1968 Seamaster De Ville strap advice

Colin Belfast · Feb 11, 2025

Hi Folks
I've just got my gold 1968 Seamaster De Ville (ref 1685020) back from a long overdue service and I feel that it deserves a new strap to replace the ebay one that's currently fitted.

I reckon that a good quality leather strap (18mm), tan coloured would suit best but the sheer number of manufacturers and different leather types - calf, ostrich, sharkskin, lizard etc leave me pulling my hair out.

Given the small size of this vintage watch, I feel that the strap needs to be fairly thin but know nothing about the various leathers and which type is most comfortable, flexible etc.

Any advise welcomed and also recommended suppliers / manufacturers.

HorsinTime · Feb 11, 2025

You're opening a Pandora's box here. I mean, the possibilities are almost endless and will largely depend on your personal taste. That said, maybe start with something simple and take it from there. I'd look at something from Hirsch, maybe in their Kent range.

https://www.hirschstraps.com/collections/kent

The Gold Brown colour might work well with your watch. Vegetable-tanned Italian calfskin, very comfortable on the wrist, with a nice taper on the 18mm model. Good quality at a reasonable price. Hirsch also do lots of "fancier" leathers, if that's what floats your boat.

Otherwise I really like the straps from Joseph Bonnie, although they could be pricier depending on your location.

https://www.josephbonnie.com/en/product-category/watch-straps/two-piece-straps/

SOG53 · Feb 12, 2025

Lots of threads here on OF for recommended strap sources use the search function

Colin Belfast · Feb 12, 2025

HorsinTime
You're opening a Pandora's box here. I mean, the possibilities are almost endless and will largely depend on your personal taste. That said, maybe start with something simple and take it from there. I'd look at something from Hirsch, maybe in their Kent range.

https://www.hirschstraps.com/collections/kent

The Gold Brown colour might work well with your watch. Vegetable-tanned Italian calfskin, very comfortable on the wrist, with a nice taper on the 18mm model. Good quality at a reasonable price. Hirsch also do lots of "fancier" leathers, if that's what floats your boat.

Otherwise I really like the straps from Joseph Bonnie, although they could be pricier depending on your location.

https://www.josephbonnie.com/en/product-category/watch-straps/two-piece-straps/

Thanks for the response.
I was aware of Hirsch but Joseph Bonnie is a new one for me.
I've looked at Watch Gecko who have a great selection.
I'm leaning towards ostrich leather for something a bit different although that calfskin one looks like the perfect colour.

SOG53 · Feb 12, 2025

Have a look at watchstrapheaven.com handmade straps by OF member @jankoxxx

1968 Seamaster De Ville strap advice

Colin Belfast

HorsinTime

SOG53

Colin Belfast

SOG53

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