Tropic strap for a Seiko

[L_S_SHOE]

Anyone know if this Tropic strap (https://shop.aquadive.com/product/tropic-strap-2/) will fit the SLA033? I’m pretty sure the 20 mm strap will fit the 19 mm lugs on the watch, but will the larger Seiko spring bars fit?

I’m interested in this particular brand because I have one on a 5 digit Sub and really like it. If anyone has this version and the Uncle Seiko version, what are your thoughts on one versus the other? They’re very similar in appearance, but the Tropic-branded version is about twice the price as the Uncle Seiko.

Thanks in advance.


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[L_S_SHOE]

Guess I should add that I haven’t received the SLA033 yet so I can’t check for myself, and that I wanted to go ahead and order a couple of straps while I waited for the watch to arrive.


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[037]

The spring bar holes in Aquadive brand straps (Tropic and Isofrane) are 2mm. The Seiko bars will fit inside with some effort. I’ve had them in my Isofrane strap for over a year now with no issues.

One thing I did was to purchase original “20mm” Seiko fat bars (part number C200FS) since they have an 18.5mm tube width and eliminate the chance that the strap can eject from the lugs by simply pressing on the side. A pin or paper clip is required for removal from my SLA037. This means I can’t hit my strap accidentally and lose my watch. This isn’t an issue with the original SLA017 and 037 straps but becomes one with straps that fit tightly to the spring bars.

[ap1]

Originally Posted by 037

The spring bar holes in Aquadive brand straps (Tropic and Isofrane) are 2mm. The Seiko bars will fit inside with some effort. I’ve had them in my Isofrane strap for over a year now with no issues.

One thing I did was to purchase original “20mm” Seiko fat bars (part number C200FS) since they have an 18.5mm tube width and eliminate the chance that the strap can eject from the lugs by simply pressing on the side. A pin or paper clip is required for removal from my SLA037. This means I can’t hit my strap accidentally and lose my watch. This isn’t an issue with the original SLA017 and 037 straps but becomes one with straps that fit tightly to the spring bars.

Are you saying you use the fat 20mm seiko bars on the 037? The 19mm is a giant PIA. The tropic sight says their 20 fit a 19 but that’s a cop out imho. It is squeezed in there and I don’t like that look.

[L_S_SHOE]

Originally Posted by 037

The spring bar holes in Aquadive brand straps (Tropic and Isofrane) are 2mm. The Seiko bars will fit inside with some effort. I’ve had them in my Isofrane strap for over a year now with no issues.

One thing I did was to purchase original “20mm” Seiko fat bars (part number C200FS) since they have an 18.5mm tube width and eliminate the chance that the strap can eject from the lugs by simply pressing on the side. A pin or paper clip is required for removal from my SLA037. This means I can’t hit my strap accidentally and lose my watch. This isn’t an issue with the original SLA017 and 037 straps but becomes one with straps that fit tightly to the spring bars.

I see what you mean. I'll probably just go with the Uncle Seiko tropic. People seem to like them and I don't want the 20 mm Tropic to look or feel bunched up between the 19 mm lugs on the SLA033. It's a shame Tropic won't make a dedicated 19 mm strap. Even though the reviews are good, the Uncle Seiko looks inferior in high-res pics and video reviews to the Tropic.

If I decide to force the 20 mm Tropic onto the SLA033, what about getting a set of 2 mm x 19 mm spring bars from Ofrei (part FB-7857)?

[toxicavenger]

Originally Posted by 037

This isn’t an issue with the original SLA017 and 037 straps but becomes one with straps that fit tightly to the spring bars.

They both have drilled lugs. They would be really secure with some shouldlerless spring bars with 1.2mm tips. The stock bars don't fit exact and usually click when pushed side to side.

