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Speed · 15 March 2010, 07:39 AM

Well, I just got a polite, but not very helpful email from Heroic 18.

I am outta luck getting them to alter my buckle side of two straps I recently bought...a 75/115 an 80 / 135 they said would fit my 6.5" wrist and PAM 111.

The buckle rides half-way up the 6 oclock side of my wrist. Seems to me all i need is someone with the tools, thread and machinery to cut off about an inch of the buckle side of the strap - and I am good.

I could take the strap to my local cobbler...but wondering if anyone here knows of a US / domestic strap maker who can help me here. Of course I will pay...

sleddog · 15 March 2010, 07:46 AM

Bill...You haven't had much luck on the strap side of things now have you!!

I would suggest the cheapest and quickest option is to take it to a leather or boot maker,even a custom sewing outfit locally to try a fix!!! Good luck friend!!

Welshwatchman · 15 March 2010, 07:58 AM

You'd be better off selling yours and asking the Heroic guys to supply you a correct sized strap for a one off "special price".

You could then come back here and let us know how good their customer service is.

Speed · 15 March 2010, 08:33 AM

Thanks Rob...that might work, but as I am favoring the OEM straps, I may as Paul suggests sell.

Heroic did not seem to be keen on doing any customizations.

Oh well...Love the watch anyway!

Mosco · 15 March 2010, 11:00 AM

Bill,

send it to me, my leather guys will take care of it for you. Just cover the shipping and we're good!

Speed · 15 March 2010, 11:09 AM

Thanks Greg...

I may take you up on that. Let me noodle that a while.

I love the black / brown OEM Alligators...the Thick as a Brick aftermarket ones, I am not so sure about.

Much Thanks!!!

mrh1797 · 15 March 2010, 11:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mosco

Bill,

send it to me, my leather guys will take care of it for you. Just cover the shipping and we're good!

sleddog · 15 March 2010, 11:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mosco

Bill,

send it to me, my leather guys will take care of it for you. Just cover the shipping and we're good!

A nice offer Greg!!!

There you go Bill,The TRF community comes through again..(Greg anyway!)

Speed · 15 March 2010, 11:11 AM

I love this place!!!

sleddog · 15 March 2010, 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Speed

I love this place!!!

Me too!!

Mosco · 15 March 2010, 11:29 AM

Bill,

We were just going to 'doctor' the H18 a bit, doubt it'll make it thicker!

Psmith · 15 March 2010, 11:35 AM

Nice offer by Greg

Pity that H18 couldn't do something for you.

Most strap makers I've dealt with have been happy to make mods as required/desired, if possible.

Cheers

B. Doggy · 15 March 2010, 12:01 PM

Bill,

As I said before, the sizing of your straps will take some time. Believe me, I've spent plenty of money figuring out what works best best for me. Straps are like watches....they get flipped until you know what's perfect!

Good luck, my friend!

ParisDakarBmw · 15 March 2010, 12:12 PM

Greg always saves the day!

Speed · 15 March 2010, 12:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mosco

Bill,

We were just going to 'doctor' the H18 a bit, doubt it'll make it thicker!

Understood Greg! I was just commenting on what I have seen so far in aftermarket straps.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Psmith

Nice offer by Greg

Pity that H18 couldn't do something for you.

Most strap makers I've dealt with have been happy to make mods as required/desired, if possible.

Cheers

Yes...they were quite nice about it...but I suppose not interested in one-off jobs.

Quote:

Originally Posted by B. Doggy

Bill,

As I said before, the sizing of your straps will take some time. Believe me, I've spent plenty of money figuring out what works best best for me. Straps are like watches....they get flipped until you know what's perfect!

Good luck, my friend!

Thanks. Understood. Why is it that the EXPENSIVE OEM straps seem to appeal / fit best with the also EXPENSIVE deployant! Love the deployant BTW.

Vanilla Gorilla · 15 March 2010, 01:32 PM

Why wouldn't you return the straps for ones that fit?

bcacncnc · 15 March 2010, 01:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Speed

Well, I just got a polite, but not very helpful email from Heroic 18.

I am outta luck getting them to alter my buckle side of two straps I recently bought...a 75/115 an 80 / 135 they said would fit my 6.5" wrist and PAM 111.

The buckle rides half-way up the 6 oclock side of my wrist. Seems to me all i need is someone with the tools, thread and machinery to cut off about an inch of the buckle side of the strap - and I am good.

I could take the strap to my local cobbler...but wondering if anyone here knows of a US / domestic strap maker who can help me here. Of course I will pay...

