Zodiac Talk => General Zodiac Discussion => Topic started by: Nomadgi on June 05, 2016, 08:20:18 PM

Title: Steel strap for Aerospace GMT
Post by: Nomadgi on June 05, 2016, 08:20:18 PM
Vintage preferred but modern considered. Must have curved ends. Thanks.
Title: Re: WTB Steel strap for Aerospace GMT
Post by: YuriyV on June 05, 2016, 11:54:05 PM
Regarding modern ones. On eBay you can find plenty of aftermarket 17mm. Like these:
310364433873
351730604784
Non Zodiac, of course. But compatible.
Title: Re: WTB Steel strap for Aerospace GMT
Post by: Nomadgi on June 06, 2016, 02:05:49 PM
Thanks - will check it out & should no older / original ones appear. Btw - would 18mm be too tight? That's the leather strap size, albeit it's more flexible. Cheers
Title: Re: WTB Steel strap for Aerospace GMT
Post by: YuriyV on June 06, 2016, 02:55:48 PM
Monitor forums and eBay for original bracelets. They are around. Although most of them, sold on eBay, have defects as I can see. So chances to find complete one in usable condition are pretty slim. But possible.

18mm metal bracelet ends don't work for 17.5mm case.

As an option, I'd suggest an original Zodiac tropic rubber strap. Or aftermarket quality leather (calf or croc).
You want exactly 17mm. It will match perfectly.
Title: Re: WTB Steel strap for Aerospace GMT
Post by: NOT ENOUGH WRIST TIME on June 09, 2016, 07:56:18 PM
Available now but could be big $$$ for it...


391479049851


Seller may not want less for it... you could try and bargin with him..

Good Luck !!!
Title: Re: WTB Steel strap for Aerospace GMT
Post by: Nomadgi on June 10, 2016, 04:42:40 PM
Thanks for the heads up - that price though - ouch!  :cheap that I am
Title: Re: WTB Steel strap for Aerospace GMT
Post by: Butch on June 10, 2016, 07:22:15 PM
$250 for a VERY uncomfortable band. And when the springs break you cannot get new ones to fix it. $7 leather band is a smarter investment, then go buy another Zodiac.
Title: Re: WTB Steel strap for Aerospace GMT
Post by: Nomadgi on June 11, 2016, 03:05:41 AM
Thanks Butch - that puts a good perspective on it :-)
Title: Re: WTB Steel strap for Aerospace GMT
Post by: incountry on June 11, 2016, 08:29:42 PM
Looking at the fourth picture of that band you can see that several of the links are stretched out already.
As Butch said, you can't get new springs to fix it. IMHO, not worth what he's asking.
I'm a  :cheap too!
Title: Re: WTB Steel strap for Aerospace GMT
Post by: YuriyV on June 11, 2016, 10:59:41 PM
Quote from: incountry on June 11, 2016, 08:29:42 PM
As Butch said, you can't get new springs to fix it.

Working to solve this problem. I think it is possible. :sho
Title: Re: Steel strap for Aerospace GMT
Post by: incountry on June 13, 2016, 09:40:05 PM
Good luck on your mission Yuri.  I hope you are able to come up with a fix for the springs! 
Title: Re: Steel strap for Aerospace GMT
Post by: NOT ENOUGH WRIST TIME on June 14, 2016, 11:11:43 AM
391482556473
Parts watch w stretch riveted band. buckle doesn't appear to be a Zodiac... maybe your answer to fix this one  391479049851
Title: Re: Steel strap for Aerospace GMT
Post by: jmh86325 on June 14, 2016, 06:47:18 PM
what I've done in the past was buy a generic band like this 161596330086 and change out the clasp... :twothumbsup
Title: Re: Steel strap for Aerospace GMT
Post by: YuriyV on June 14, 2016, 09:55:24 PM
There is NOS : 322151143908
Title: Re: Steel strap for Aerospace GMT
Post by: Doogie on June 16, 2016, 02:19:43 PM
I've repaired a couple, PITA. But I use a mainspring out of a very cheap watch the spring was actually chrome looking maybe stainless, but in zig zaging in there it wouldn't break like a black mainspring would. Even made a tool to bend the tab closed leaving it flush at the seam.
I also have a few Tropic bands with acier
buckles if someone needs one.

John
Title: Re: Steel strap for Aerospace GMT
Post by: YuriyV on June 16, 2016, 02:45:29 PM
Right, steel will break when bent in shape of zig zag.
Looks like they used to use BeCu. The C17200 alloy could be bent easily, but I found that it is too soft for this application.
Continue looking for right solution.