Very unique and different. Looks great on the Seamaster!

 

I used advice in this thread to order a bespoke strap from Aaron. My asks were: deployant, curved quick-release springbars, and shorter sizing than OEM. It’s black-on-black ostrich for more formal events. I also own the steel strap, so I now feel this watch will work in just about any setting.

He was able to get everything to work except the curved bars. But you can see, the leather is thicker and is curved at the spring bar. It just uses a straight bar. It’s a bit harder to grasp the quick-release than would be on a thinner strap, but it’s a trade off that I feel is worthy. I find removing leather straps the most likely to cause lug scratching, so this should help prevent that.

I’m a satisfied customer:

 

Looks great! How do you find the leather especially in terms of softness?

 

Great thread! I am looking for a viable solution to the USD$395 Crocodile OEM strap. I have had to replace it twice in 3 years.

 

Thanks. The leather is very soft right outta the box. It’s my first ostrich strap.

 

I would recommend Hirsch straps in general. Super high quality stuff but you don't have to pay hundreds of dollars

 

That’s true only for calfskin in deployant straps: https://www.hirschstraps.com/collections/deployment-hirsch-watch-straps

 

Seconded.

I did a custom Chromexcel, and I'm a big fan. DeLugs was actually one of the few places I found that offered it. And apparently, I have small wrists, so custom lengths were key to getting the clasp situated correctly.

 

Genteel handmade.

 

The follow up question ..... how often did you wear your OEM leather? I wore my OEM leather on my Seamaster Agua Terra GMT daily, I have replaced it twice in 18 months. How does your milage compare?

 

That seems like a lot. I try not to wear leather if it’s really hot out, but also, I have other watches in rotation.

I have a few straps from Delugs. They’re okay for what you pay, but they feel cheap (and they are). Genteel Handmade is several steps up, and probably my favorite.

 

I sit at a desk all day, in the A/C.... I'd remove my SMATGMT any time it could be exposed to water or 'excessive' perspiration.

 

I meant that replacing it twice in 18 months seems like a lot…

 

Im picking up what you're putting down...

I was trying to highlight that I wasn't swimming or bathing whilst wearing my SMATGMT.

I agree 100% that is sounds excessive. The response from the OB.....

"...if they are worn everyday under conditions with humidity and moisture, they will have a shorter longevity."

Well, I hope Omega isn't marketing OEM leather straps to the entire state of Florida.