Strap query

[cruvon]

Hi guys, while not exactly for a Rolex, I found a nice strap for one of my vinatges that someone has put on sale but it's a much bigger size than my wrist size, that is, I will have to punch a few more holes maybe even on the padding (padding gradually increases in thickness, punching to be done on the thinner side of the padding). My query is is it normal to punch a hole in the padding and will that ruin the strap?

Picture attached and the red circle is where I would want to punch a hole at

[DCgator]

I would not do it myself, but rather take it to a leather goods maker or shoe repair guy. They have tools appropriate for this job, if you want it done right, imo.

[77T]

I would keep looking.

Even if you punched a new hole, you'd still have to contend with an extraordinarily long tag-end that the standard strap keepers won't tame.

So then you'd be hunting extra Croc keepers that match this strap's color and width - and dealing with another hassle.

[cruvon]

Thanks DCGator, PaulG.

PaulG, I had a look at the keepers and they are like in pictures, wonder if I can free the second keeper to handle that long tag end issue, if it arises?

[powerfunk]

My fiance has pretty slim wrists, and she wears an AKD. So, it being a men's watch, I punched a couple new holes for her. (Keep in mind this is a $100 strap, not a Rolex croc) I started making the hole with the pointy end of scissors, and finished the job with a dentist tool:


The watch is now much more comfortable for her:


So, it can be done with perfectly acceptable results...not sure if I'd do it to a croc though. Good luck!

[Rodentman]

A proper punch will give you a nice clean hole as opposed to hanging chads of leather that might not look too tidy.

[cruvon]

Originally Posted by powerfunk

My fiance has pretty slim wrists, and she wears an AKD. So, it being a men's watch, I punched a couple new holes for her. (Keep in mind this is a $100 strap, not a Rolex croc) I started making the hole with the pointy end of scissors, and finished the job with a dentist tool:


The watch is now much more comfortable for her:


So, it can be done with perfectly acceptable results...not sure if I'd do it to a croc though. Good luck!

Thanks for the advice Rob, watch looks great on your finace!

Originally Posted by Rodentman

A proper punch will give you a nice clean hole as opposed to hanging chads of leather that might not look too tidy.

Thanks mate!