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Are you a leather/rubber strap guy, or a metal bracelet guy, and why?

JG808
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I second the hqmilton recommendation. I haven't been to the shop, but I've spent hours on the website. It would definitely be a stop if I ever find myself in SanFran again.
 
ffej4
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micampe micampe
Let me know when you go to HQ Milton, I'll tag along 😀

That sounds like a plan! I'll be in SF the March 28th – April 3rd. I can't wait!
 
DocHolliday
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It depends what mood i'm in. If I'm running errands its a nato. If I'm going to a nice dinner I'll throw on a leather strap. Work.. I'll put the metal bracelet on. I kind of have a problem!
 
Matty01
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I like rubber and natos but almost always wear a bracelet or leather. If leather, ususlly the Fish leather straps I produce and supply to Rpaige (and as of 2 days ago a producer who will be at Basel this year)

Watches like the following 2 just wouldn't look right without their factory shoes




Pretty much everything gets the fish leather treatmenr



 
Maximus84
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In general, I prefer bracelets. I like the look and feel, particularly on 'tool' watches.

The only NATO I have used is on my issue CWC G10, although in the summer I will be spending some time overseas in a hot climate so will put my Speedy Pro on the black Omega NATO for comfort (and to prevent the bracelt getting trashed).

My old Constellation, that was my grandfathers, is on an expandable metal bracelet but I want to find an original (or as close as I can find) leather strap in order to dress it up. That reminds me, I need to check the lug-lug size...
 
adam78
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When I first saw this thread title, I thought it sounded vaguely kinky...😒

In seriousness, though, it all depends on the watch, the strap, or the bracelet.

Here is one on a white 14K bracelet that I couldn't imagine wearing any other way...



Whereas this one is perfect on the right strap...



And I much prefer a Sub on a bracelet!

 
Wetworks
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oddboy oddboy
When buying, I want the original configuration - which is typically bracelet for the watches I like. For day to day wear, mostly leather as its winter. Summer, probably bracelet.

I agree with this for the most part, I prefer to have the original configuration and go from there. My vintage Seamaster, along with my Bond, SMP and Seiko all have their bracelets. My new Breitling SOH will as soon as I source one for a decent price.

Having said that, all of the aforementioned have alternate straps, including the SOH. The '69 Seamaster has at least 6 hide straps, the Bond has two rubber straps, the SMP has sailcloth, shark and OEM mesh, the Seiko has two additional rubber straps and the Breitling now has a shark and alligator coming its way.

I tend to go with hides in the winter, bracelets year-round and rubber only in summer. Really, I can't see myself limiting the chances to add a new look to an old favorite.
 
Nobel Prize
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Matty01 Matty01
I like rubber and natos but almost always wear a bracelet or leather. If leather, ususlly the Fish leather straps I produce and supply to Rpaige (and as of 2 days ago a producer who will be at Basel this year)

Watches like the following 2 just wouldn't look right without their factory shoes

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j466/Mattwah/Wanted/d3859bf05af957898265760dcd732877.jpg[/IMG]']
http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j466/Mattwah/Wanted/1d5811a84285d06dc3a8c20ffc677e3c.jpg[/IMG]']

Pretty much everything gets the fish leather treatmenr

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j466/Mattwah/Marine%20Bands/6b934f36ea95ca386cede6659117c01f.jpg[/IMG]']
http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j466/Mattwah/Rpaige/37a7b4599b52bd1ed88d39d2cffa27bb.jpg[/IMG]']
http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j466/Mattwah/Marine%20Bands/089e6da66c42bc49840773476aaed48a.jpg[/IMG]']
The fish bracelets freak me out
 
Flingit1200s
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I thought the same then thought about croc, lizard, shark that seem acceptable..........
 
Nobel Prize
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That are acceptable ethically, it's just the look. It's a little to Alien for me.
 
DLT222
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Stainless bracelet guy. With living in Florida i sweat like hell and it kills the leather strap. Rubber I'm not really, my Panerai had rubber and it cracks over time.

My 45th is not getting worn as the nato is not my cuppa either.
 
M
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I really like metal bracelets, but practicality has me wearing leather or synthetic straps. 2 things mess me up about metal bracelets. I seem to always be in between link sizes so they never quite fit right. I also hate that they get scuffed after a time - only if it's the original of course. I'm usually careful but there's always those random scrapes and dings and those drive me nuts.

Leather and synthetic straps tend to fit me a little better but still not quite perfect. I may need to research custom options.
 
tzachi
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metal bracelet for most
BUT

Panerai on Rubber strap,
so is the Tri watch Suunto

I guess its the way the watch sits on the wrist. wide rubber takes the shape nicely.bracelet is most comfortable as once set, its always same feel.
 
sryukon
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I've always been a bracelet guy but now i am swaying toward Alligator straps!!
 
20150119_083800.jpg
KIMBER
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DLT222 DLT222
Stainless bracelet guy. With living in Florida i sweat like hell and it kills the leather strap. Rubber I'm not really, my Panerai had rubber and it cracks over time.

My 45th is not getting worn as the nato is not my cuppa either.
I live in FL myself and know what you mean. I don't wear leather straps often but when I do they are coated with Renaissance wax polish. It definitely helps with my leather belts. Some of which are 10 years old.
https://search.yahoo.com/yhs/search...&p=definitely&SpellState=&fr2=sp-qrw-corr-top
 
MikiJ
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A little of both. I live in Northeastern Ohio so it's metal in the Spring and Summer then gator in the Fall and Winter.
 
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