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13 August 2014, 02:05 AM | #1 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jun 2008
Real Name: Brian
Location: Cleveland, OH
Watch: Platona
Posts: 1,569
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"Tropical" Strap Durability?
Hello everyone here on TRF! I had an unusual conversation with my Patek Dealer the other day and wanted to get you thoughts on the conversation. The sales person behind the counter noticed the Aquanaut 5164 on my wrist and politely complimented me on the choice. I thanked her and we began a conversation about how popular that particular model has become.....and how difficult it is for dealers to obtain.
Anyway, as I was singing the praises of the piece and it's durability, the Salesperson suggested that I still not forget to replace the strap every year or two as you would with a leather strap. Being a synthetic material I didn't feel this was necessary, but she adamantly reaffirmed that even though it's not a natural hide material, sweat, water and other items will limit its useful life to at most 2 years with normal daily wear. Personally, I find this very hard to believe! I can't imagine the Patek "Tropical" strap not lasting at least a decade....if not even longer. Am I wrong with that? I would love to know you thoughts and experiences with this type of strap. How long can I reasonably expect it to last before needing replaced? |
13 August 2014, 02:19 AM | #2 |
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Join Date: Sep 2010
Real Name: Sam
Location: new hampshire
Watch: 5167, 16570, 5513
Posts: 493
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Hmm I also wouldn't think it would need to be every year or two. Maybe if you wore it every day outside in the sun and salt water and such. I'm thinking tires that get dry- rotted after sitting in the sun. Interesting. I know there are members here that have had tropical straps for 7+ years. Maybe they will chime in....
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13 August 2014, 02:19 AM | #3 | |
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Join Date: Jul 2013
Real Name: Jorge
Location: Ohio, USA
Watch: Rolex,Patek and AP
Posts: 4,676
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Quote:
Don't own the 5167 but what I heard from other TRF members it really lasts 4 ever. I'll let them answer based on experience.
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13 August 2014, 02:24 AM | #4 |
Banned
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Bay Area
Posts: 292
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We have a beach house and the chlorine and salt water have done a number on my 2 month old strap already. Slightly faded and discolored. I can't see it lasting more than a couple of years and will gladly replace it then.
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13 August 2014, 02:36 AM | #5 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: USA
Posts: 4,341
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The tropical strap is definitely more durable, but it depends on how you wear the watch. The rubber straps are relatively less expensive compared to the leather straps.
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13 August 2014, 02:41 AM | #6 |
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Join Date: May 2007
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For $200'ish and change, the strap is relatively inexpensive, so no worries in my book.
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13 August 2014, 02:43 AM | #7 | |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jul 2013
Real Name: Jorge
Location: Ohio, USA
Watch: Rolex,Patek and AP
Posts: 4,676
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Quote:
If that's the case even better, you can have a new strap more often, Hey it's actually an advantage !
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13 August 2014, 06:21 AM | #8 |
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Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Middle England
Watch: Rolex of course
Posts: 526
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I've worn my tropical 5167 everyday for two years now and the strap is still like new!
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13 August 2014, 06:33 AM | #9 |
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Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: USA
Watch: addiction issues
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Sounds a bit foolish but I can't imagine her needing to sell you one so who knows. Like others stated, at 200 no worries. I'd replace it when it visually looks faded.
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13 August 2014, 07:01 AM | #10 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jul 2014
Real Name: Brian
Location: Huntington Beach
Watch: Daytona
Posts: 889
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I could see the trop strap lasting your entire life unless you're particularly rough on it. Think of it like the tire on a car, except it never touches the road. It's not going anywhere, and should look good as new many years from now.
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13 August 2014, 07:48 AM | #11 |
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Join Date: May 2014
Location: Near LA
Posts: 244
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That salesperson may be better suited to selling shoes, maybe she knows more about them, maybe not.
I've had my 5167 since 5/08 and the strap is as it was from day one!! Just clean it every so often with a soft toothbrush and mild soap and no worries. (This may have helped the beach dweller above.) Cleaning your metal bracelets like this is a good idea too, so dirt does not settle into the links creating undue wear. Every year or two, HA! |
16 August 2014, 12:27 PM | #12 |
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Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Mars
Watch: 5712
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In many shops I know more about watches than the salespeople, and I am really not an expert when it comes to watches, so never believe what they tell you, I can't see why a rubber strap won't last for a long time, 2 years seems short...
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