I could use some band ideas for PP watch

[Dominik]

I have this PP with the most god awful bands on it. I know they are not the original bands. I am about 99.5% certain the watch is authentic. It's a hand me down from my father and he was not one to buy cheap anything. Mercedes, Rolex Presidents, etc... I also had a quality repair shop in town look at it and they said it was authentic. Somewhere around here I have the serial number stuff from inside the watch.

Anyhow, I'm thinking it needs a black leather band. Unfortunately I doubt I have the ability to buy a PP replacement (this watch is well above my financial means). Is there something you folks could recommend that might bring this watch up to an aesthetically pleasing standard for 2012? Something that could be worn by a 36 year old male (me).

Thank you in advance for any help you might provide.

[portauto]

If you're really bold you could try the Patek on a NATO strap like this gentleman:

SPOTTED: A Patek Philippe 5960 Annual Calendar Chronograph in Platinum...On A NATO.Strap - Watches Worth Knowing About - HODINKEE

Will run you about $10 and change.

But on a more serious note, that watch will look outstanding on a leather strap. Do you know the lug width? I'll let another forum member chime in with a recommendation.

Kindest Regards,
Portauto

[Donut]

A Patek Alligator strap would probably cost in the $250- $350 range....you could also try Hermes. The watch deserves a decent strap, but you will also need a buckle. Is the bracelet gold ? If it is I would think that it would cover the cost of a new strap.

[aznseank]

get an alligator strap. Dont try to be cheap and buy those embossed calf skin alligator crap. I thoroughly regret purchasing a cheap embossed strap. As aforementioned, you should be spending around $350 to get a nice brown/black alligator strap. Moreover, you should order a PP buckle (18k) as well. The buckle and the strap combined should cost you about a grand. It may sound like a lot of money, but it will be well worth it. On the same note, you should also get your watch polished professionally. It seems like your patek does not seem to be in its mint condition. Expect to spend about two grand to get some parts replaced and fixed. Oh and btw don't sell the gold watch strap, it is irreplaceable. I know this is not the answer that you wanted to hear, but the truth always hurt.

[Navitimer]

get an alligator strap. Dont try to be cheap and buy those embossed calf skin alligator crap. I thoroughly regret purchasing a cheap embossed strap. As aforementioned, you should be spending around $350 to get a nice brown/black alligator strap. Moreover, you should order a PP buckle (18k) as well. The buckle and the strap combined should cost you about a grand. It may sound like a lot of money, but it will be well worth it. On the same note, you should also get your watch polished professionally. It seems like your patek does not seem to be in its mint condition. Expect to spend about two grand to get some parts replaced and fixed. Oh and btw don't sell the gold watch strap, it is irreplaceable. I know this is not the answer that you wanted to hear, but the truth always hurt.

The Patek branded straps are very nice but are also very expensive. Other alligator options are out there which will run to about $180 instead of the $350 being quoted here ( I only know the UK prices so have no experience with US Patek ADs) The vintage style buckles are also very nice but again incredibly expensive. Unless you're taking it to a dealer a simple gold plated clasp will do the job perfectly, give the vintage look and run you about $20. My Patek clasp cost around $700 for reference :(

You could however go with a decent cowhide alligator embossed strap and it really won't look too bad. Spend $50 or more and you should get something that looks as good as the real deal. The only issue is that as it wears it will deteriorate much quicker and show the creases and cracks that a real alligator wouldn't.

I'd also advise caution on the polishing.....a polishing wheel will quickly remove the defined sharp corners and seriously devalue the watch.

A simple hand polish with an impregnated silver cleaning cloth will remove the swirls without being so aggressive to dull the edges. I hand polished my Patek 96 this way and it came up like new leaving the edges and hallmarks untouched. No need for a 'professional' to get involved, just do it yourself gently.

Congratulations on the watch - it surely is a beauty. The original bracelet is worth retaining and is likely the most valuable part of the whole watch to a collector.

[Crown and Caliber]

If you're really bold you could try the Patek on a NATO strap like this gentleman:

SPOTTED: A Patek Philippe 5960 Annual Calendar Chronograph in Platinum...On A NATO.Strap - Watches Worth Knowing About - HODINKEE

Will run you about $10 and change.

But on a more serious note, that watch will look outstanding on a leather strap. Do you know the lug width? I'll let another forum member chime in with a recommendation.

Kindest Regards,
Portauto

I really love that idea of combining something rough and practical (that strap) with something elegant and intricate (the watch). It's not for everyone, though.

Dominik, I do like the idea of a black band. I think it would go well with that color scheme and make the watch more pronounced. A brown leather band would be a bit more subtle but still compliment your watch.