Thank You Shing....perfect! The reference numbers will now allow my AD and I to move forward. I'm quite sure he will be happy to get a couple for stock regardless of my decision.
Your assistance is invaluable and much appreciated. One day I would like to visit your Homeland and meet you ( at the Boutique ) personally. Should your journeys ever bring you to SoCal ( Southern California ) Beverly Hills Boutique is a good starting location for a GTG.
Best Always,
Andy
is this the one ? courtesy of forummer Bob Bunnik:
from this post: www.iwc.com/forum/en/discussion/31381/
Thanks Shing, well it's missing the black references and it has the 22mm Milaneses bracelets reference instead.
That is not the normal Milanese bracelet seen on the Portofino auto or chrono as that is for lug widths of 20mm.
Here is a better pic of my new Santoni's (brown and dark brown) for deployant clasp (new style clasp shown).
Shing et al - this is a fantastic post, makes me want to buy Santoni straps, shoes etc :-)
Same here! I wonder how such a strap would look on my PPPC. A matching pair of shoes and maybe a belt would be very nice too!
Kind regards,
Clemens
Hi Greg,
I took that picture after the Portfino line was launched (was that 2011?) and before watches/bracelets hit the stores. So that Milanese is supposed to be for the Portofinos!?
Regards,
Bob
Shing/Forum Members:
Update and some interesting information. AD ordered the Light-Black IWA54580 Pin Buckle and it was delivered today.
First impression ...WOW ! Santoni's look great in pictures, but amazing in the flesh. Shing, you were spot on that the Light-Black leans toward the grey tones rather than a true deep black. And yes, there is a hint of a "blue hue" in the grain. Depending on the type of lighting, the blue can become a bit more pronounced which adds to the richness of this strap. The leather is very supple and I agree with you 100% Shing that the stitching on a Santoni is closer,tighter, and very straight compared to a OEM IWC matt croc. Confirming also that the padding is more even across the entire width and edges are squared and uniform.
Forum members...if you are looking for an alternative to the standard black or blue croc in a 22mm , you owe it to yourself to see this Santoni. IMHO this strap coloring will enhance models that have blued hands, markers and not to mention my purpose for wanting to consider this strap in the first place. Does it pair well with a Laureus Dial? OH MY, DOES IT EVER !!
Finally, the reason why it appears not to be in the workbooks and is not offered as a OEM on any current model is because it was going to be used as the OEM for the Portofino "Duel-Time" that was never released. It seems that Santoni produced enough to meet IWC's contractual agreement for last years Portofino Collection launch.
To IWC: Consider using this strap as a OEM on a Platinum variation. IMO, it would be a big time winner.
Andy
The next time I am in NYC I think I am going to seriously sample a few of these Santoni straps as you guys have peaked my interest.
Bob, apologies for the delay, the Milanese bracelet is supposedly for the current Portofinos whether auto and chrono with 20mm lug and the HW 8 day with 22mm lug. That's not to say they will not fit or suit other models with those lug sizes like some Portuguese for those hot sweaty days.
Alan take in your 22mm models, they are great straps. Personally I would only opt for the brown (short deployant version on my 5001) or dark brown straps as there is a patina which really shines through. They're not high gloss straps.
fantastic to know it worked out well Andy -- pics please ! ;)