Speed - I had the same problem as you. I also have 6.5 inch wrists and bought a Heroic strap. On the tighest fitting hole I could still rotate the watch around the wrist, and I know how the buckle goes all the way up the wrist. What I did was punch an additional hole, which didn't go according to plan, and then I had to punch another hole. It only exacerbates the buckle up the wrist thing though.

I would agree that you are best to sell it. I ended up with an original PAM gator where you can select the shorter strap. I can confirm that the shorter strap will make the buckle sit right where it should on the middle of your underside of your wrist. Or you can go custom made. Best to look at the strap sizes before buying. I think the 115/70 (from memory) is the size for you.

Speed · 15 March 2010, 01:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vanilla Gorilla

Why wouldn't you return the straps for ones that fit?

Apparently they don't do custom work...so none of theirs would fit.

The risk you take buying on line... My bad. Live & learn.

Speed · 15 March 2010, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bcacncnc

Speed - I had the same problem as you. I also have 6.5 inch wrists and bought a Heroic strap. On the tighest fitting hole I could still rotate the watch around the wrist, and I know how the buckle goes all the way up the wrist. What I did was punch an additional hole, which didn't go according to plan, and then I had to punch another hole. It only exacerbates the buckle up the wrist thing though.

I would agree that you are best to sell it. I ended up with an original PAM gator where you can select the shorter strap. I can confirm that the shorter strap will make the buckle sit right where it should on the middle of your underside of your wrist. Or you can go custom made. Best to look at the strap sizes before buying. I think the 115/70 (from memory) is the size for you.

Thanks much for the confirmation. I did get one that was 115/ 70 and it was still "riding high"

My OEM rubber and Gator with deployant fit quite nicely on the last hole. Second to last if it gets humid....

Mike the Mod was right when he told me deployant was the best route to go.

Psmith · 15 March 2010, 04:50 PM

From the H18 website...

"Our priority is your satisfaction, if you have any problems with your
strap(s), please email us within 3 days of receipt of such goods. We
will replace your strap or refund your purchase in full should you not be
satisfied with our products."

Cheers

bcacncnc · 15 March 2010, 05:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Speed

Thanks much for the confirmation. I did get one that was 115/ 70 and it was still "riding high"

My OEM rubber and Gator with deployant fit quite nicely on the last hole. Second to last if it gets humid....

Mike the Mod was right when he told me deployant was the best route to go.

Speed - If I am not mistaken the straps for th 44mm Luminors from Heroic18 are 135 or 125 / 80. They are somewhat longer than the original PAM straps. I think the original PAM straps come in 115/80 and 115/70 variants.

uscmex · 15 March 2010, 06:05 PM

Heroic 18 might not be keen on making custom straps since thats not their business. They are in making mass produced machine made straps. FOr the price you cant beat them but they are limited in that sense

Speed · 16 March 2010, 12:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Psmith

From the H18 website...

"Our priority is your satisfaction, if you have any problems with your
strap(s), please email us within 3 days of receipt of such goods. We
will replace your strap or refund your purchase in full should you not be
satisfied with our products."

>>> Thanks. However, I missed the window...but may try again. Not much leverage with a company across the Ocean. Again, very polite / answered several pre sales questions...but no accounting for this.

Cheers

Quote:

Originally Posted by bcacncnc

Speed - If I am not mistaken the straps for th 44mm Luminors from Heroic18 are 135 or 125 / 80. They are somewhat longer than the original PAM straps. I think the original PAM straps come in 115/80 and 115/70 variants.

Sorry, I meant to say 115 / 75 - standard for the Carbon fiber one I bought and 135 / 80 for the Italian leather w/ Wax thread...

Quote:

Originally Posted by uscmex

Heroic 18 might not be keen on making custom straps since thats not their business. They are in making mass produced machine made straps. FOr the price you cant beat them but they are limited in that sense

Understood. Now I know. Normally I get worked up about these things, but I should have measured and/or went custom with a company like Ted Su...

I may take Greg up on his kind offer, or just sell the straps as I have a spare OEM Gator now - which I know will fit great - AND I am gun shy about having to melt the loctite my watchmaker used on the screws after he buffed my lugs and re-installed my black Gator.

I know changing straps is a cool feature of PAMs, but really, I don't feel like going through the process. Next time, I will get a PAM with the one-button strap change system!!!

TswaneNguni · 16 March 2010, 01:11 AM

Post some pics of the strap/watch on the wrist.We will be the judge ....

