I have this model winging its way to me courtesy of member Vintage (thanks again ). Here's a shot of it:



That's not an original bracelet, but try as I might, I haven't been able to determine if this model actually ever came from the factory on a bracelet.

Can anyone confirm one way or the other? Did the date-only model (198.0021) come on a bracelet? (They have the same case).

I've found catalogs showing the gold version on a bracelet, but not the SS. And I've found pics of the watch on some kind of bracelet, but clearly not OEM.

This pic (ignore the awful polishing) shows what I think might be the Mark II bracelet (1162/173) on this watch:



Can anyone confirm that this actually is the Mark II bracelet? Or even better, has anyone actually put the Mark II bracelet on this model? I'd go for that in a heartbeat!

The reason I'm asking all this is I'm not too keen on the look of straps or bracelets coming straight out of that 20mm lug width. That "Mark II" bracelet has 20mm end pieces, but then the bracelet widens out in line with the case. That's a much more appealing look, I think (don't know if I've explained that well or not!).

Anyway, was hoping someone could shed some light on this. Thanks in advance for any insight you might be able to offer...

And just to end, here are a few more pics of the watch that's on its way:

 

I don't know about the bracelet but that blue strap looks great!, at least what can be seen. Please show a full pic of that combo.

 

First off, that watch is über-kewl..... except for the battery thing.

Second, most watches were sold head only (sorry @Darlinboy) and you selected the strap or bracelet at the jewelers / AD you wanted installed on it from their options of OEM or aftermarket.

 

http://www.old-omegas.com/pics/catuk73/p28.jpg

 

One of these could be an option

 

Doh!

Just saw it's not 18mm.

This one then.

MK2. 1162/173 should suit and may even fit better than on a MK2.

 

That wonderful site was my first port of call - I must've scrolled right on past that in my haste. Thanks for confirming!

 

Yeah, as per my OP, the MK2 bracelet looks like it would work.

Just out of interest, does anyone know if this catalog pic is in fact 1162/173?



I really like how the bracelet follows the lines of the case...

I have spare 20mm OEM mesh available for this incoming, but I think I'd prefer the smooth look of a "Mk2-type" bracelet.

 

I was aware that numerous options were available back in the day (straps, bezels etc) but didn't realize aftermarket was encouraged. That's interesting - thanks for the enlightenment...

 

Here are a couple more pics from Vintage:

 

Great pick up. I was after that watch as well but you beat me to it. Personally I don't think it suits a bracelet and would look far better on a strap.

 

Thanks and, well, sorry about that...

I'm definitely going to experiment with straps, but I'm just not sure about the look at the moment. I'll need to see things in the flesh. That said, the thick blue strap in the pics above does look good...

As I intimated upthread, I'm kind of hopeful OEM mesh is going to look good. Trying out different things is all part of the fun.

 

I have both silver and blue dial variants of these. They are lovely things and wear brilliantly since at 40mm feel very modern but look of their time. Be careful with the crystal as the replacements come with chapter ring so are a lot more expensive than acrylics for other hummers.

As suggested above, I don't think came officially with any particular bracelet. Not definitive I know but the Vintage Database entry for these shows a leather strap.

 

Wasn't it Gerald Genta who was the first to fully integrate the bracelet design with the watch in the Nautilus and Royal Oak? These models came out in the mid to late '70's.

Personally, I prefer the look of the contrasting black strap with the OP watch. Very kewl watch BTW...

 

There were integrated bracelet watches before the RO and Nautilus, the Omega Cone hummer and SMf120m for example but I bet there were earlier ones still. Not a big Genta fan myself, a little contrived but then engineering is interesting and was groundbreaking for watches. The blue dial looks best on dark brown IMO otherwise the dark blue and black clash a little it looks darker than in those pictures in real life, it is more navy blue than royal or electric blue. The silver dial works with anything.

 

Thanks for the tips re. the crystal. Appreciate it.

My plan is to go with OEM mesh initially; keep an eye out for a 1162/173; and see about getting a strap at some point too.

Was thinking of something along the lines of this Heuerville (and maybe even see about getting it "notched"):

 

Sold two just recently. Both had the same kind of bracelet. But not the one going all the way out? Not sure what number it had? 1125 or 1162?

 

^^^^^^^
Yeah, a little bit narrower than the 1162, I think...

 

Such as the Constellations introduced at the 1969 Baselworld show (I believe). Sorry for the drift, Ken. I think your watch would look better on a bracelet but I'm biased.

 

No need to apologize! I'm a BIG fan of the integrated bracelet. Here's a later example (around '77) that I have - the 196.0090 (cal.1342):




Maybe not for everyone as it's quartz, but I love that chunky integrated bracelet.

The integrated bracelet I really want is the Constellation D-shape!