Press that small button above EBAY and at the same time push the pin out from the side. Easy af.

 

Understood. Thanks a lot!

 

I lost one of the pins/screws inside the strap? how can get replacement? also anyone has advised on replacement straps?

thank you,

 

The bracelets of IWC diver's watches have not had screws since 1982 – but that's only by the way.
In order to be able to help properly, further information would be helpful. The pins on the bracelets of the three-hand Aquatimer references 3536, 3538 and 3548 and their chronograph sisters have 9(!) different lengths due to the tapered clasp. The later references 3568, 3290 and 3288, on the other hand, only have one length. For the pin, I would either ask the IWC dealer around the corner or contact IWC's concierge service, which in my experience is very friendly and competent. Occasionally, strap links are also offered at C24 and in the bay, maybe have a look there as well - but be careful, they often ask moon prices.

Strap alternatives for all IWC diver's watches with the exception of references (1)812, 1816, 1822, 3231 and limited 3290 / 3288 are only available from IWC itself due to the proprietary strap connection and are correspondingly expensive. For the references 3536, 3538 and 3548, in addition to the bracelet and the rubber strap, there is also a Velcro strap with matching end links (titanium: reference IWA04920, stainless steel: reference IWA04925). This also allows NATO straps (20mm) to be used. The Velcro straps are still available from IWC, cost 175.00 euros here in Germany iirc and are of catastrophic quality, there are a few sellers on eBay who also sell these straps - but at double or triple the price.

For the reference 3568 (and their corresponding chronograph sisters), simolau offers rubber straps in various colors (red, yellow, orange, blue, white, black) in the bay, the quality of which is said to be very good.
On the (more or less) current Aquatimers of references 3290 and 3288, all possible straps in 22mm width can be fitted if you have the courage to cut through the fixed bridge and replace it with a suitable spring bar. For my part, however, I will do the devil here, because in my opinion the original IWC bracelets and straps are among the best available.

 

Hello everybody, thank you for your help! I own a 3548 since 2008 and I would love to get a velcro strap or leather .. I don t like the feeling of the metal one and quite bored with the rubber. Moonshine runner wrote:
For the references 3536, 3538 and 3548, in addition to the bracelet and the rubber strap, there is also a Velcro strap with matching end links (titanium: reference IWA04920, stainless steel: reference IWA04925)
But when I look around and ask IWC people I can't find any of this velcro strap ... do you, by any chance , have a link or anything to help me finding it?
Thank you ,
Cyril

 

Orig. IWC Nylon Klettband mit Stahl Endlinks GST 3715 , Aquatimer 3536 + 3538 | eBay

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But beware: this strap is completely overpriced! If I remember correctly, IWC charges 175.00 euros for the strap – so it's worth either contacting IWC's Consierge Service directly or ordering the strap from an authorized dealer.

PS: Incidentally, the quality of the Velcro is subterranean. I was lucky and managed to get hold of a strap from GasGasBones before Carl Evans discontinued strap production. The GasGasBones strap is worlds better than the original from IWC, but doesn't have the required end links.

 

How do I get the buckle off?

 

From which strap? Rubber or steel/titanium?

 

Rubber. I got it off eventually, but had a hard time getting the clasp off of the band without bending it.

 

This thread still alive? Just got the 3538 2008 edition from my dad and I'm looking to replace the strap with leather since the rubber is breaking. Anyone tried contacting IWA04920 to see if they have stock? Or know somewhere to get it? Apparently it's rare as heck

 

I rejuvenated my strap with boiling water. If yours needs replaced I was just quoted $250 from IWC for a replacement.

 

For example, this is the custom strap I had made for my 3548 Cousteau. Take note of the mid-link.

 

For example, this is the custom strap I had made for my 3548 Cousteau. Take note of the mid-link.

Thank you, just wanted the rubber I have seen a few versions on eBay wanted to know if it was good.

 

I would stick with OEM. A quick search of "3538" straps on eBay leads to a few rubber straps that 'appear' to fit the case dimensions, but I haven't seen one that has a proper integrated pin release. Which means, for $40, you get a strap that allows the pin to fit lug to lug but may lack the necessary retention. Best of luck.