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boba7523 · 8 April 2014, 12:40 PM

Hi Everyone,

I just received an AP Band Capolavoro Black Alligator Strap for my ROO, but it seems like the leather is defective? It's my first watch and also my first time purchasing leather straps so I'm not sure if that's just the nature of real leather/crocodile leather? It also looks very dry...

I was really looking forward to putting these on and finally wearing my watch since the AP leather strap is on backorder and wouldn't be available for another 4 weeks...

Should I contact AP Bands about it?

bde · 8 April 2014, 01:12 PM

How do you feel it's defective? Any better lit pics or different angles?

thsiao · 8 April 2014, 03:51 PM

Looks like the black dye on the sides is coming off? Definitely shouldn't be like that brand new...

DreambreaX · 8 April 2014, 06:06 PM

thats bad, ap bands price is high but quality is not really nice. better get oem strap

TSW · 8 April 2014, 06:18 PM

Never been a fan of AP Bands because of bad quality.

watchdog507 · 8 April 2014, 10:59 PM

The edge isn't finished correctly. It should be smooth. It's not an option for everyone to order a strap from AP as they have limited availability and cost is high. Leather straps get beaten up on my wrist and OEM is expensive. I recently received a Croc Hornback from HK Tan and it was finished really well. I wanted black croc with single row white stitching. Custom made and door to door in less than a month. Can post a pic later if someone want to see that strap.

bde · 9 April 2014, 03:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by watchdog507

The edge isn't finished correctly. It should be smooth. It's not an option for everyone to order a strap from AP as they have limited availability and cost is high. Leather straps get beaten up on my wrist and OEM is expensive. I recently received a Croc Hornback from HK Tan and it was finished really well. I wanted black croc with single row white stitching. Custom made and door to door in less than a month. Can post a pic later if someone want to see that strap.

Would love to see that!

kilyung · 9 April 2014, 03:25 AM

I don't mind the metal stuff from AP Bands (quite good in fact) but in my experience all their leather straps are inferior.

alljunks · 9 April 2014, 03:28 AM

Not a good fan of AP band, bad experience!

watchdog507 · 9 April 2014, 04:46 AM

Here are some pictures of the HK Tan Strap. Custom Black Hornback with single row of white stitching. This is sized for an AP Diver with correct holes for tang buckle. Now the edge isn't finished as well as the OEM and it could be better but it's almost half the money. Hole for the cap and screw will be tight the first time it's used.

B. Doggy · 9 April 2014, 09:44 AM

Oh wow. I wasn't aware of this. Oh well, I prefer bracelets in general anyway. Unless I'm wearing a PAM.

kwang · 9 April 2014, 10:37 AM

Hi watchdog507, can you please share HK Tan's contact info?

Thank you!

boba7523 · 15 May 2014, 12:28 PM

Additional quality issues seem to be surfacing after ACTUAL usage as the leather strap conforms to the shape of my wrist.

I've seen happy AP Band customers who stood behind AP Band products, which is why I went for them after being told by Clearwater that the leather strap I wanted would take 1+ month to arrive. Felt disappointed after hearing that, which was offset by finding that AP Band had the color that I wanted. Now feeling disappointed again of the sub-quality after paying $250+ for the AP Band leather strap.

What a rollercoaster ride.

I contacted AP Band requesting a return; waiting for their answer...

boba7523 · 26 February 2017, 06:29 AM

Update on this thread.

It's been close to 3 years since I've worn it as a weekend watch, and the strap is literally starting to break apart. I never adjusted the fitment once it was set in place -- I only buckle and unbukcle as I wear it.

One of the two "strap holders" dried up and just suddenly tore apart, so only one remains (as you see in the 3rd photo)

Black dye starting to come apart. The "base" material beneath the black leather is starting to show.

I doubt they'll do anything since it's been 3 years. Lesson learned. You get what you pay for... I should've just waited 3 months for the leather straps to come back in stock from AP instead of going this route...

[imghttp://i.imgur.com/37BQwgx.jpg[/img]

RobearH · 26 February 2017, 01:11 PM

Looks like a shit strap on fake watch...why come back here 3 years later to further complain?

boba7523 · 5 March 2017, 05:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RobearH

Looks like a shit strap on fake watch...why come back here 3 years later to further complain?

Time is precious--I'm sure you understand that given you frequent luxury watch forums such as this and probably own a few luxury watches yourself.

If you don't have anything helpful/useful to contribute, go spend some time doing something more useful than to bash on a stranger online.

boba7523 · 5 March 2017, 05:30 AM

P.S.

