• Apprentice
    13 May 2018, 9:44 p.m.

    Hi everyone, my first post here...

    I have a PORTUGUESE CHRONOGRAPH CLASSIC 3904 in Stainless Steel

    Since I bought it, I have worn it every day. This is the only watch I own now. I've had it for a few years and the black Santoni alligator strap is beginning to wear and lose colour. 

    I want to get a new black alligator strap but also a brown one so that I can change the strap colour to suit my outfit. This means that I would be changing my straps back and forth regularly depending on what shoes I am wearing. 

    I've been told that there is a risk of damagng the case but is this a bad idea even if I learn how to remove the strap with the right tools? Also, would it be worth buying another deployment clasp for the brown strap or is it simple to also swap that over each time?

    Is this a dumb idea? The only alternative I have is to buy another watch and keep a brown strap on it but I want to avaid the expense because I can't really afford this right now and there's no watch I prefer to the one I have. Will changing straps regularly be a sensible solution?

  • Connoisseur
    14 May 2018, 4:14 a.m.

    In my opinion, the risk of damaging case is minimal, if You use a correct tool, have patience, and apply pieces of masking tape to lugs to prevent accidental scratches.

    I would consider buying a second deployant clasp just for the conveniences sake, but a more cost effective way would be to buy an aftermarket strap with a tang buckle.

  • Master
    14 May 2018, 9:58 a.m.

    Welcome to the Forum Campbellock.

    Which dial color do you have. Can you post a photo ?  Agree that the 3904 Classic is a great Chrono. Mine says Hi./site_media/ckeditor_images/928b6d0829f8183f39b09226a8f45559.jpgAndy

  • Apprentice
    14 May 2018, 11:54 a.m.

    Here it is, identical to yours. Good choice.
    /site_media/ckeditor_images/b714908bfb07c74228cae75c11339008.jpg

    Here you can see the loss of colour to the strap. And one of the loops has broken off too.
    /site_media/ckeditor_images/44c43449e74b6fc26ffe576056f830b9.jpg

  • Master
    14 May 2018, 12:31 p.m.

    The silvery/white dial was a good choice as you know so well. Your photo shows off the contrast beauty of the blued central seconds hand and that little touch of red at the 60 sec. mark .

    I was happy to see that you chose that variation because what I did after my pic was taken was to swap out the Santoni Black croc for what I think is a much better option and wanted to share it with you. The choice made was considered because I too faced the same scenario you are experiencing, covering different attires that call for strap shade appropriate. 

    So that said, here is IMO the fix to black and brown strap swapping. IWC makes a deep dark "Blue" croc specifically for a deployant clasp. This strap color  makes that blued seconds hand just pop. It also looks fantastic with all attire color combinations both dressy and casual. I do not have a photo of the change right now but will try to post one ASAP. Really think you will enjoy the look. Should you be near a AD/ Boutique, have them show you the Blue on your watch. It truly makes a classy statement. 

    Your thoughts ?

    Andy