Rolex leather strap - splitting

[Bunny4jeff]

Hi advice appreciated...I had a new black leather Rolex watch strap fitted less than two years ago to a vintage Rolex, to suit the style. It is already splitting in two places on the underside, on two of the buckle holes. I am shocked as I didnt expect this to happen with leather that Rolex uses, and considering the strap was not cheap. It was fitted by an authorised Rolex dealer, so I assume all is well, that the strap is genuine, it has the stylised Rolex logo buckle, and strap number, B6250. Before I get back to the dealer, is there a guarantee period for the strap I might be able to claim over? Ive had cheper straps on other watches that have lasted much longer. There has been no damage to the strap, no water, etc, just normal wear. I havent even worn it on a regular basis.
Thanks for any advice.

[Kippers]

Not a great photo but to me looks older than 2 years or that you probably sweat profusely ina humid environment. It doesn't look like gentle wear. Was the strap a 'new old stock' strap to match the watch? If so, may have been dried out. Leather does need looking after.
Anyway, they'll do one of two things, put it down to wear and tear or help you out. If the latter, not sure what they would do but at the end of the day all you did was buy a strap. Rolex leather is not bullet proof like their modern day watches or unlike any other leather.

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[Bunny4jeff]

Originally Posted by Kippers

Not a great photo but to me looks older than 2 years or that you probably sweat profusely ina humid environment. It doesn't look like gentle wear. Was the strap a 'new old stock' strap to match the watch? If so, may have been dried out. Leather does need looking after.
Anyway, they'll do one of two things, put it down to wear and tear or help you out. If the latter, not sure what they would do but at the end of the day all you did was buy a strap. Rolex leather is not bullet proof like their modern day watches or unlike any other leather.

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Hi Kippers, thanks, thats cleared up what to expect more-or-less, I didnt want to go in demanding a replacement etc without some background info. I think its likely to be a new"old" strap from the same era which makes sense, would make it brittle. No humid conditions, invoking sweat Im afraid, its been stuck in Blighty!I should have taken more care of it but we live and learn, or at least I have done. Ill get back to the vintage dealer, who is also an AR, see what he says but at least now I know what might be coming :-). Id like to ask him how to stop it getting any worse. Thanks again.

[MCO1]

I would probably treat it to conserve it then find a quality aftermarket strap that was a look alike to throw on it. I would switch the buckle over and leave the Rolex stamped strap safe and sound.

[padi56]

Well in IMHO many Hi end brand straps are no better quality than ones from brands like Hirsch and very much cheaper.