How long are your straps lasting?

I have a Big Ingenieur 7 day that I simply love, perfect running and no issues. Simply fantastic and one of my favorites in my collection.

I only have owned it for 1 year and probably have worn it for 4-5 months total and the strap is already worn out. It is cracking in two places. Is this the normal life span of the IWC straps? I have several other watches with leather straps and they are lasting much much longer. In fact all of them have the original strap on and they are several years old with much more wear.

So now I need to find a new strap and was wondering if their are any better longer lasting alternatives than the factory choices. are the new rubber backed ones longer lasting? any thoughts and suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you,
John

All my watches still have their original strap, and they look great despite their age, up to ten years. Does your Inge have a pin buckle? I never overstretch my straps backwards when putting the watch on or taking it off. Instead, I push the buckle gently into my wrist, keeping the strap in a straight line. This way, the strap is hardly stressed, my wrist is fine. What helps is, that I live in the Netherlands, where the climate most of the time is strap-friendly: not hot-humid.

Kind regards,
Paul

Same here, mine last six to ten years...

I live where it is extremely hot and humid and I still get many years out of the OEM straps. Not stretching or bending certainly helps.

Sounds like a case of early life failure.If it's under warranty,then get it replaced.
Kenneth.

Thanks guys. IWC will not warranty straps and I simply have no idea why this particular strap failed this way. Very disappointing.

Now I need to figure out what to replace it with. do the new straps with the rubber backing fit the Big Ingy?

I'd pester IWC into explaining why the strap failed so early in its life,given that other forum members are experiencing no such watch strap problems. If your strap hasn't been subject to unnatural causes,then IWC in my opinion, has a duty to replace the strap. So don't accept any mediocre excuses.
Kenneth.

I read here some time ago that there is no warranty on straps. I don't quite remember why, but I can imagine that the fact that leather is a natural product has something to do with it. To me, it is as it is, tough.

Kind regards,
Paul

Thanks guys for the replies. I have decided to get a custom strap made. Now I am looking for an old used up strap that I can reuse the metal strap inserts. If anyone has an old worn out one that they would like to sell to me please let me know.