Right, quick update. I sent Wera an email explaining problem and got a quick, pragmatic & decent reply. First she agreed that the strap was not up to standard and explained CW were withdrawing it from sale until a suitable strap is sourced. She went on to apologise and offered to send a complimentary nylon/webbing strap. I still feel it was a clunky error but full marks for prompt, remedial action. Thank you to Wera & CW.
Strangely I find the open acknowledgement that the supplied strap is not up to scratch on a flagship watch actually makes things worse. Were they just hoping nobody would notice?
It seems the correct response to me, given the position CWL find themselves I with this strap. Getting a free webbing strap is a good gesture.
However, they really ought to have avoided being in this situation in the first place. They did so well with the C8R strap, it's difficult to understand how they got the C1000 so wrong.
Prediction is very difficult, especially about the future. - Niels Bohr
I am sure the strap issue can be satisfactorily resolved. The key question is, do you really like the watch? I suspect the answer to that question is that it's OK and reading between the lines I think that was Kip's reaction too. Maybe I would be a little thoughtful about retention in the absence of delight! I am not sure whether you have it but from my perspective the C9JH RG for about the same money offers much better value.