I'm part complaining but more importantly, informing the community that AP Band quality is bad, in case anyone wants to buy them. Or if anyone's in the situation like I was before... Waiting for backorder on AP straps from AP...

lianghee · 5 March 2017, 12:52 PM

Yes, been there and done that. I would only go for original AP straps now. Thanks

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

RobearH · 5 March 2017, 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boba7523

P.S.

I'm part complaining but more importantly, informing the community that AP Band quality is bad, in case anyone wants to buy them. Or if anyone's in the situation like I was before... Waiting for backorder on AP straps from AP...

So don't order $250 AP band instead of waiting a month to purchase $450 OEM AP strap to put on $200 fake AP watch...duly noted.

Xerxes77 · 5 March 2017, 11:21 PM

Send it back and buy a rubber strap!
It will stay with you 10 years!:)))

Manofsteelpt · 6 March 2017, 09:42 AM

3 years from a leather strap and you're complaining? My blue Gator strap from AP lasted a year, and that was sharing time with the rubber strap.

rijowysock · 6 March 2017, 02:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boba7523

Update on this thread.

It's been close to 3 years since I've worn it as a weekend watch, and the strap is literally starting to break apart. I never adjusted the fitment once it was set in place -- I only buckle and unbukcle as I wear it.

One of the two "strap holders" dried up and just suddenly tore apart, so only one remains (as you see in the 3rd photo)

Black dye starting to come apart. The "base" material beneath the black leather is starting to show.

I doubt they'll do anything since it's been 3 years. Lesson learned. You get what you pay for... I should've just waited 3 months for the leather straps to come back in stock from AP instead of going this route...

[imghttp://i.imgur.com/37BQwgx.jpg[/img]

looks like it served you well for 3 years and roughly cost you 50 cents a day to wear.. that being said it looks like a good value and you should buy a new strap... afterall they are meant to be wear and tear items and replaced.

Manofsteelpt · 7 March 2017, 05:37 AM

^^^^ 25 cents/day

rijowysock · 7 March 2017, 08:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Manofsteelpt

^^^^ 25 cents/day

3 years, 550$ strap, 1100 days=50cents a day, rubbers are 291, leather is 400, croco is 550+

Manofsteelpt · 7 March 2017, 10:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rijowysock

3 years, 550$ strap, 1100 days=50cents a day, rubbers are 291, leather is 400, croco is 550+

It's NOT an AP strap, if you scroll back and read the thread, you will see he paid $250 for the knockoff.

rijowysock · 7 March 2017, 02:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Manofsteelpt

It's NOT an AP strap, if you scroll back and read the thread, you will see he paid $250 for the knockoff.

haha, i didn't see that... fake strap and complaining.. oh lord.

boba7523 · 8 March 2017, 03:29 AM

I bought the Panda in bracelet. Didn't want to wait months for AP strap before I could wear the watch.

This thread is mainly to inform others considering AP Band of what they can expect.

Btw, how much longer do croc straps generally last?

ap@12 · 8 March 2017, 03:50 AM

the clasp is also rep
take a look at the shape of AP!!!!!
and the holes at the side of the buckle!!!!

8 April 2014, 12:40 PM	#1
boba7523 "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: MS Posts: 11	AP Band Leather Strap -Received Defective Item? Hi Everyone, I just received an AP Band Capolavoro Black Alligator Strap for my ROO, but it seems like the leather is defective? It's my first watch and also my first time purchasing leather straps so I'm not sure if that's just the nature of real leather/crocodile leather? It also looks very dry... I was really looking forward to putting these on and finally wearing my watch since the AP leather strap is on backorder and wouldn't be available for another 4 weeks... Should I contact AP Bands about it?

8 April 2014, 03:51 PM	#3
thsiao "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: SoCal Posts: 1,251	Looks like the black dye on the sides is coming off? Definitely shouldn't be like that brand new... __________________ Instagram @lifeofawis www.lifeofawis.com

8 April 2014, 06:18 PM	#5
TSW "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Real Name: TSW Location: Le Brassus Watch: Rolex & AP's Posts: 27,449	Never been a fan of AP Bands because of bad quality. __________________ AP Owners Club IG @swiss.watch.connection

9 April 2014, 04:46 AM	#10
watchdog507 "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: YYZ, RSW Watch: Rose Gold Posts: 1,675	Here are some pictures of the HK Tan Strap. Custom Black Hornback with single row of white stitching. This is sized for an AP Diver with correct holes for tang buckle. Now the edge isn't finished as well as the OEM and it could be better but it's almost half the money. Hole for the cap and screw will be tight the first time it's used. Attached Images

9 April 2014, 09:44 AM	#11
B. Doggy "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Real Name: Bryan Location: Oregon Posts: 7,399	Oh wow. I wasn't aware of this. Oh well, I prefer bracelets in general anyway. Unless I'm wearing a PAM. __________________ Rolex / Panerai / Omega

8 April 2014, 01:12 PM	#2
bde "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Real Name: Brad Location: Indiana Watch: -aholics anonymous Posts: 1,589	How do you feel it's defective? Any better lit pics or different angles?

