Challenge... trying to source part of a watch strap

[sp3ctre]

To cut a long story short I have lost the link pin (I think that's what it is called) for my watch.

Maurice Lacroix say (or at least my local authorised jeweller says) that they can't get the part but I'll have to get a new strap for £300!

I have found a few 2nd hand complete watches for less than that.

Anyway, I think I have found the page I need with the part numbers, but it's german:

http://www.boley.de/en/case-parts/maurice-lacroix/805

I think the part I need is this:

485-000037 Gliederstift, Stahl Prado 18m

From what I can gather it means link pin, stainless steel "prado" (no idea about prado!)

So, anyone got any ideas where I can get this part from... it's an old watch, approx 15 years old. Worst case I will buy a 2nd hand one, that way I get the watch for spares too.

I found this online for 160 Euro... emailed the guy but it's a German site and I don't speak German... no reply yet:

http://kleinanzeigen.ebay.de/anzeigen/s-anzeige/original-maurice-lacroix-herrenuhr-saphire-crystel/68020479

Long shot but any suggestions? Would just buy a new watch but this one has some sentimental value so I would really like to get it sorted.

To show you the bit I lost here is a similar one I found on the web (the bit that fell off is the top rectangular bit:

 

[ZedFourM]

Being pedantic, it's a "bracelet" rather than a "strap". (A strap is made of leather or rubber; if it's metal it's a bracelet).

Spare link sections are difficult to find for a 15 year old watch, especially for anything other than Rolex or Omega. You might find one on one of the watch forums (TZ-UK or Watchuseek are probably the best), but I'd think it's pretty unlikely.

How important is it to you to keep the original bracelet? Unless it's integral to the case (which it doesn't look like on your photos) you'd be able to get a nice replacement bracelet for anywhere between £20 and £50, or a leather strap for £10 to £100 (and beyond). £300 for a Maurice Lacroix bracelet is barking (unless the watch has significant sentimental value and you just have to keep it looking original) - as you've found, it would be cheaper to buy a second watch for the bracelet alone. You could always then put an aftermarket bracelet or strap on that watch and sell it on.

Can you live without that link, or would it then be too tight on your wrist?

Have you tried contacting Maurice Lacroix directly, rather than through a dealer? http://www.mauricelacroix.com/?lang=en or http://extranet.mauricelacroix.com/index.html.