Platinum/Gold Pateks and Third Party Quick Release Straps

[FrançoisCzapek]

Delugs in Singapore is one of the most trusted and highest quality strap suppliers in the world. One great thing is, they have their own quick release spring bars in their straps. They even have a large stock of 21 mm straps that fit modern Pateks

I was wondering how such straps work with gold or platinum Patek lugs.

[Russell996]

Originally Posted by FrançoisCzapek

Delugs in Singapore is one of the most trusted and highest quality strap suppliers in the world. One great thing is, they have their own quick release spring bars in their straps. They even have a large stock of 21 mm straps that fit modern Pateks

I was wondering how such straps work with gold or platinum Patek lugs.

Patek quick release pins are gold so as not to damage the lugs.

[ndirish2001]

I love them on my 5205G.

[KBM]

This is what I posted on a similar topic a while ago.

Several (very) high end brands use ss spring bars on precious metal watches. I've talked to some of the brands directly and their response was that once the spring bar is in place, there are no significant forces constantly operating between it and the case, so their tests did not indicate any harm in using ss spring bars. Journe and MB&F, among others, do this.

Patek uses precious metal spring bars on corresponding precious metal watches, as does Rolex. Is this more of a "luxury" than a practical/technical decision? From the information I've gathered, it seems like it. I see the logic behind the argument that, being a harder metal, ss could damage the case of the watch over time, and I suppose this is where the common opinion contained in this thread, to avoid doing that, comes from. However, all concrete information I have found indicates that it's just a common misconception.

Btw, I've been using several straps with ss spring bars with my 5204p and, even under 10x magnification, there is no damage to the case's holes.

[Tachycardia]

Interesting. I was told by patek (when I was buying new strap) to use gold spring bars for corresponding gold case.

If you already have the oem patek gold spring bars which usually uses quick release tab, couldn’t you just pop them into the delugs strap if worried?

Curious to hear what everyone else does for third party straps

[Watchdoyouwant?]

I use the existing platinum or gold Patek spring bars when I install the new straps. It's no big deal, since I use the stock Patek deployants and have to change them too.

[dchang81]

Yea there are many brands that use steel bars in PM cases and say it's not an issue. For me, id say if it were as big an issue as some say that there would be more examples of lug holes being out of round or worn, but I don't see any posts showing that. The other aspect is I don't see any places to order gold spring bars outside of ordering direct from a brand.

[Vipes]

Anyone know if Lange uses pm or ss springbars?

[gm58]

Originally Posted by Vipes

Anyone know if Lange uses pm or ss springbars?

I believe they use SS

[Russell996]

Originally Posted by Vipes

Anyone know if Lange uses pm or ss springbars?

Lange have titanium sleeve inserts in the lugs so the hole can't distort - but I guess this shows they are aware of the potential issue.

[Russell996]

Originally Posted by KBM

This is what I posted on a similar topic a while ago.

Several (very) high end brands use ss spring bars on precious metal watches. I've talked to some of the brands directly and their response was that once the spring bar is in place, there are no significant forces constantly operating between it and the case, so their tests did not indicate any harm in using ss spring bars. Journe and MB&F, among others, do this.

Patek uses precious metal spring bars on corresponding precious metal watches, as does Rolex. Is this more of a "luxury" than a practical/technical decision? From the information I've gathered, it seems like it. I see the logic behind the argument that, being a harder metal, ss could damage the case of the watch over time, and I suppose this is where the common opinion contained in this thread, to avoid doing that, comes from. However, all concrete information I have found indicates that it's just a common misconception.

Btw, I've been using several straps with ss spring bars with my 5204p and, even under 10x magnification, there is no damage to the case's holes.

Originally Posted by dchang81

Yea there are many brands that use steel bars in PM cases and say it's not an issue. For me, id say if it were as big an issue as some say that there would be more examples of lug holes being out of round or worn, but I don't see any posts showing that. The other aspect is I don't see any places to order gold spring bars outside of ordering direct from a brand.

My biggest reason for using the OEM gold spring bars is to prevent scratching the inside of the lugs as I slide the strap into place. Sliding a harder SS pin bar across a softer PM will leave nasty gouges over time.

I also use Patek WG quick release pin bars on my Langes.

[KBM]

Originally Posted by Russell996

My biggest reason for using the OEM gold spring bars is to prevent scratching the inside of the lugs as I slide the strap into place. Sliding a harder SS pin bar across a softer PM will leave nasty gouges over time.

I also use Patek WG quick release pin bars on my Langes.

You are right about being better to avoid the bars sliding into place, and changing straps often would result in that. To be clear, whenever possible, I also use PP’s white gold spring bars with whatever strap I’m changing into. I’m just not afraid to *eventually* use ss quick release spring bars from third parties.

[Calatrava r]

I was told it is critical the spring bar tip fit size wise correctly in the hole to minimize wear. I am guessing some spring bar ends may be narrower than others.

[PhilLynott]

I've never heard about this being a thing before, I've been loving this combo with the delugs strap. How hard is it to remove a pull tab spring bar to switch over? Never attempted that.

