Crafter Blue Releases Shogun Strap

[Ryeguy]

Just was made aware of this: https://www.crafterblue.com/seiko-shogun-strap-cb04



I just purchased one.

Between this and the Watch Steward MN style strap, I think my Shogun will be seeing a lot more time in the rotation.

[mellonb1]

This should do well. Long overdue and might push me over the edge to try another Shogun.

[hoppyjr]

Shogun is a great watch. I need another.

[toxicavenger]

I just can't like the CB straps. I just had another one on my Sumo and they just aren't for me.

But it is cool they are providing other options for watch owners.

[59yukon01]

I love the one I use on my Blumo and the MM300. I've been waiting on this, but two things bother me. It's 15mm longer than the Sumo strap, which for me was perfect at 205mm, and it just doesn't look like the fit matches the lug curvature properly.

Anxious to see actual pictures before I buy.

[Panerai7]

What's the size, I hope 85/90mm buckle side

[59yukon01]

Just gives total length.

[Ryeguy]

I'll post up a review as soon as I get mine in.

I've always felt the stock bracelet was the weakest element of the Shogun, a design I otherwise really, really, like. I remain hopeful this isn't going to be a helluva long strap.

My wrist is about 7 inches, so we'll see how it works out.

[CGSshorty]

I hope it is more flexible than the Sumo version. That strap looked great but felt like a handcuff on the wrist.

[toxicavenger]

felt like a handcuff on the wrist.

This is how the one on the MM, SKX, Sumo all felt for me

[Torrid]

felt like a handcuff on the wrist.

This is how the one on the MM, SKX, Sumo all felt for me

I think the thickness of the strap did it. I thought it looked spectacular on the MM300 and at first felt comfortable, but wasn't great on a hot day. I'm one of those rare ones that preferred the MM300 on the OEM rubber.

[59yukon01]

They are thick, but I've found them comfortable, especially the one for the MM.

I did not like the one for the SKX, as I thought it overpowered the watch.

Hopefully that won't be the case with the Shogun.

[Ryeguy]

Ya’ll are getting me nervous! I got my shipping notice today so I imagine it should be here next week sometime.

I have experience with Iso’s, Hirsch, and ISO-a-likes such as Terry’s Magnums and Borealis’ models.

I’ll post a bunch of photos and comparisons to the best of my abilities as soon as it arrives.

[toxicavenger]

Ya’ll are getting me nervous! I got my shipping notice today so I imagine it should be here next week sometime.

I have experience with Iso’s, Hirsch, and ISO-a-likes such as Terry’s Magnums and Borealis’ models.

I’ll post a bunch of photos and comparisons to the best of my abilities as soon as it arrives.

Hopefully you get the right one. They sent me the wrong one 3 times for the MM.

[Torrid]

They are thick, but I've found them comfortable, especially the one for the MM.

I did not like the one for the SKX, as I thought it overpowered the watch.

Hopefully that won't be the case with the Shogun.

The look was the perfect fit for the MM, I just found over time I would get uncomfortable wearing it. Initial comfort was excellent.

[mellonb1]

Ya’ll are getting me nervous! I got my shipping notice today so I imagine it should be here next week sometime.

I have experience with Iso’s, Hirsch, and ISO-a-likes such as Terry’s Magnums and Borealis’ models.

I’ll post a bunch of photos and comparisons to the best of my abilities as soon as it arrives.

Look forward to your pix and thoughts. I'm going to hold off on picking up another Shogun until I see your review.

[Ryeguy]

Just a quick bump to let you guys know the Crafter Blue strap came in.

Ironically, today is the first day in a while I decided to not wear my Shogun so I'll have to post some photos and a review over the weekend.

Initial thoughts are the packaging is pretty basic for a $65 rubber strap. Just a plain padded envelope with the strap and spring bars in a narrow zip lock and a warranty card.

The included spring bars are the "slim fat" type with a 1.79mm shaft and a 1.1mm tip. You might be able to lube up some stock Seiko bars and get them in the strap, but you'd likely never get them out again. Plus, even with the thicker rubber ends, you'd risk tearing the strap.

The rubber has no scent. I actually like the vanilla scent of BC and Isofranes but I'd rather have no scent than the scent of the Watchgecko tropic

The strap is a bit deceptive in thickness. The edges are thick, but the inside is scalloped out with some ridges molded in. This might make the strap a bit more flexible when worn. I'll have to wait until I mount it on the watch to really judge its comfort.

There are no obvious mold lines or blemishes. Happy about that.

The buckle appears well machined with a wide tang. It is held in place with spring bars.

My initial thoughts are overall positive with the exception of the packaging. I think Terry takes the prize on strap packaging.

[Ryeguy]

Mounted and pretty happy so far. Fit to the lugs is really good.


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[four20]

Mounted and pretty happy so far. Fit to the lugs is really good.


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Looks great. We should get beers soon

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[mellonb1]

Looks great Chris. Helpful info
Post more pix when you get the chance.

[Ryeguy]

I'll wear it over the weekend and take more photos and collect more thoughts. There is supposed to be a bump this weekend, so it'll go surfing with me Sat and Sun. I guess it'll be another trial by fire.

@Erik - absolutely! Getting cooler out. Warwick?

[59yukon01]

Mounted and pretty happy so far. Fit to the lugs is really good.


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That looks better than the original rendering. I've got a 7" wrist also, so what do you think about the length?

[CGSshorty]

That looks excellent. Anyone have an orange Shogun they want to sell?

[Ryeguy]

Mounted and pretty happy so far. Fit to the lugs is really good.


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That looks better than the original rendering. I've got a 7" wrist also, so what do you think about the length?

Length is fine. My wrist is also 7 inches.

I am 5 holes in from the first (lots of room to grow) and the tip of the tail rests at about the 8 o’clock point of my wrist (watch crown centered at TDC).

A slight nit to pick is the stainless steel keeper slides more easily than a rubber keeper would have. This is a real reach to call a nit, but I thought I should mention it. I have the same complaint about the stock Seiko SPB053 strap. I just put an extra rubber keeper on it.

If Erik and I catch up, I’ll be sure to have him wear it for comparison. His wrist dwarfs mine.

[59yukon01]

Mounted and pretty happy so far. Fit to the lugs is really good.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

That looks better than the original rendering. I've got a 7" wrist also, so what do you think about the length?

Length is fine. My wrist is also 7 inches.

I am 5 holes in from the first (lots of room to grow) and the tip of the tail rests at about the 8 o’clock point of my wrist (watch crown centered at TDC).

A slight nit to pick is the stainless steel keeper slides more easily than a rubber keeper would have. This is a real reach to call a nit, but I thought I should mention it. I have the same complaint about the stock Seiko SPB053 strap. I just put an extra rubber keeper on it.

If Erik and I catch up, I’ll be sure to have him wear it for comparison. His wrist dwarfs mine.

You did the exact thing I did with my 053. Never comes loose now.

I'm most likely going to order one of these now.