Agree. And the price proposed by seller is off by 200%.

 

Starting bid is $125, and with shipping about $80 to replate. I think I'll keep looking. Thanks for the responses.

 

Auction includes option for an offer. Sometimes low offers get accepted.

 

Recently acquired pink gold over steel buckle.



Art

 

Looks good! Could do with a clean and re-plating though.

From experience with buckles that have plating that is beginning to chip off, you'll notice flakes of gold coming off from time to time. It's saddening to see!

 

lovely!

 

9ct buckle with Birmingham assay hallmark

 

Hello all, I would like to source the original buckle for my KM6303 American Seamaster, I just have a 17mm strap for now, but i believe it's meant to be 11/16ths, per some info I've gotten from the guys with so much insight here.
Does anyone know what size those American Buckles would have been? Any ideas on what the markings would be so I could try to find one? Or possibly where I could find one? Should I just source a period correct Swiss one?
What about a complete original leather band with buckle? Any chance for that?
Would really love any insight I can get...want to find the correct crown and crystal too if possible...but this probably isn't the right thread for that.

 

And a HUGE thank you to @omegastar for the work here!!!
Also- if I should be posting this somewhere else, please say
Thanks again!!
Mark

 

Here are a couple different ones which came on 1960s US watches. Two simply marked OMEGA on the reverse and plain on the front. Fitted to 11/16ths lizard or alligator straps measuring 1/2" at the buckle.

 

@Onion0909, I have been searching for vintage straps presently and will share what I have learned. Hopefully this is not TMI. During my search I have found that a few of the older straps advertised as 18mm / 16mm are actually 11/16 vintage straps. Now these conversions are averaged so 11/16 is actually 17.46 mm and 5/8 is 15.87mm. The difference between a 5/8 buckle and a 16mm buckle is so small that it will not make a difference. If 5/8 buckles were made for the American market and sold online they would be listed as 16mm. While looking at vintage strap/buckles offered you will also find 18mm / 14mm strap buckle combos listed. 14mm converts to 9/16 or actually 14.29mm, half inch buckles are listed as 13mm and are actually 12.7mm.

I just purchased an Italian made Omega boar strap that is an 11/16, so I am assuming 1950s and 1960 European straps used standard non-metric measurements, please correct me if I am wrong. Watch cases made in America used the non-metric system. But any 11/16 strap and 16mm authentic vintage buckle will work on a non-metric 11/16 labeled strap if is is advertised as 18mm / 16mm. Photos below are an averaged conversion chart, the boar strap I just purchased. You will find 18mm/14mm and 18mm/13mm (1/2 or 12.7) straps and buckles more commonly, but the 11/16 (18) 16mm is more desirable and in my opinion looks better. I have had really good luck and bought a lot of genuine straps from a Russian seller Micro_Rom on eBay. Not sure what he has now, and shipping takes forever, but worth a look. If in doubt, ask the seller to measure the item for you. I would invest in an inexpensive micrometer to confirm the size of your lugs or take it to a watchmaker for confirmation. Good luck.

 

Also of note: If you are an average American, the 11/16 "regular" straps on an early 50s watch will be too short.

Tom

 

Thank you very much @X350 XJR, I was hoping you would chime in - Always appreciate you sharing your knowledge!!

No certainly not TMI - I'll certainly have a look at our Russian friend and try to get my hands on a micrometer...have just been using a ruler up to this point but can definitely see the benefit of that!!

Good to note... thank you Tom! Being that mine is about 8" or just shy of...I guess I'll be down for the count on an original strap but a buckle should do it for me...
Thanks again all
Mark

 

Original straps did come in 11/16L, just have to look for them.

Tom

 

Interesting...I'll definitely keep a lookout- not sure I want to hold my breath though
Thank you very much!!

 

One just appeared on eBay. It’s not marked long, but you could ask for measurements.

Tom

 

Perfect thank you sir! I have asked for the length - will see how it goes
Mark

 

And it is evidently 7.25"...which sounds pretty long, but what do you think?

 

If it fits it will be pretty tight. You said you had a 8" wrist and there is a gap before the tang holes start. It really varies by manufacturer, but in modern straps: Short 6", Regular 8", Long 8.5" X-Long 9". Strap length, plus watch width, and at least 1.5+ inches to play with. I received the Omega 11/16 R strap in my post above and is it 7.5" and 6.5" to the first hole. Another one I bought is a little shorter. I may get one or two holes on a seven inch wrist. I have lost some weight, but don't want to have to change straps if I gain it back. I searched vintage 11/16 L straps on eBay and there are a lot of nice vintage non-Omega straps out there if you want to broaden your search.

 

@X350 XJR Hope I am not hijacking with strap questions. I have one of the American straps you showed in your post. The keeper loop slides side to side about 3mm in elevated area on the the back of the strap. Does yours do that as well? Just wanted to make sure it was not de-laminating. Thanks.