• Apprentice
    2 Jun 2017, 12:44 a.m.

    I apologize up front for a silly question.
    I will be buying a Chronograph classic IW390403 and it comes with a black watch band. I want to buy a brown band to replace it and I spent over 2 hours looking at dozens of descriptions of the watch and articles and blogs and not a single one gives me the lug widths so i could order a strap. I even went to the user manual on IWC home page....no luck. Is it a national security secret????? Am I trying to find the Nuclear Codes??? I'm very frustrated. All i want to know is the band size (width), of a typical watch strap for a Classic Chronograph 42mm case size.
    Can anyone help me with this information??
    Thanks in advance.
    Michael

  • Graduate
    2 Jun 2017, 2:50 a.m.

    Hello Michael,
    After extensive internet searching, I found the lug width of your prospective watch to be 21mm.

    Regards,
    Jim

  • Apprentice
    2 Jun 2017, 4:22 a.m.

    JimBas
    thank you VERY much.
    I really appreciate it.
    How did you find it? and more importantly why do you think its so difficult to find this information?........the watch band is the first thing to wear out.....why would they keep it a secret? what the strap width is?.....I would think they would want to clarify it and then sell plenty of straps.
    Just thinkin out loud :)
    Michael

  • Graduate
    2 Jun 2017, 5:20 a.m.

    Michael,
    It was very difficult to find. I google searched that model number, and searched many internet dealers handling that watch. I finally found one that listed the lug width.

  • Master
    2 Jun 2017, 8:20 a.m.

    Michael,

    Your most reliable and accurate best resource for this information is to contact a IWC Authorized Dealer or Boutique. Should you be living in the U.S., the IWC Conceiger can also assist. Their 800# appears on this website.

    That said....the IWC Chrono Classic ref. 3904 actually is a 22mm lug width, NOT a 21mm. The OEM strap supplied is either a black or brown (depending on variation) Santoni Aligator with deployant clasp.

    Hope this helps:

    Case
    Material: Stainless steel
    Glass: Sapphire
    Back: Display
    Shape: Round
    Diameter: 42.00 mm
    Height: 14.50 mm
    Lug Width: 22.00 m
    W/R: 30.00 m

    Enjoy this wonderful Chronograph. My personal opinion is that I like it more than the newly revised edition Ref. 3903 because the dial is a bit sportier due to the chapter ring design. Also, the silver dial with applied polished silver markers just makes for a perfect pairing. This combination first caught my eye on a past "Minute Repeater" model and I fell in love with it ever since.

    Best Regards,

    Andy

  • Master
    2 Jun 2017, 10:31 p.m.

    Greetings Andy :o)
    Great to see you back on the Forum

  • Apprentice
    2 Jun 2017, 10:56 p.m.

    Hi Michael,
    I agree with andy. It's 22mm not 21mm :)
    Congrats in advance

    Regards,
    Pedro.

  • Master
    3 Jun 2017, 12:11 a.m.

    And Santoni straps are highly sought after and cost a great deal and are available in dark and mid brown.

  • Graduate
    3 Jun 2017, 4:01 a.m.

    Gentlemen,
    I'm very sorry that I spread erroneous info. My mistake for being gullible enough to believe data from an online discount sales website. Mea culpa.

    Jim

  • Master
    3 Jun 2017, 6:45 a.m.

    Hey Mark and Forum Friends....

    Been off the grid for awhile due to "caregiver" needs for a very ill parent. Having to prioritize the use of a few spare minutes a day. However, my passion for IWC and watches in general has not diminished. In fact, I would say it continues to grow even stronger over time and we all know that can be "costly" ! . While I have not been a active participant lately, what I can say is that I religiously follow the Forum everyday and look forward to viewing the topics and discussions. It is my " coffee break " and stress reliever if you will which helps keep me going.

    Hopefully I will be able to chime in with my 2 cents as often as possible. Feels good to get back sharing my thoughts on IWC ( still my favorite brand ) and providing any assistance when applicable.

    Best always to all,

    Andy

  • Apprentice
    3 Jun 2017, 7:01 a.m.

    everyone.....
    thanks very much for the information. I plan to get a Santoni brown 22mm strap for the watch. I really appreciate your help with this.
    this forum is very informative.
    Thanks again.
    I'll post a photo when it all comes together......hopefully in next 30 days. I found what I want on Chrono24 (new not used), and the band I found on Ebay....now I just have to pull it all together.

    Michael

  • Master
    3 Jun 2017, 7:58 a.m.

    Excellent strap choice Michael. Either shade of Brown Santoni will pair well with the 3904. Much better IMO than the OEM glossy Black. Had the Black been a bit more of a matte finish, I think it would have created a more vintage look, more in line with the "Classic" theme. Another consideration (if you like to change things up like I do) is the IWC Dark Blue Alligator. While not a Santoni, it makes a great statement paired with the SS case/Silver Dial and that awesome "Blued" seconds central hand. Really makes it Pop !!

    Can't wait to see the photo's when it all comes together. Forum Members enjoy seeing end results.

    Regards,

    Andy