Show us your straps!

[retlaw4]

Many watches I aim to buy with the factory bracelet (if it's offered) rather than the optional strap. I then like to find the ultimate strap for every piece in my collection so I've got options for every watch. However often I find that it's very difficult to "out do" the original bracelet and find that I just end up keeping the watch "stock" - which can be nice and simple, but also can get a bit boring.

So the 1993 18238 Day-Date. My first luxury watch I ever bought in 2016.



It's been a stunning watch to own, but as I'm sure many of you know, the 18ct bracelet is soft as hell. Even daily desk diving can leave you disappointed - finding a new ding or scratch every week.



So it was time to strap it up!



Well...Not such easy a task for me. I went through numerous straps - 3 of the best shown here - but none really ever stuck for longer than a couple of wears. Whether it was the black dial or the gold case making it difficult, nothing beat the president bracelet.



Until recently I found the Bulang and Sons wood style leather nato with gold hardware.



Finally I think I've found the right combo! It's subtle and stylish and doesn't yell ROLEX like the president bracelet does.



This is a thread dedicated to showcasing your ultimate/favourite strap combos and in particular (if possible) how they compare to the factory bracelets so...show us your straps!

[deerworrier]

it's probably me and my compooter but all i see above are the words and 12 blue boxes with question marks?
anyone know what this means? apart from "i'm too stoopid to own a compooter!"

[retlaw4]

Very strange yeah if someone else can confirm if images are there or not that would be good. I'll re post if needed

[Sarbie]

not there for me either...I just had an issue with pic size with daily wrist check..perhaps size is too large today?? Havent had the size issue in a while

[retlaw4]

should be sorted now. I no longer have the blue question mark boxes on my computer.

[kiwi.bloke]

I can also see from my iPhone

[Sarbie]

I can vouch for this great combo...looks even better in real life.

Sent from my SM-G955F using Tapatalk

[Sarbie]

retlaw4 had it with him when he picked up the PADI very warm romantic watch and the strap is a fine leather that doesnt come off with any of that heavy leather vibe. Nice match up retlaw4 for sure

[Hammers]

The infamous Seiko Spring Drive 600.
Bracelet is really good; however if you want the real tool diver look place it on a Sinn rubber and deployment. Super comfy and changes the look and feel so much imo.

[Hammers]

And SD600 on Sinn rubber Mod.

[Sarbie]

how does this work Hammers? does the rubber have to be butche...ahem modified?

[retlaw4]

I was wondering the same thing. Love that clasp!

[Hammers]

Sure does need a sharp knife, fortunately someone else had already done the hard work for me. I just added a new deployment.

[Hammers]

Next combo. Tudor steel gold.

Fell in lust / love with this in the UK 18 months ago. On stock black distressed leather it is the business.

Couldn't afford it at the time so waited until a used one became available. One did on the bracelet. As always I needed a strap option so this is a custom strap with tudor deployment, went brown distressed as I tend to think brown is less formal and more versatile than black.

See what you think.

[Hammers]

[Hammers]

[Sarbie]

looks great hammers! one of my favourite tudors. The leather really makes it more casual.

[Hammers]

And one more look with the original Tudor textured NATO.

[retlaw4]

That texture is very cool

[deerworrier]

buy two tone watch, remove 90% of two tone look, wonder what the point of that was?
your judgement or lack there of never fails to disappoint

[Hammers]

buy two tone watch, remove 90% of two tone look, wonder what the point of that was?
your judgement or lack there of never fails to disappoint

Just love the occasional change. That the first time I put it on the zulu. Straight back on the bracelet that as you suggest is the real deal.