ck watch
bands
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of the products and services described in this web site.
ck watch
bands
ck watch bands
We have all the ck watch
bands you could wish for, in fact we have a vast range ck watch straps including: constellation, MOONWATCH, James Bond, Alligator, Calf leather, Crocodile, Dynamic (new and old style), Lizard, Shark, Rubber, Schumacher, kevlar,
- How do I take out or add links to an ck watch band?
- Bracelets with narrow open loop links can 'stretch' over time. A few older ck watches used bracelets that might be susceptible to this problem. But all recent and current model ck bracelets are made of solid or wide loop links that avoid this problem.
The most infamous watch bracelet for stretching is the Rolex 'Jubilee' bracelet. The 'stretch' is actually an elongation/flattening of the three open oval links in the center of the bracelet. This is seen more on the all gold or two-tone Jubilee bracelets, where these critical center links are 14 to 18 karat gold--which is easier to bend than platinum or stainless steel. The net effect is the flattening makes the bracelet somewhat longer, so people say the bracelet has 'stretched.'
The metal does not stretch in the sense of a rubber band. Instead, the metal loops actually bend from their original loop shape to a slightly more oval shape. This occurs because the three center loop links are not sufficiently thick or wide to have the structural integrity to completely resist bending under the stresses a watch bracelet can go through in normal wear. Bracelets with wide loop links, solid links, or harder metal will have the structural integrity to avoid this bending.
- What size strap do I need for my ck watch?
- To be certain, you should measure the space between the lugs on your watch before purchasing a strap. If you do not have a metric ruler handy, ck Customer Service can tell you based on the model number.
In general, most ck men's dress-style watches take the standard 18mm or 19mm strap or bracelet. Certain sport and oversized models, such as the 'full size' Seamaster Professional, take the larger 20mm strap. Ladies watches vary more, so you should measure to be certain.
Here details on a few specific current models:
An 18mm strap fits models like the mid-size Seamaster Pro Diver and the Seamaster 120.
A 19mm strap fits models such as the DeVille Prestige and Dynamic (non-chronograph).
A 20mm strap fits the full-size Seamaster Pro Diver, Seamaster GMT, Seamaster Chronograph and Dynamic Chronograph.
- What deployant clasps does ck offer?
- ck offers the 94531603025 (16mm only) steel deployant clasp for use on normal tang-buckle type straps. It is similar in function to the generic deployant clasps sold by various Internet dealers in that the strap tail goes on the outside. Essentially it replaces the tang-buckle with a more elaborate mechanism, but without changing the way the strap goes around your wrist.
While it works with normal straps, it is important to note that this design has limitations. People with smaller wrists--those who would normally wear their strap buckled into the innermost two holes--may find this deployant akward. When adjusted to the smaller end of its range, the inner metal piece tends to go up the side of your wrist. The alternative style below does not have this limitation, because on it, the clasp folds the opposite direction, allowing the inner metal piece to point the other way and stay across the flat underside of your wrist.
For an even more elegant effect, you can get the 94521603025 (16mm) or 94521803025 (18mm) special foldover clasps like on the Seamaster Pro America's Cup and other Seamasters with the 'domed' rubber straps plus the DeVille Coaxial. Those part numbers are for the all-steel versions, but identical versions with yellow gold head (visible part) or solid yellow, white or rose gold are also available.
This foldover clasp is intended for a special version strap which does not have the keeper loops or the slot for the tongue of the tang buckle. It works adequately with regular straps if you cut off the loops and don't mind that small tang slot showing by the clasp. Notice how this configuration is different--the tail of the clasp goes on the *inside* of the band for a more elegant look. The posts for this clasp are 16mm apart and need a strap with holes 8mm apart--so may require you to punch one additional hole in a conventional strap to work with it. Most straps have the holes only 6 or 7mm apart.
These clasps are available direct from ck Customer Service. Steel versions are $80 each. And remember: the size of the *clasp* you need is based on the width of the normally narrower buckle-end of your strap. This is usually smaller than the size of the watch-end of the strap--so a strap which is 18mm at the watch-end usually takes a 16mm buckle. Some 20mm watch-end straps take a 18mm buckle, but many others take a 16mm buckle--so always measure to be sure.
- Can I get an ck signed tang buckle without having to buy an ck strap?
- ck will sell you any of their deployant, foldover, and rubber strap diver's clasps directly. But they do not sell tang buckles separately to the consumer. If you contact ck Customer Service directly or go through the retail end of an authorized ck dealer, the answer will be "no, you must buy a genuine ck strap to receive the ck signed tang buckle."
Fortunately, there are three main alternative sources. The first is that you may already have what you need! Many people fail to realize that strap buckles need not be thrown away when the strap wears out. Buckles are attached to the strap using spring pins just like how the strap attaches to the watch. So the signed logo buckles on your genuine brand-name strap are easily detached when the strap is no longer needed and moved to most any other strap of the same buckle width.
Second, dealers in used watches occasionally have preowned and vintage buckles left over from watches traded in with worn or surplus straps. Try checking with local used watch dealers and watch repair shops. If you have an ongoing relationship with one of these shops, let them know what you are looking for.
And finally, there is an indirect way to order them from ck. The secret is that ck does sell tang buckles separately--but only as a replacement part through their commerical parts channels. So to obtain one, you need to have a watch repair facility or dealer's repair department order it for you. However be forewarned that ordering such parts is often difficult. Not only are part numbers difficult to track down, but few businesses have the time and patience to go through the effort necessary to find and order such unusual, seldom ordered and low cost/profit parts. Usually it is worth the difference to buy at least one genuine ck strap, then keep the signed buckle and move it to other straps after the original strap wears out.