[037]

L_S: 20mm straps will look squeezed on the 017 and 037 but it’s not as noticeable on the wrist as it is in photos.

ap1: Yes, I’m running 20mm fat bars in my 037 since the centers are actually 18.5mm and fit better than what comes stock with the 017 and 037. The 20mm bars should have been original equipment given how well they work.

toxic: Agreed. The C200FS bars fit perfectly between the 19mm lugs and would reduce the click with original straps. The center bar is about 1mm wider than the originals.

Obligatory photo below. The strap itself is 15+ years old and had fat bars installed for 1+. So far I’ve had zero issues.

[AEC]

Gents, sorry, I snapped this photo a couple of days ago and meant to share it here. The private seller I bought my SLA033 from included two tropic-style straps in the package, both 19mm. The quality is good in my opinion; they're a bit more robust than the Uncle Seiko Tropic V2 in 19mm that I also have.

They're marked "19mm" along the end where the springbar passes, and with this logo, but when I used google in an attempt to identify the maker I didn't have any luck. I have this one in traditional black, and one in very light grey.

[1William]

Thanks for the followup. If you can figure out who made them please let us know.

[riffguy]

Originally Posted by 1William

Thanks for the followup. If you can figure out who made them please let us know.

I have that exact same strap. It's made by Cheapest Nato Straps based in Sweden.

Googling "cheapestnatostraps Tropic Watch Straps" will take you to their store page.

Gotta say I'm impressed by the value and quality of their stuff.

[AEC]

Originally Posted by riffguy

I have that exact same strap. It's made by Cheapest Nato Straps based in Sweden.

Googling "cheapestnatostraps Tropic Watch Straps" will take you to their store page.

Gotta say I'm impressed by the value and quality of their stuff.

Excellent. Thanks. Welcome to the forum

[1William]

Thanks for the information.

[toxicavenger]

Originally Posted by riffguy

I have that exact same strap. It's made by Cheapest Nato Straps based in Sweden.

Googling "cheapestnatostraps Tropic Watch Straps" will take you to their store page.

Gotta say I'm impressed by the value and quality of their stuff.

They take months for delivery in the US and there name has "cheap" in it. That does not sound like the best option.

[Gerry.GEG]

and I know they fit as I have it on mine.

https://www.uncleseiko.com/store/p83...ous_Sizes.html

No affiliation, just own one.

G.

Originally Posted by L_S_SHOE

Anyone know if this Tropic strap (https://shop.aquadive.com/product/tropic-strap-2/) will fit the SLA033? I’m pretty sure the 20 mm strap will fit the 19 mm lugs on the watch, but will the larger Seiko spring bars fit?

I’m interested in this particular brand because I have one on a 5 digit Sub and really like it. If anyone has this version and the Uncle Seiko version, what are your thoughts on one versus the other? They’re very similar in appearance, but the Tropic-branded version is about twice the price as the Uncle Seiko.

Thanks in advance.


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[SunTzu]

Originally Posted by riffguy

I have that exact same strap. It's made by Cheapest Nato Straps based in Sweden.

Googling "cheapestnatostraps Tropic Watch Straps" will take you to their store page.

Gotta say I'm impressed by the value and quality of their stuff.

I have every one of their rubber straps when they were having a near going out of business sale. Like 70% off plus a coupon and free delivery. I got a huge order of them for peanuts 3 months later.

They are absolute crap. "Cheap" is right. They do admit it at least.

The only decent one is the Tropic Sport 2.0 which I got in a 20mm size for my 19mm vintage Willard. Looks good.

The rest?

[SunTzu]

Originally Posted by toxicavenger

They both have drilled lugs. They would be really secure with some shouldlerless spring bars with 1.2mm tips. The stock bars don't fit exact and usually click when pushed side to side.

I vouch for your shoulderless bars (just placed an order. I expect mucho candy).

Here’s one with 2.8mm extension going deep into the lug hole, and the fat part of the bar hits right to inner edge of the case up against the lug

This bracelet ain’t going nowhere! Spring bars matter.



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