Speed · 16 March 2010, 01:22 AM

Thanks Chris...but as I said, I have no desire to go near my freshly buffed lugs with a Screwdriver. I don't have the stomach for holding a match to the lugs as my watchmaker directed to melt the loctite. The thought of melting a OEM Gator band does NOT excite me!

I may leave things as is for a while.

But beleive me, the GIGANTIC buckle and thick strap did not look good on my 6.5 inch wrist... The watch is big enough and the thin OEM strap offsets it nicely.

I just don't think the Heroic's look good on me.

Vanilla Gorilla · 16 March 2010, 04:16 PM

Yeah, everyone has different tastes. Some people love the long and thick straps. Other prefer the understated look of an OEM strap. I prefer tapered straps myself. This is one I made for myself last night actually. It's padded towards the lugs and thins out as it hits the buckle area so that you don't get a bulge of leather when strapped on. If I'm wearing a t-shirt, I don't mind that look, but at work, I prefer a classic look that fits nicely under my shirt cuffs.

One thing to keep in mind (I'm not sure if it was mentioned here already or not) but for thick straps, you should order them 5-10mm longer. For your wrist size, I would think you would do just fine with 115/75 for an OEM strap, but I would bump it up to 125/75 for thicker straps.

Another thing to keep in mind: if you sit at a desk all day like a lot of us do, consider getting the short half of your strap a little longer to push the buckle out of harms way from getting all scratched up from the desk/laptop.

Speed · 16 March 2010, 11:29 PM

Gorgeous work Bo. Do you whip these out in your spare time? Would love to see the strap on your watch

Good points...I do work at a desk Mon-Fri. No way will my Pam fit under a cuff. Tough enough to get the Rolexes to fit.

I roll up the sleeves when I wear the 111 to work.

Vanilla Gorilla · 17 March 2010, 04:29 AM

I actually create leather crafts on the side with the main focus on watch straps (www.gorillaleather.com). I don't have any pics of the brown strap mounted at the moment, but I did the same strap in black a while back. I seem to have just enough room to get my watch under the cuff. :)

15 March 2010, 07:39 AM	#1
Speed "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: USA Posts: 19,706	After Market Strap Surgery??? Well, I just got a polite, but not very helpful email from Heroic 18. I am outta luck getting them to alter my buckle side of two straps I recently bought...a 75/115 an 80 / 135 they said would fit my 6.5" wrist and PAM 111. The buckle rides half-way up the 6 oclock side of my wrist. Seems to me all i need is someone with the tools, thread and machinery to cut off about an inch of the buckle side of the strap - and I am good. I could take the strap to my local cobbler...but wondering if anyone here knows of a US / domestic strap maker who can help me here. Of course I will pay...

15 March 2010, 07:46 AM	#2
sleddog TRF Moderator & 2024 DATE-JUST41 Patron Join Date: Jul 2007 Real Name: Rob Location: Nearby. Posts: 24,907	Bill...You haven't had much luck on the strap side of things now have you!! I would suggest the cheapest and quickest option is to take it to a leather or boot maker,even a custom sewing outfit locally to try a fix!!! Good luck friend!! __________________ He who wears a Rolex is always on time, even when late!! TRF's "After Dark" Bar & Nightclub Patron-Founding Member..

15 March 2010, 07:58 AM	#3
Welshwatchman "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Real Name: Paul Location: Wales, UK Posts: 14,578	You'd be better off selling yours and asking the Heroic guys to supply you a correct sized strap for a one off "special price". You could then come back here and let us know how good their customer service is. __________________ ..33

15 March 2010, 11:00 AM	#5
Mosco "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Real Name: Greg Location: Cincinnati Watch: I like to... Posts: 18,567	Bill, send it to me, my leather guys will take care of it for you. Just cover the shipping and we're good! __________________ Instagram - @CaliberSwiss *“A man who procrastinates in his choosing will inevitably have his choice made for him by circumstance.” - Hunter S. Thompson*

15 March 2010, 11:29 AM	#11
Mosco "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Real Name: Greg Location: Cincinnati Watch: I like to... Posts: 18,567	Bill, We were just going to 'doctor' the H18 a bit, doubt it'll make it thicker! __________________ Instagram - @CaliberSwiss *“A man who procrastinates in his choosing will inevitably have his choice made for him by circumstance.” - Hunter S. Thompson*

15 March 2010, 08:33 AM	#4
Speed "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: USA Posts: 19,706	Thanks Rob...that might work, but as I am favoring the OEM straps, I may as Paul suggests sell. Heroic did not seem to be keen on doing any customizations. Oh well...Love the watch anyway!

