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Do you care if the metal on your band/strap matches your watch?

Galloping_Geezer
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Howdy gang. I got my hands on a gold -filled seamaster. The band on it isn't original but I thought I'd replace it. However, it's apparently trickier than I thought if you wanted the band replaced with an Omega band. I originally thought of getting a nato strap.
Screenshot_20200806-153752_Gallery.jpg

But it dawned on me that the stainless steel on the straps listed on their website doesn't come in a gold option. Does anyone wear a nato with a different color precious metal than the watch?

I was also looking at leather options but that seemed tricky as well.
Screenshot_20200806-155045_eBay.jpg Screenshot_20200806-155106_eBay.jpg

This was a sharkskin band I saw on ebay. Never knew shark skin was a thing. Is there a way to tell if bands are authentic? This guy was selling this band for 350 and I dont want to get burned.

I saw other listings on ebay where the band was being sold separately without the buckle. I look for buckles too on ebay and saw several, new and used. Again, I'm not sure how authentic they are but they're listed pretty expensive on ebay.
Screenshot_20200806-155359_eBay.jpg Screenshot_20200806-155624_eBay.jpg

Has anyone ever gone through such length to get a good Omega band/strap? Is there something im not realizing or taking into consideration when trying to find a strap/band? I appreciate your input/advice/ and even your opinion on the matter.

TY
 
Galloping_Geezer
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Oh, I forgot to mention that I want to replace the crown too and was able to find one. The one on it currently is some replacement nonomega. But I believe its just stainless steel and not gold tone. Would that be silly for me to replace the crown for an omega crown if the metals don't match?
 
MtV
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For both the strap and the crown I’d make sure the metal matches the case of the watch (unless it’s a two-tone). It just doesn’t look right otherwise, and this isn’t like a non-original plexi for example - you’re gonna notice. Every. Single. Day.

Regarding the crown: If you’re looking for a fitting Omega-signed one, you might as well go for the right metal, no?

With the strap on vintage watches, as long as it’s leather / nato, I don’t really care if it’s Omega or not. I’m always happy when a vintage Omega comes with an original strap as it might help selling it, but in my opinion, there are beautiful leather straps out there from other manufacturers, often for a fraction of the price Omega charges. I’d certainly pick the fitting metal/look over the brand. And if you have the original buckle that can just be attached to the new strap.
 
mr_smith
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Maybe the Omega Nato with the nylon keepers? Could possibly change out the buckle for a gold one? Might get you the matching metals / Nato combination. I haven't done this myself, so not sure if the buckle from another strap would fit. Image borrowed from the Omega site.
 
Screen Shot 2020-08-06 at 3.16.06 PM.png
OmegaP99
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mr_smith mr_smith
Maybe the Omega Nato with the nylon keepers? Could possibly change out the buckle for a gold one? Might get you the matching metals / Nato combination. I haven't done this myself, so not sure if the buckle from another strap would fit. Image borrowed from the Omega site.
Great idea! Yes he can get various sizes of buckles, so can measure this one and seek one to swap. There are replica buckles all over the internet so either be careful, or just be aware.
I did also see some gold plated non-Omega NATOs recently somewhere so they are out there, depending if @Galloping_Geezer likes the extra metal bits or not. BTW Geezer, it's so nice to see you back here enjoying the forum!
 
WYO_Watch
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Galloping_Geezer Galloping_Geezer
Would that be silly for me to replace the crown for an omega crown if the metals don't match?
Less silly, more of an eye sore I’m afraid. Once you get the reference you should be able to find the right crown. I’d prefer a gold non-omega to a stainless omega if the case is gold.

The only exception would be a two toned piece where it can really be either.
 
OmegaP99
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Galloping_Geezer Galloping_Geezer
This was a sharkskin band I saw on ebay. Never knew shark skin was a thing.
Shark is traditionally used for dive watches, I am guessing because it has natural water-resistance and wouldn't fall apart like traditional leathers, but this would also depend on the overall construction. Any divers know for certain?
Shark is also pretty durable, like buffalo, and lasts and lasts especially if on a deployant.
 
Galloping_Geezer
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mr_smith mr_smith
Maybe the Omega Nato with the nylon keepers? Could possibly change out the buckle for a gold one? Might get you the matching metals / Nato combination. I haven't done this myself, so not sure if the buckle from another strap would fit. Image borrowed from the Omega site.
These kinds of straps would work!
 
Galloping_Geezer
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OmegaP99 OmegaP99
Great idea! Yes he can get various sizes of buckles, so can measure this one and seek one to swap. There are replica buckles all over the internet so either be careful, or just be aware.
I did also see some gold plated non-Omega NATOs recently somewhere so they are out there, depending if @Galloping_Geezer likes the extra metal bits or not. BTW Geezer, it's so nice to see you back here enjoying the forum!
Thanks! I like being on the forum. I like seeing everyone's watches. I
OmegaP99 OmegaP99
Great idea! Yes he can get various sizes of buckles, so can measure this one and seek one to swap. There are replica buckles all over the internet so either be careful, or just be aware.
I did also see some gold plated non-Omega NATOs recently somewhere so they are out there, depending if @Galloping_Geezer likes the extra metal bits or not. BTW Geezer, it's so nice to see you back here enjoying the forum!
I enjoy the forum a lot. I appreciate everyone's input and ideas. Its cool to talk about it and see everyone pics.
 
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