AP bands plots

[rolepam312]

Hello, I had some questions in regards to AP Bands, I have a 15400 and I've been wanting to convert my bracelet to strap, I've been toying with the idea of getting the plots from AP bands, anyone have any experience with such conversion and are they good quality?? Thanks kindly...

[lipjin]

I've had mixed results. The plots didn't fit my 26320 - one of the holes wasn't machined perfectly so the bar couldn't fit through. Contacted AP bands and never got a decent response. Sold it to a forum member and he was ecstatic as it fit his! So YMMV.

[exxondus]

Heard lots of horid aftersales handling by ap bands. Will not take the risk. But maybe u will have a good experience? Good luck!

[sekihk]

Thanks lipjin because I'm the guy he mentioned. I've also got a second set from another forum member here so basically I've two sets of those plots to play with for installing on my 15305ST and 26320ST.

I observed that the width of plots is NOT the same. But so as the slots at the watch head machined by AP. Hence, you have 4 plots with marginally different width to fit on 4 slots which are also varied in width. As such, you have a risk that the widest plot couldn't fit to the narrowest slot of the watch head. In particular, I've one of the plots from lipjin which couldn't fit on any of the four slots of 26320, but it could fit at only one of the 15305 slots which are marginally wider. The difference of width is not noticeable by naked eye but you know it when they don't fit.

There's also a problem to match the original leather strap of AP. Despite 15400 (41mm), 15305 (39mm), and 26320 (41mm) all measured the same at strap width, AP had actually deployed different inserts in their straps to match the different "profile/angle" of the lugs used in different models. APbands had probably machined their plots based on the AP lugs with 39mm profile. Hence, it matched well with my original AP 39mm brown strap and black strap, no matter they were installed on 15305(39mm) or 26320(41mm).

However, in my recent purchase of a 41mm original AP grey strap, it could be installed on either 15305 or 26320 but the angle it made to the watch head wasn't correct. Hence, my conclusion is that you'll have to order 39mm AP straps whenever you're using APbands plots, regardless of whether you're installing the plots/straps on a 39/41mm watch.

[MP5]

Want it confirmed that these are available from the ad?

[rolepam312]

Thank you all for your responses ... I suppose the plots on 26320 is different in size than on 15400? Since the case is thicker ( same 41mm) 10.8mm vs 9.8 on the 15400...therefore the lugs width differ? And the plots may not fit on the 15400? Can anyone confrim? Thanks

[sekihk]

No, in fact original 26320OR and 15400OR use the same plots and share the same family of straps. The APBand plots can fit onto 15400 for sure given all the size consistence issue mentioned above. Just make sure you order the correct straps from AP for best fit. What color of straps are you going to order? The black croc strap which fit my APBand plots perfectly is with the code BR.403.491.002CR CT/T.

[rolepam312]

Originally Posted by sekihk

No, in fact original 26320OR and 15400OR use the same plots and share the same family of straps. The APBand plots can fit onto 15400 for sure given all the size consistence issue mentioned above. Just make sure you order the correct straps from AP for best fit. What color of straps are you going to order? The black croc strap which fit my APBand plots perfectly is with the code BR.403.491.002CR CT/T.

So despite the case thickness difference, if I were to contact AP parts and ask for plots on 26320, that'll fit my 15400? ( I prefer AP OEM , I thought AP bands was my only option? ) I have a black dial 15400, thought black strap would be an obvious choice, but I like grey too....

[sekihk]

If you go for the original AP plots, such as those used on 26320 Messi limited edition, you'll be informed that they're made of white gold. Naturally, you'll then order the straps from the family suitable for 15400/26320.

[Epwerkz]

AP factory is making the trans kit for the bracelets.. they told me when Iam In Le Brassus..soon

[mps354]

Mine fit my 15202 like a glove

[rolepam312]

Originally Posted by Epwerkz

AP factory is making the trans kit for the bracelets.. they told me when Iam In Le Brassus..soon

So they are making kits and we will be able to get oem plots for 15400? Is this what you meant? Did they say when it'll be available ?

Thanks