[Russell996]

Originally Posted by PhilLynott

I've never heard about this being a thing before, I've been loving this combo with the delugs strap. How hard is it to remove a pull tab spring bar to switch over? Never attempted that.

Not hard at all, when you get a strap made simply request the Patek quick release pin bar slit be added so you can use the Patek supplied pins, all strap makers can add the slits and so indeed can your Patek AD - all AD's have a strap tool kit.

[ibr123]

You can also get an extra pair of Patek’s spring bars if you want to change straps quickly, they are $250 for a pair.

5320g on Delugs strap.





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[Vipes]

Originally Posted by Russell996

Lange have titanium sleeve inserts in the lugs so the hole can't distort - but I guess this shows they are aware of the potential issue.

So the holes are lined with titanium and the spring bars are steel? Thanks.

[tsekh]

Unless you wear your watch very tight, you are not going to exert a lot of pressure to stretch out the lug holes, so using SS spring bars is not going to cause any issue.

Also, yes, gold is softer than steel, but leather/rubber/cloth is even softer. So you straps are going to get stretch out before the lug holes.

[subtona]

I am of the belief that any strap can go with any watch … but the strap must accommodate OEM Springbars.

[John Doyle]

Delugs is nothing special - stick to factory straps

[KBM]

Originally Posted by John Doyle

Delugs is nothing special - stick to factory straps

Well, they cost a quarter of the factory straps, so the comparison isn't really fair. I think they are great for the price.

[subtona]

Originally Posted by KBM

Well, they cost a quarter of the factory straps, so the comparison isn't really fair. I think they are great for the price.

Agreed. Very nice straps.

[77T]

Regarding the use of SS quick-release springbars with a gold watchcase, I caution owners that there can be issues.

Interactions between stainless steel and 18K gold, particularly under tension that a watch strap imparts, focuses on corrosion, wear, and galvanic effects.

1. When stainless steel and gold are in contact, especially in the presence of an electrolyte like water or sweat, there is a risk of galvanic corrosion. Stainless steel is more anodic than gold and will corrode when the two metals are directly connected.

2. Under tension, the harder stainless steel can deform the gold lugholes over time as the pressure varies during use. The elongation will likely occur along the axis that parallels the watchcase.

3. Temperature also exacerbates the galvanic interaction between the two metals. For example, when left in the sun or a locked car, heat can accelerate the mechanical dynamics of both materials, potentially hastening the interaction under tension.

These factors are complex interactions between stainless steel and 18-karat gold, particularly under mechanical tension. YMMV, but the smarter owner will use precious metal springbars with the PM watches.

Life's too short to drink cheap beer or use cheap springbars.


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[S’portEye]

Originally Posted by 77T

Regarding the use of SS quick-release springbars with a gold watchcase, I caution owners that there can be issues.

Interactions between stainless steel and 18K gold, particularly under tension that a watch strap imparts, focuses on corrosion, wear, and galvanic effects.

1. When stainless steel and gold are in contact, especially in the presence of an electrolyte like water or sweat, there is a risk of galvanic corrosion. Stainless steel is more anodic than gold and will corrode when the two metals are directly connected.

2. Under tension, the harder stainless steel can deform the gold lugholes over time as the pressure varies during use. The elongation will likely occur along the axis that parallels the watchcase.

3. Temperature also exacerbates the galvanic interaction between the two metals. For example, when left in the sun or a locked car, heat can accelerate the mechanical dynamics of both materials, potentially hastening the interaction under tension.

These factors are complex interactions between stainless steel and 18-karat gold, particularly under mechanical tension. YMMV, but the smarter owner will use precious metal springbars with the PM watches.

Life's too short to drink cheap beer or use cheap springbars.


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I believe all of this to be true, but I just can’t find any examples of it actually happening. Personally, I would just play it safe with the gold spring bars..

[John Doyle]

Originally Posted by 77T

Regarding the use of SS quick-release springbars with a gold watchcase, I caution owners that there can be issues.

Interactions between stainless steel and 18K gold, particularly under tension that a watch strap imparts, focuses on corrosion, wear, and galvanic effects.

1. When stainless steel and gold are in contact, especially in the presence of an electrolyte like water or sweat, there is a risk of galvanic corrosion. Stainless steel is more anodic than gold and will corrode when the two metals are directly connected.

2. Under tension, the harder stainless steel can deform the gold lugholes over time as the pressure varies during use. The elongation will likely occur along the axis that parallels the watchcase.

3. Temperature also exacerbates the galvanic interaction between the two metals. For example, when left in the sun or a locked car, heat can accelerate the mechanical dynamics of both materials, potentially hastening the interaction under tension.

These factors are complex interactions between stainless steel and 18-karat gold, particularly under mechanical tension. YMMV, but the smarter owner will use precious metal springbars with the PM watches.

Life's too short to drink cheap beer or use cheap springbars.


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Amazing, thank you for this post!

But what about two-tone watches then? Special way of machining them together?