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Bracelets/straps for vintage divers

Anthony Lane
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Got a couple of 60's skin divers en route and both are coming on leather straps...which I'm not a huge fan of. I'm looking to find some neat period correct bracelets for one or both. They both have 19mm width lugs. I'm thinking mesh for the Venus, but I also think a BOR with some chrome could match the shine of the case on the Venus...and I'm not sure what would look period on the Duxot. Perhaps just a black Tropic.

However, I'm open to suggestions and would like to see examples of dive-watch straps or bracelets that you like.

s-l1600.jpg

s-l1600.jpg
 
Dan S
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I don't know that either of those watches have correct or original bracelets, so there's no guarantee that end-links would fit well. You could fit generic bracelets with straight end-links if you like that look. It won't be perfect, but it would look ok. Another option would be Tropic or Tropic-style rubber straps, or webbing/NATO straps.
 
redpcar
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Find end-links that are close then hit them with this 😉

upload_2022-3-9_17-16-30.png
 
SkunkPrince
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Tropic or ISOFrane rubber would be appropriate. Prices for 20mm Tropic are insane but other sizes aren't bad.
 
Anthony Lane
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Dan S Dan S
I don't know that either of those watches have correct or original bracelets, so there's no guarantee that end-links would fit well. You could fit generic bracelets with straight end-links if you like that look. It won't be perfect, but it would look ok. Another option would be Tropic or Tropic-style rubber straps, or webbing/NATO straps.

100%, I’m not looking for OEM bracelets, just wanted to see what OF thought since there’s a lot of wise people here and tons of options for steel bracelets.
 
Anthony Lane
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JetLinks JetLinks
I like the Forstner aftermarket bracelets, especially the ladder & klip, which come in 19mm.

The Klip is so cool. Thanks for that recommendation. I noticed it on our own JwRosenthal's vintage Alpha.

1224856
 
Frenchdude87
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Anthony Lane Anthony Lane
Got a couple of 60's skin divers en route and both are coming on leather straps...which I'm not a huge fan of. I'm looking to find some neat period correct bracelets for one or both. They both have 19mm width lugs. I'm thinking mesh for the Venus, but I also think a BOR with some chrome could match the shine of the case on the Venus...and I'm not sure what would look period on the Duxot. Perhaps just a black Tropic.

However, I'm open to suggestions and would like to see examples of dive-watch straps or bracelets that you like.

s-l1600.jpg

s-l1600.jpg

I ran on an insane eBay store about vintage bracelet. "Good old time store". Haven't bought anything but nice looking stuff !! Never heard of it before and don't know if it's legit but some bracelets look really good.
Has anyone bought anything from this guy ?

anyway you might find something sweet here. But it's always a bet unless you know all the exact measurements 😀
 
Donn Chambers
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A Tropic rubber strap or sailcloth would look nice on both of those. You can find each in 19mm from various sellers.
 
sleepyastronaut
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Edited:
 
timesofplenty
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luv the skindivers.
for me a vintage hong kong or swiss tropic or SUB, perforated playa, or vintage 2-piece perlon all work great and keep the divers vintage.
it's not so easy to find a "fitted" type end-link that mates well, so a simple straight end is an easy option.
here's a few of mine, not all straight/flat end but pics show theres plenty of options.

IMG_6684.JPG IMG_6685.JPG IMG_6686.JPG IMG_6687.JPG IMG_6688.JPG IMG_6689.JPG IMG_6690.JPG IMG_6691.JPG IMG_6695.JPG IMG_6696.JPG IMG_6697.JPG s-l1600 (1).jpg
 
Anthony Lane
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Nice. I like how you got the fitted endlinks for this case style. Did you modify them yourself? I also really enjoy an NSA bracelet on a diver.

DSC5732-1024x837.jpg
 
timesofplenty
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Anthony Lane Anthony Lane
Nice. I like how you got the fitted endlinks for this case style. Did you modify them yourself? I also really enjoy an NSA bracelet on a diver.

DSC5732-1024x837.jpg

you mean this one?

1414977-3b7ec3d0b1ed0dba8bd40dbf1f15f13f.jpg

no, didn't modify them, just happened to fit pretty well
 
Anthony Lane
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timesofplenty timesofplenty
no, didn't modify them, just happened to fit pretty well

Mind letting me know where you picked that bracelet up? I assume the end-links came with it?
 
timesofplenty
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Anthony Lane Anthony Lane
Mind letting me know where you picked that bracelet up? I assume the end-links came with it?

yes the end links came with it, it's a nos vintage bracelet, came my way from an old watchmaker cleanout years ago.
 
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