator with ecru stitch. I'll try and find a pic after my vacation to do a comparison with Mikes.

Come to think of it, maybe the ecru stitch has been the issue.

I'll keep an eye open for a decent matte black gator w/ black stitch and try it out. Thanks for the pics and suggestions.

[Travelller]

Originally Posted by Cru Jones

thanks, and, yes, a black vintage gator is exactly what i'm looking for...

Originally Posted by p_mcgee

Come to think of it, maybe the ecru stitch has been the issue. I'll keep an eye open for a decent matte black gator w/ black stitch and try it out...

So John and I have just kick-started the "project":
Black horn-back, ~ satin to matte finish, 24/24 (non-tapered)
Dark-grey eel lining
Black (or charcoal) linen thread
fat "free-floating" keeper

I was wearing my Tora w/ classic alligator today* and decided it had to be horn-back for the 233. The only belly I could see on a 233 is vintage, as everyone has been suggesting, but I can't find any (in black). My next grey strap will be a vintage grey w/black thread & black eel - similar to the one I pictured way above (also from John). But I need black right now, so satin-matte horn-back it is...



*classic black alligator belly strap, nice, but not for my 233.

[Cru Jones]

Originally Posted by Travelller

So John and I have just kick-started the "project":
Black horn-back, ~ satin to matte finish, 24/24 (non-tapered)
Dark-grey eel lining
Black (or charcoal) linen thread
fat "free-floating" keeper

this sounds GOOD!

definitely looking forward to seeing the end result.

[bcacncnc]

ImageUploadedByTapatalk1361887984.249372.jpg

Don't flame me for this. But I blackened out the ecru stitching to make it all black. I can't get a good picture but I think it goes much better now with the 233.

PS. It's a second hand OEM gator that was lying around taking dust. So what the heck. :-). Just did it!

[bcacncnc]

ImageUploadedByTapatalk1361888163.715138.jpg

Here's another pic.

[kilyung]

Looks good, Bryan!

[Travelller]

Originally Posted by bcacncnc

...I blackened out the ecru stitching to make it all black. I can't get a good picture but I think it goes much better now with the 233...

Damn, that came out nice! What the heck did you use to "paint" the thread? Careful when wearing shirts... better test it out first

[p_mcgee]

Originally Posted by bcacncnc

Here's another pic.

Good thinking! Turns out its kinda tough to find a decently priced OEM black gator/black stitch for tang. Most of the black/black gators floating around are PAM 104 straps for deployant. I ordered the Panatime matte Louisiana alligator for tang and it was close, but I'm spoiled after wearing OEM for years & it had to be returned. Guess I'll have to pay up for the real thing.

Anxious to see how that black hornback turns out.

[bcacncnc]

Hi guys...

I just used a black marker pen to paint over the ecru stitching. Don't think there was anything special about the pen, but it did say "oil based" if that matters.

The black paint is almost a perfect match with the black leather. If you look very closely at it though - you can make out a slight purplish tinge, but its hardly noticeable. And this morning, it seems to be soaked into the leather so its almost invisible. The whole process was nerve racking. I did try it on the back of the keeper stitch first and the color went on well so off I went with the rest.

And Traveller, thanks for the tip. I rubbed it with white tissue and a very small amount of black came off so I guess its not 100% guaranteed not to stain your shirts.

Anyways, I'm happy with the outcome so far.