Watch strap too short

[bentleyblower]

I have just received from TD Precious Time a lovely IWC Portuguese 5242 manual wind in yellow gold plate. I was rather keen to see it on my wrist, but there was no way I could do so, due to the length of strap fitted, which would have been more suitable for a 5 inch wrist, rather than my 8 inch. (I expect a few ribald remarks) It has a well made deployment clasp, but even considering a hole in the strap right at the end, it would still not be long enough. Surely my wrist size is not abnormally large?
So, it sits there as a box queen looking gorgeous, until I can resolve the problem. Precious Time say that they will attempt to locate a longer strap, but I am not too hopeful and I will keep you informed if they do. It is a fairly standard 22mm strap and it would be no problem buying one that would fit the watch, but I would guess that getting one with the correct IWC marking would be rather more difficult - and I have already paid for a strap in the $383 price.
I have a few GEN pieces, where the standard strap supplied has been suitable (although not over generous in length) but I am new to REP watch collecting and I can only assume that the Chinese factories have not been adequately advised on Western wrist sizes - compared to the somewhat smaller Eastern wrists.
Any advice from more experienced RG members would be appreciated and is there any way that the factories can be asked to manufacture longer straps, or at least make a longer strap option available.

[TingelTangelTom]

I have no solution for you, but i suffer the same problem as i have 8 1/4 (21cm) inch wrist.

on more sporty watches i prefer NATO and ZULU straps, some in leather too. but for a portugieser? actually i have the same problem on a navitimer with a leather strap and breitling clasp. maybe i will look for custom made straps that will fit. i dont care about any breitling-marks on the inside of the strap.

i would love to see a longer strap option available at the td.

[nembo]

Some particular models,few and far in between offer a choice of extra long straps straight from the factory but for the most part sizes are standard
The only thing you can do is to have one custom made from the many strapmakers around.... which will be better than standard factory strap anyway
ON the forum we provide you a list of selected/handpicked strap guys, by me and the rest of the administration
Good and reliable ones,i'll advise you to ask around

[bentleyblower]

Thanks for the advice Nembo - Much appreciated.
It's still difficult to believe that the strap received can be considered "standard" for a Western wrist.

[daytonadragon]

Thanks for the advice Nembo - Much appreciated.
It's still difficult to believe that the strap received can be considered "standard" for a Western wrist.

70 mm by 120 mm is considered to be a "standard" size for a typical strap.

[bentleyblower]

70 mm by 120 mm is considered to be a "standard" size for a typical strap.

The strap supplied by Precious Time on the IWC 5242 measures 50mm x 110m and even if I could latch it, the buckle area would be at the side of my wrist.
Looking at various strap suppliers websites, it seems that my 20cm wrist should have a 80mm x 125mm strap.
Thanks for your interest Daytonadragon and for now, I can only admire my watch in the box, rather than on my wrist.

[nembo]

Thanks for the advice Nembo - Much appreciated.
It's still difficult to believe that the strap received can be considered "standard" for a Western wrist.

I second that...sometimes their"standard" it's not our

[bentleyblower]

But surely Nembo, the factories will make what the TD instructs them to make? Or do I not understand the system?
Something is wrong in the trading relationship, if we have to accept what they give us.
I'm rather angry about having spent around $400 for a piece of jewellery that I look at in a box. What I wanted was a watch.
I generally allow someone to take a pop at me once, but I soon learn that they do not do it more than once.
That's a great pity, as I was kinda looking forward to enjoying REP timepieces as a hobby, to supplement the GEN's that are financially out of reach.

[nembo]

Factories don't generally make what TD tell them to... although some would like you to think that
If anything,It's generally the other way around
In rare cases TD have a degree of influence and/or can commission a particular piece to the factories at their expense
Now with that said you've been unlucky and that's not the norm,straps are generally longer than what you describe but you should have asked,knowing you have a large wrist
Your dealer seems to offer cooperation by telling you they will look into it,try working with him