Bob's "Dare to Ask": Big Pilot 5002 Buffalo xs strap out there?

Hi Forum Friends,

Realising it's a pretty impossible question, I decided to ask anyway... does anyone have (or know someone with) a NOS original Big Pilot 5002 buffalo strap... and, too make it even more difficult, an Extra Short (XS) version?
NOS can also be 'as good as new' condition ;-)

I know some of you guys have great stock of straps and spares, so maybe..... someone is willing to sell?
It's actually for the BP 'Tribute to 5002' (a.k.a. 'Safari') I recently acquired. See the picture below! I LOVE the watch and the Santoni strap is great too, but the buffallo texture would be even better of course and appropiate, given the name of the watch!

Feel free to PM me: bob dot bunnik at outlook dot com.

Kind regards,

Bob

Hey Bob, 

I'm far from an expert on this but have you checked with a boutique on getting a buffalo strap? When I was at the NYC boutique last week and I was trying on some BPs, I mentioned to my sales person how a buffalo strap would look nice on some models, he seemed to hint that buffalo straps maybe still available. I could have misunderstood so I'm not trying to get your hopes up, but I think worth an ask. 

Ricky

PS: I feel you on the XS short strap. I've got small wrists and pushing it on the normal size straps. 

Agreed Bob,
magnificent watch and dito strap ...
But a Buffalo strap would finish it off (!)
hope you find one and post the pic here..

((( doubting to go saving for a BP too, but the bronze BP equals the Safari imo )))

cheers

Hi Bob, great Safari love it a lot! I recently bought the buffalo strap in the boutique in Munich. 

They should be also be able to order the XL version.

Best regards,
patrick 

Huge congratulations Bob, that's an awesome watch you got there. I was fortunate enough to see it in Amsterdam in June and really loved it.
Good luck to find the strap. I guess it's worth asking at a good AD or a boutique if you haven't already done so.

Thanks for the suggestion Ricky, will try that!

Regards,

Bob

Hi Patrick, 

Thanks for the Dealer Book picture! To be clear: that seems to be alligator, in the colour option 'Buffalo', right? 

I understood from the IWC people they can't get their hands on real Buffalo leather anymore, like on the original BP 5002.

Looking forward to your respons, best,

Bob

Hi Bob, yes the color options black and blue are the alligator once.

Regarding the Buffalo, I have heard from a lot of people in North America that they can’t get it anymore as buffalo is not allowed to import.

But maybe IWC changed the strap, even though I ordered mine with the old IW number.

Best regards 
Patrick

Hi Bob, was just at the London Boutique yesterday and they had a buffalo strap in regular length... I'm sure one of the Boutiques can hook you up with an XS?  If you need any help from here just let me know.

And I'd agree - the buffalo is the way to go with the Safari =)

Good luck,
Thang

Thanks Thang, I'll do that ;-)

Kind regards,

Bob

Wow Bob, congratulations on the BP Safari, what a stunner! Unfortunately I can't help you with the strap. Anyway, enjoy your lovely BP and wear it in good health.

Kind regards,

Clemens

I got a buffalo strap when I picked up my Tribute to 5002 Safari, the team at the boutique I went to went the extra mile for me and included one on the side with my watch because, well the team there is awesome. I asked them about the strap and if anyone could order one. I didn't get a super detailed response but it seems like anyone can order it, but the wait may vary quite a bit. 
I think only boutiques can order this accessory as well.
I think the buffalo strap will pair extremely well with the Safari, it really compliments the look of the watch and truly gives the safari that big piloe tiribute coup de grace when it comes to having all the best elements of original design with all the modern touches and refinements.

having said that the leather strap they included with the watch originally is amazing. It is one of the oem IWC straps that are made in france and frankly is even softer and more supple than the Santoni calfskin straps they put on other pieces in the collection. I've fallen in love with the stock strap and plan to wear it till in desintegrates. But the moment that happens, I'm swapping over to my buffalo strap.

Thanks Clemens, should drop by at your office to show-it-off soon!

Best,

Bob

Hi thanks for reconfirming that it's a great strap and cool to hear you've got a 'safari' too! I've indeed ordered it now and it shouldn't be a problem to get is. Kind regards,

Bob