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  1. msp1518 Aug 14, 2014

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    Gents and ladies, our very own Archer has been working on my grail watch, the Omega SM300 and it won't be long before it's in my hands.

    However I am torn about what strap/bracelet I should attach to this bad boy. The natural choice would be the 1171 with 633 end links, but in all my years I have not actually held a 1171 in my hands. All I can go by are online descriptions and the experience of some friends who told me the bracelet is not up to snuff by modern standards and will disappoint me. And at around $350 (they keep jacking up the price) for the bracelet and end links it is a bit overpriced for an old style bracelet. Of course, isn't anything Omega? :)

    The Omega Shark Mesh looks fantastic in pictures and the one I tried on with a PO was sooo comfortable, but danggonnit it's huge money and those gaps at the lugs which expose skin don't look all the great to me. So that's not an option. However... I thought maybe I buy myself a knockoff, such as one of the shark mesh bracelets on eBay. They can be had for under $60. Thoughts? It would allow me time to figure out a permanent solution.

    And of course I could buy my first Nato or Nato type strap and see how I feel. I like the look of the white-like-gray and black. That's an inexpensive temp solution if there ever was one.

    Your thoughts? Other options I may not be seeing? Other bracelets I should consider? I am all ears. Thanks!

    [​IMG]
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    ErichPryde likes this.
  2. Tritium Aug 14, 2014

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    What about a vintage style leather strap?
    Took this pictures from Togri
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
     
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  3. msp1518 Aug 14, 2014

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    Sorry, I should specify no leather. I will be in the water with this watch. No doubt about that. :)

    That does look sweet.
     
  4. Ruche Aug 14, 2014

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    If by up to snuff to modern standards they mean the 1171 bracelet is not as heavy, this is true. I wear this bracelet on my Speedy daily at work and have a lot of respect for this light bracelet. I work mostly outdoors and from my experience this bracelet is light but is very durable. The endlinks do rattle but I don't mind it as it gives it that "vintage charm". Of all my watches I love the light feel of my Speedy with the 1171 because the watch feels as though it melts away into my wrist instead of feeling constantly reminded (by the weight) that I am wearing a watch.

    From my experience I only had an issue once with the clasp, but once it was properly adjusted it has been great.
     
  5. Davidt Aug 14, 2014

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    I know you've already mentioned it and suggested that it's bit an option but id be wearing it on the Omega mesh. Looks amazing on late 60's 300's and in the short time I've had mine I'd say it's extremely durable and a reasonable price.

    Other than ham that I like the nato.

    Congrats on the watch btw!
     
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  6. Tritium Aug 14, 2014

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    Do you mean a modern 1171 and a modern speedy? Could you post a picture to see how it looks?
     
  7. alam Aug 14, 2014

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    Skip the NATO strap and go for a robust, black, high-quality rubber strap.
     
  8. dsio Ash @ ΩF Staff Member Aug 14, 2014

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    Mesh, shell cordovan, or Isofrane IMO
     
  9. repoman Aug 14, 2014

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    +1
     
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  10. msp1518 Aug 14, 2014

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    How clinky are those end links? How audible? I am getting a lot of clink on my Orient Mako XL end links, but they were not like this when I first bought the watch.

    Ten seconds in on this video and you can hear how loud my bracelet end links are.
     
  11. alam Aug 14, 2014

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    I've seen other variants that produce similar sounds…. :)
     
    maracas.gif
  12. g-boac Aug 14, 2014

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    I am as close to being 100% certain, without having tried it myself, that the PO2500 straps and bracelets will fit the SM300 perfectly. In fact, I think I've seen a couple threads about that on WUS.

    Omega rubber straps here:
    http://www.ofrei.com/page750.html

    The metal PO 2201.50.00 20mm bracelet is the 1580/952:
    http://www.ofrei.com/page1280.html

    Mark
     
  13. JimInOz Melbourne Australia Aug 15, 2014

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    I don't think you can beat Ω Mesh.

    Cool and ventilated in summer.

    Can go in the ocean without damage.

    Extremely tough.

    Easily shortened or lengthened.

    And best of all,

    It looks f'kn fantastic :D
     
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  14. Baco Noir Aug 21, 2014

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    I love my Staib mesh bracelet with deployant clasp. It's rock solid and very comfortable. I had initially gone with the 1171 and was happy with it for a while, but honestly, it felt flimsy and would pop open unexpectedly occasionally.
    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]
     
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  15. Hijak Aug 21, 2014

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    Shark Skin...
    Seamaster 300 with Shark Skin Strap.JPG
    Or maybe Sailcloth...
    Seamaster 300 with Sail Cloth Strap.JPG
     
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  16. SpikiSpikester @ ΩF Staff Member Aug 22, 2014

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    That sailcloth would look good on a Speedy too :thumbsup:
     
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  17. Dash1 Aug 22, 2014

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    Isofrane rubber straps fit the bill, the shark mesh are very comfortable and secure as are Nato straps - but use a case back protective sticker with a Nato.
     
  18. alam Aug 22, 2014

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    +1, a sailcloth style strap fitted w/the Omega deployant clasp would be great combination!
     
  19. Hijak Aug 22, 2014

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    Hmmm! Sounds like a new combo I'll have to try.:thumbsup:
     
  20. msp1518 Aug 22, 2014

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    I like the sailcloth. Wouldn't have thought of that. Thanks.