15 March 2010, 11:09 AM	#6
Speed "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: USA Posts: 19,706	Thanks Greg... I may take you up on that. Let me noodle that a while. I love the black / brown OEM Alligators...the Thick as a Brick aftermarket ones, I am not so sure about. Much Thanks!!!

15 March 2010, 11:11 AM	#9
Speed "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: USA Posts: 19,706	I love this place!!!

15 March 2010, 11:35 AM	#12
Psmith "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Real Name: Clive Location: Exoplanet Watch: spring-driven Posts: 38,856	Nice offer by Greg Pity that H18 couldn't do something for you. Most strap makers I've dealt with have been happy to make mods as required/desired, if possible. Cheers __________________

15 March 2010, 12:01 PM	#13
B. Doggy "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Real Name: Bryan Location: Oregon Posts: 7,399	Bill, As I said before, the sizing of your straps will take some time. Believe me, I've spent plenty of money figuring out what works best best for me. Straps are like watches....they get flipped until you know what's perfect! Good luck, my friend! __________________ Rolex / Panerai / Omega

15 March 2010, 12:12 PM	#14
ParisDakarBmw Banned Join Date: Dec 2009 Real Name: Paul Location: New Haven, CT Watch: 116610 Sub-C Posts: 6,552	Greg always saves the day!

15 March 2010, 01:32 PM	#16
Vanilla Gorilla Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Real Name: Bo Location: Baltimore, MD Watch: 111 Posts: 35	Why wouldn't you return the straps for ones that fit?

15 March 2010, 04:50 PM	#20
Psmith "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Real Name: Clive Location: Exoplanet Watch: spring-driven Posts: 38,856	From the H18 website... "Our priority is your satisfaction, if you have any problems with your strap(s), please email us within 3 days of receipt of such goods. We will replace your strap or refund your purchase in full should you not be satisfied with our products." Cheers __________________

15 March 2010, 06:05 PM	#22
uscmex "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: San Diego Posts: 77	Heroic 18 might not be keen on making custom straps since thats not their business. They are in making mass produced machine made straps. FOr the price you cant beat them but they are limited in that sense

16 March 2010, 01:11 AM	#24
TswaneNguni "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Real Name: Chris Location: . Watch: Daytonas/Subs/GMTs Posts: 12,609	Post some pics of the strap/watch on the wrist.We will be the judge ....

16 March 2010, 01:22 AM	#25
Speed "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: USA Posts: 19,706	Thanks Chris...but as I said, I have no desire to go near my freshly buffed lugs with a Screwdriver. I don't have the stomach for holding a match to the lugs as my watchmaker directed to melt the loctite. The thought of melting a OEM Gator band does NOT excite me! I may leave things as is for a while. But beleive me, the GIGANTIC buckle and thick strap did not look good on my 6.5 inch wrist... The watch is big enough and the thin OEM strap offsets it nicely. I just don't think the Heroic's look good on me.

16 March 2010, 04:16 PM	#26
Vanilla Gorilla Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Real Name: Bo Location: Baltimore, MD Watch: 111 Posts: 35	Yeah, everyone has different tastes. Some people love the long and thick straps. Other prefer the understated look of an OEM strap. I prefer tapered straps myself. This is one I made for myself last night actually. It's padded towards the lugs and thins out as it hits the buckle area so that you don't get a bulge of leather when strapped on. If I'm wearing a t-shirt, I don't mind that look, but at work, I prefer a classic look that fits nicely under my shirt cuffs. One thing to keep in mind (I'm not sure if it was mentioned here already or not) but for thick straps, you should order them 5-10mm longer. For your wrist size, I would think you would do just fine with 115/75 for an OEM strap, but I would bump it up to 125/75 for thicker straps. Another thing to keep in mind: if you sit at a desk all day like a lot of us do, consider getting the short half of your strap a little longer to push the buckle out of harms way from getting all scratched up from the desk/laptop.

16 March 2010, 11:29 PM	#27
Speed "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: USA Posts: 19,706	Gorgeous work Bo. Do you whip these out in your spare time? Would love to see the strap on your watch Good points...I do work at a desk Mon-Fri. No way will my Pam fit under a cuff. Tough enough to get the Rolexes to fit. I roll up the sleeves when I wear the 111 to work.

17 March 2010, 04:29 AM	#28
Vanilla Gorilla Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Real Name: Bo Location: Baltimore, MD Watch: 111 Posts: 35	I actually create leather crafts on the side with the main focus on watch straps (www.gorillaleather.com). I don't have any pics of the brown strap mounted at the moment, but I did the same strap in black a while back. I seem to have just enough room to get my watch under the cuff. :)

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