Even though I have written several articles on the Hunter Mach 1, Hunter Mach 2 and Hunter Mach 3 watches by Victorinox Swiss Army, I still get contacted every few weeks asking how the watch bands can be replaced. This tells me that there is still some confusion on the subject and that it might be worth dedicating another article to the popular question. In order make a quick overview, I won’t rehash the previous articles. but please feel free to read them for additional background about the design of the Hunters, and also my experiments with DIY replacements.
- WATCH DNA: Victorinox Swiss Army Hunter Watches – Mach 1, Mach 2 & Mach 3
- STRAP SWAP: Replacing the Proprietary Watch Bands on Victorinox Swiss Army’s Hunter Watches
- STRAP SWAP: Real World Experiments to Replace Hunter Watch Bands by Victorinox Swiss Army
To cut to the chase, I have unfortunate news about the watch bands for the Hunter watches. If you are reading this article, then you already that the Mach 1, Mach 2 and Mach 3 models were barrel tonneau watches that were produced in the early 2000s. Because of the design of the watch, Victorinox Swiss Army used bespoke watch bands that would give the Hunter watches the look of a thick bracelet as seen below.
Swiss Army Hunter watches wear like heavy armored bracelets that taper from the height of the case to the deployant clasp.
The biggest problem for current Hunter owners is figuring out what to do if their watch band breaks. Hunter owners that want to simply change their watch bands into one of the three available options are in the same category.
The options for the Hunter watches included (in order of durability and desirability):
- All-metal bracelet
- All rubber 2-piece watch band
- A metal bracelet with fragile plastic insert
Hunter watch for sale on eBay
Owners of Victorinox Swiss Amry Hunter watches are out of luck because Victorinox quit making replacement watch bands years ago, and any residual N.O.S. (New Old Stock) Hunter watch bands only come to the surface occasionally. For example, I got one a few years back when a watch repair store in Canada closed. Also, I search eBay daily for them. In the span of two years, I have only found 1 rubber replacement strap and 1 metal bracelet. The odds of success are low, and you will have to have the patience of a zen master to find one at that pace. I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but sometimes that is what it takes.
If you cannot find the Hunter watch bands for sale by themselves, then the next option is to buy a broken donor watch and steal the watchband from that. This option is as silly as it sounds for several reasons. First, Hunter watches can get expensive. Second, even if you are able to source a watch band from a used Hunter watch, you will now essentially have 2 watch heads. You can always sell the extra watch head, but without a strap, it might not be that easy. So, this suggestion will cost you a good deal of money and a good amount of effort.
The last option is to make your own Do-It-Yourself Hunter watch band, but this option is not the best because it changes the look of the watch drastically as you can see by the slit NATO strap shown below.
NATO straps are made of nylon and come in many different colors and hardware options.
Maybe Victorinox may one day reissue the Hunter watchbands, but I am not holding my breath. The Hunter watches were sold so long ago and Victorinox has moved on to other designs. As time goes by, these watches and watch bands will become rarer. Grab parts while you can because one day, there will be very little left. I am constantly trying to find Hunter watch bands for readers and if you want to get on the list, please contact me. When one pops up, I’ll let you know where I saw it. I cannot guarantee that finding a bracelet will be fast. To be fair, the “found” Hunter watch bands will be shared on a first come, first served basis. Other than that, I do not have any of the Hunter watch bands for sale, nor do I know anybody with a hidden stash. I wish I did. I hope this clears up the questions you have, but if not, please leave a comment or contact me.
Hi Andrew, I have the rubber band for this watch. Recently the PVC Loop Watch Strap Keeper broke, otherwise the band is OK. Do you know what size loop I should buy? I didn’t realize it was so difficult to get bands for this watch. I’ve had mine for almost 10 years. If I ever see one I’ll be buying immediately to hedge for any future replacements.
Hi. The dimensions for the Hunter keeper are 26mm long x 10mm wide x 9mm tall. It is made from a stiff plastic material that has some flexibility. It does not appear to be just rubber. I was able to buy a replacement keeper on eBay in rubber that is similar in size, but the material is a flimsy rubber. It works but not as well as the original. If you are looking for an original strap still, there are a few on eBay at: https://www.ebay.com/itm/282843517546?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1558.l2649 (as of February 2018)