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Deployant users! What did you replace factory leather with?

  1. AngelDeVille May 3, 2021

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    If you weren’t going with factory leather or rubber, what would you replace it with?

    I have a 41mm Aqua Terra, (20mm lug) and the 18mm deployant.

    I don’t mind spending close to the price of the factory blue alligator ($360) but if I could get a decent blue leather and a decent rubber for a similar price I would be happy.

    I am even eyeballin a black tropic style.

    What has worked for you on your AT or speedmaster or seamaster?

    AND do you have pics?
     
  2. journeyforce May 3, 2021

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    On mine I briefly used a leather rallye strap

    Sadly I have no pics as I shortly traded that AT for a GS (big mistake)

    A nylon two piece strap would look good on the watch if you can get one with a taper so that it fits your clasp
     
    AngelDeVille likes this.
  3. Donn Chambers May 3, 2021

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    Genteel straps are a great option if you want to use the deployant:

    https://www.genteel-handmade.com/

    if you are willing to use a tang buckle, the options are limitless (and a lot cheaper).
     
    fakinbacon, Evitzee and AngelDeVille like this.
  4. nismo May 3, 2021

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    I used Jean Rousseau for my leather strap with their butterfly deployant. They apparently make straps for Omega and other brands and they made me the color I wanted to factory specs (black FOIS strap is what I wanted).
     
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  5. Andrew C May 3, 2021

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    I am a big fan of Veblenist (I have no affiliation). But for customization/ price and hand made quality I think he offers great value.
     
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  6. AngelDeVille May 3, 2021

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    omg, I think I’m in heaven.... I can’t find a design I don’t like! Ostrich! And the calf and goat looks great!

    I always feel like I’m about to drop my watch with tang buckles, and I seem the beat up the end rather quickly.

    the omega and tag heuer deployants are my absolute favorites, but I’m not a fan of tag watches, except for the Monaco.
     
    Edited May 3, 2021
  7. AngelDeVille May 3, 2021

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    Sadly all my cool rally straps are 18mm from when I had my now gone speedmaster date!

    I had forgotten how cool those sailcloth omega straps are, just what I needed... more options!


    I’ll add Jean Rousseau and Veblenist to my search list too!

    wow lots of direction in just a few minutes! What an awesome forum!
     
  8. Evitzee May 3, 2021

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    I'll second Genteel Handmade from Romania.....George does excellent work with an astounding selection of leathers and colors, stitching colors, and lining colors. And if you need a specific size, or some other quirky requirement, he'll accomodate that, too. You'll get your strap in 4-5 weeks via DHL packed in a nice pouch and box with a handwritten note of thanks. Highly recommended.
     
    AngelDeVille likes this.
  9. AngelDeVille May 3, 2021

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    I’m getting ready to place my order, I’m deciding on the shade of blue I want...

    Edit: ok padded, blue ostrich, white stitching, beige goat lining, quick release spring bars.... just measuring existing straps for length. End Edit:

    Does any one have the lengths on the factory gator? I think I need just a bit longer than the factory.

    I did also buy a $40 uncle seiko tropic strap in black, that should look very nice. But I don’t think I’ll use it with the deployant.

    3490B306-2391-4D63-B76A-D64DC53772D3.jpeg
     
    Edited May 3, 2021
  10. Evitzee May 3, 2021

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    I had a strap made in Saffiano navy blue goat with orange stitching and Grapefruit lining for my 1972 MKII. It's a good shade. I don't know the dimensions of the stock strap.
     
    IMG_0206.JPG IMG_0186.JPG IMG_0183.JPG
  11. AngelDeVille May 3, 2021

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    WOW! That is stunning!

    Love the fit with the deployant!
     
  12. cknight24 May 4, 2021

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    Also check out Combat-straps.com. I haven't ordered one from him but he gets a lot of praise. Completely customizable, and the prices are extremely reasonable.
     
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  13. YY77 May 4, 2021

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    +1, Alcantara including Omega style deployant (2 of 6 combat straps pictured below)
    IMG_20190914_140413.jpg

    His alligator is cheaper than OEM Omega but customizable:

    IMG_20200328_142013.jpg
     
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  14. AngelDeVille May 4, 2021

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    At this rate I'm going to have to buy another watch.... I like the stingray on his website....
     
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  15. AngelDeVille May 6, 2021

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    I haven't pulled the trigger on the "exotic" leather yet, I'm still deciding on ostrich, beaver or even stingray. If I go with the ostrich I will get it from genteel, the others would come from combat.

    I am certain I will get it in a similar blue to the Omega alligator.

    If I get a second strap I'm wondering what color to get, the stingray looks like it would be a great candidate for the alternate color.
     
  16. SlayedDreamer May 6, 2021

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    I have a Himalayan Croc leather band from Genteel Handmade on my deployant.
    George does amazing work with leather!

    1D7BB49B-B7F7-4B05-A872-D40B3643E300.jpeg
     
    Edited May 6, 2021
    richiv, gippo, Dayveed and 4 others like this.
  17. AngelDeVille May 6, 2021

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    that fits the watch perfectly
     
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  18. NGO1 May 6, 2021

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    it’s custom
     
    2AA6D69A-7C72-4B2C-ABE0-0BB8D74D164B.jpeg
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  19. Donn Chambers May 6, 2021

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    I have a pair of Luchesse boots in chocolate ostrich leg — it’s a beautiful and unusual leather. Will get a Genteel strap in ostrich leg to match one of these days.
     
    AngelDeVille likes this.
  20. Speede May 6, 2021

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    Flywheel86 likes this.