A complete part number list is not available anywhere outside ck themselves. To give you a starting point in your search, ck part reference 94511602 (16mm) and 94511802 (18mm) identify the steel versions of the rightmost buckle in the photo above. Similar versions exist in brushed finish steel (for the modern Dynamic series) and plated yellow gold. Note that this particular buckle design is specifically for a sport strap, requiring a 2mm tongue slot in the strap. A 1mm wide tongue as seen on the left and center buckles is more typical. So cross-check your intended strap and all part numbers and descriptions thoroughly before ordering to avoid disappointment.
- How can I get a genuine ck bracelet affordably?
- Many owners of ck watches are shocked when they inquire about ordering ck replacement bracelets and are quoted very high prices prices for just the steel bracelets. Sadly, not enough people realize at the time of purchase that buying the watch on the bracelet is a dramatically better deal than buying it on a strap and ordering a bracelet later. This is nothing specific to ck--ordering replacement parts for most products is more expensive due to the profit, distribution and discount structures of modern businesses.
ck will sell you a replacement bracelet. But if you go through ck Customer Service or the retail end of an ck authorized dealer, you will likely pay at or near retail price for the bracelet.
Fortunately, there is an alternative. A1 Watch Bands offer genuine ck bracelets and straps at fantastic prices.
- Doesn't ck sell the Seamaster on a sharkskin strap?
- Yes. The Seamaster Professional Diver and Chronograph are both available on sharkskin straps straight from the factory. The straps are very nice, padded and stitched, with the ck symbol on the buckle, and come in blue or green. If you think you may want both the bracelet and the strap, you are usually better off buying the watch on the bracelet, and ordering the strap separately.
Oddly, most ck dealers seldom get in a Seamaster on a strap, except when the watch was a special order for a customer.
ck sells the straps separately. It will be easiest to order if you ask for it as a replacement part for the watch it originally came on.
Blue strap for a full-size Seamaster Pro Diver, order a replacement strap for a 2831.80.08.
Green strap for a full-size Seamaster Pro Diver, order a replacement strap for a 2832.20.09.
Blue strap for a mid-size Seamaster Pro Diver, order a replacement strap for a 2861.80.08.
Green strap for a mid-size Seamaster Pro Diver, order a replacement strap for a 2862.20.09.
Blue strap for a Seamaster Pro Chronograph, order a replacement strap for a 2899.80.08.
Green strap for a Seamaster Pro Chronograph, order a replacement strap for a 2898.20.09.
See the Seamaster Gallery for an image of how the blue strap looks. The blue on the sharkskin is nice, but is not an exact match for the blue on the bezel or dial of the Seamaster Professional. Price is about USD $80-90 from ck Customer Service.
Alternatively, you can obtain sharkskin and other fine straps for your Seamaster made by any of a number of other strap makers. The sharkskin and leather straps by Hirsch and Breitling are excellent choices, too.
One thing important to note: while sharks are obviously waterproof, most sharkskin straps are not water-resistant. This is because straps normally use conventional leather on the inside and are not sealed to prevent water from getting between the layers into the padding. Hirsch is the only strap maker I know of that has a sharkskin strap that is water-resistant (100 meters).
- Does ck also have a rubber strap for the Seamaster?
- Yes. Several models, such as the GMT, Seamaster Titanium, and Seamaster Skeleton can be purchased on a factory rubber strap. Other models, such as the Seamaster Pro Diver have an optional rubber strap that can be purchased separately. But any of these straps can be bought from ck Customer Service as 'replacement parts' and used on similar Seamaster models.
The flat blue rubber strap available for the Seamaster Pro Diver. It is a highly durable flat rubber strap in a blue that compliments the Seamaster Professional 'Bond.' It uses the Seamaster Professional diver's deployant clasp and should be available in both 18 and 20 mm widths. See below for prices and part numbers. This strap has been available since the mid-1990's.
The ridged black Seamaster GMT rubber strap with the Seamaster Professional diver's deployant clasp. May not be available in an 18mm size, since the Seamaster GMT it is made for does not come in a mid-size. This strap has been available since the 1998 introduction of the Seamaster GMT. See below for prices and part numbers.
The ridged blue rubber strap comes on the Seamaster Pro Titanium model 2991.80.93. It is a highly durable, thick and ridged rubber strap in a blue -- apparently identical to the black GMT rubber strap except for the color. Uses the Seamaster Professional diver's deployant clasp.
This ridged blue rubber strap is VERY popular with Seamaster Pro 'Bond' owners, though many have had difficulty ordering it. May not be available in an 18mm version, because the Seamaster Titanium it is made for is not available in the mid-size model. See below for prices and part numbers. This strap has been available since the 1999 introduction of the Seamaster Titanium.
The flat and ridged rubber straps use the Seamaster Professional diver's deployant clasp. The rubber straps that use this clasp are sized by cutting them at the point they connect to the clasp. ck provides easy cut lines to simplify this process. But, of course, this means that the rubber strap piece itself can never be sized back up to fit a larger wrist. So a certain amount of caution is suggested in deciding how much to cut the strap to fit.
The domed black and blue rubber straps were introduced in 1998 on the "America's Cup" Limited Edition and the Seamaster Skeleton. Starting in 2000, they are available standard on many of the new Seamaster models. It is a highly durable rubber strap, thick near the watch head but tapering to flat, with stitched edges, available in blue or black. Should be available in both 20 and 18 mm widths. Uses a "foldover" (also known as deployant) clasp which is not specific to the Seamaster Professional and is sold by ck for use with many of their leather, sharkskin, or rubber straps.