8 April 2014, 06:06 PM	#4
DreambreaX Banned Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Rolex Estate Posts: 1,304	thats bad, ap bands price is high but quality is not really nice. better get oem strap

8 April 2014, 10:59 PM	#6
watchdog507 "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: YYZ, RSW Watch: Rose Gold Posts: 1,675	The edge isn't finished correctly. It should be smooth. It's not an option for everyone to order a strap from AP as they have limited availability and cost is high. Leather straps get beaten up on my wrist and OEM is expensive. I recently received a Croc Hornback from HK Tan and it was finished really well. I wanted black croc with single row white stitching. Custom made and door to door in less than a month. Can post a pic later if someone want to see that strap.

9 April 2014, 03:25 AM	#8
kilyung "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Cave Watch: Sundial Posts: 33,946	I don't mind the metal stuff from AP Bands (quite good in fact) but in my experience all their leather straps are inferior.

9 April 2014, 03:28 AM	#9
alljunks "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: CA Watch: All Nice watch ! Posts: 387	Not a good fan of AP band, bad experience!

9 April 2014, 10:37 AM	#12
kwang "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Real Name: Kai Location: Seattle Posts: 85	Hi watchdog507, can you please share HK Tan's contact info? Thank you!

15 May 2014, 12:28 PM	#13
boba7523 "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: MS Posts: 11	Additional quality issues seem to be surfacing after ACTUAL usage as the leather strap conforms to the shape of my wrist. I've seen happy AP Band customers who stood behind AP Band products, which is why I went for them after being told by Clearwater that the leather strap I wanted would take 1+ month to arrive. Felt disappointed after hearing that, which was offset by finding that AP Band had the color that I wanted. Now feeling disappointed again of the sub-quality after paying $250+ for the AP Band leather strap. What a rollercoaster ride. I contacted AP Band requesting a return; waiting for their answer...

26 February 2017, 06:29 AM	#14
boba7523 "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: MS Posts: 11	Update on this thread. It's been close to 3 years since I've worn it as a weekend watch, and the strap is literally starting to break apart. I never adjusted the fitment once it was set in place -- I only buckle and unbukcle as I wear it. One of the two "strap holders" dried up and just suddenly tore apart, so only one remains (as you see in the 3rd photo) Black dye starting to come apart. The "base" material beneath the black leather is starting to show. I doubt they'll do anything since it's been 3 years. Lesson learned. You get what you pay for... I should've just waited 3 months for the leather straps to come back in stock from AP instead of going this route... [imghttp://i.imgur.com/37BQwgx.jpg[/img]

26 February 2017, 01:11 PM	#15
RobearH Banned Join Date: May 2013 Real Name: Robear Location: Come and Take It! Watch: 126710 BLRO Posts: 1,632	Looks like a shit strap on fake watch...why come back here 3 years later to further complain?

5 March 2017, 05:30 AM	#17
boba7523 "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: MS Posts: 11	P.S. I'm part complaining but more importantly, informing the community that AP Band quality is bad, in case anyone wants to buy them. Or if anyone's in the situation like I was before... Waiting for backorder on AP straps from AP...

5 March 2017, 12:52 PM	#18
lianghee "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: Singapore Watch: Pam, AP, Rolex Posts: 277	Yes, been there and done that. I would only go for original AP straps now. Thanks Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

5 March 2017, 11:21 PM	#20
Xerxes77 Banned Join Date: Feb 2017 Location: Home! Posts: 3,307	Send it back and buy a rubber strap! It will stay with you 10 years!:)))

6 March 2017, 09:42 AM	#21
Manofsteelpt "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Real Name: Mike Location: Buffalo, NY Posts: 3,971	3 years from a leather strap and you're complaining? My blue Gator strap from AP lasted a year, and that was sharing time with the rubber strap.

7 March 2017, 05:37 AM	#23
Manofsteelpt "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Real Name: Mike Location: Buffalo, NY Posts: 3,971	^^^^ 25 cents/day __________________ "Best to stay silent and have the world think you're a fool than to speak and remove all doubt." SMD

8 March 2017, 03:29 AM	#27
boba7523 "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: MS Posts: 11	I bought the Panda in bracelet. Didn't want to wait months for AP strap before I could wear the watch. This thread is mainly to inform others considering AP Band of what they can expect. Btw, how much longer do croc straps generally last?

8 March 2017, 03:50 AM	#28
ap@12 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: netherlands Posts: 6	the clasp is also rep take a look at the shape of AP!!!!! and the holes at the side of the buckle!!!!

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