Early 1900's Antique Watch Strap

UncleBuck · Nov 12, 2021

Cheers to all! Do we have fun here or what?

I have this cool WWI Omega Signal Corps watch that I wish to display on a period correct strap.
Steve, @Duracuir1, got me juiced with his wonderful post in the Veteran's Day thread.
I can't get the darn picture to show! Aaaaaargh!!

I am not really looking for a representation or copy but I seek an original Nineteen Hundred and Nineteen's (1915-1920) strap that would/could have been worn by the soldiers of that era. Provenance would be a wonderful bonus.

Condition is somewhat irrelevant. War-torn, aged, bloody....., this doesn't bother me, I just want to present a correct piece.

I feel there may be 2 distinct styles, the "Bund" and the thin strap (1 piece and 2 piece) for fixed lugs. My lugs measure 12mm inside.

Please keep me in mind as you rummage!

Vitezi · Nov 12, 2021

If you can't find an original, I'm sure you already know of Mr. Boettcher's excellent site:
https://www.vintagewatchstraps.com/strapdetails.php

UncleBuck · Nov 12, 2021

Vitezi
If you can't find an original

Thanks, but that's my problem, really looking for a 100 year old piece.

SkunkPrince · Nov 12, 2021

UncleBuck
Thanks, but that's my problem, really looking for a 100 year old piece.

That is a mistake. I have 100 year old straps. There is a reason they are so scarce. All it takes is one yank and your watch is bouncing around on the ground.

To get the special straps that Omega sold these watches with? Impossible. I will give you a hundred bucks the instant you show me oone.

UncleBuck · Nov 13, 2021

SkunkPrince
one yank and your watch is bouncing around on the ground.

Thanks for the warning but trust me, that strap would never be worn, it is purely for an historically correct display.

I don't need an Omega strap, just one from the era.

JimInOz · Nov 13, 2021

SkunkPrince
........................... I will give you a hundred bucks the instant you show me oone.

Don't be a tightwad. Make it a thousand bucks!

😉

SkunkPrince · Nov 13, 2021

JimInOz
Don't be a tightwad. Make it a thousand bucks!

😉

Hey, that repro would only cost a hundred bucks to make! Not overpaying like that!

Duracuir1 · Nov 14, 2021

There are 100 year old straps out there. I am not sure how this one survived. I suspect it was in an attic (our attics are very dry, except when the roof leaks!)

I probably will not wear this as it will fall apart, but I may have someone try to revive the watch just so I can honour how it has been preserved.

@DaveK has a similar one.

Mine (and Dave’s) will not fit Uncle Buck’s watch, but they do prove that there are still old ones around. Check your local ma and pa jewelry store, if there still are some around.

Canuck · Nov 14, 2021

If you have war surplus stores in your area, it might be work a looksee. Even if you have to settle for an antique piece from a soldier’s kit from the era that has leather straps, etc., then have @Duracuir1 (or somebody) make you a strap. I have my 1915 Rolex on a modern strap, but I know such like wouldn’t serve your purpose.

SkunkPrince · Nov 14, 2021

What is the lug width of the watch? I have one or two I might part with.

UncleBuck · Nov 14, 2021

UncleBuck
My lugs measure 12mm inside.

Outstanding!
Even if you don't have one that works, it is so kind of you to check.

SkunkPrince · Nov 14, 2021

UncleBuck
Outstanding!
Even if you don't have one that works, it is so kind of you to check.

Alas what I have is 10mm. There are some pretty good reproductions on eBay though in the 12mm range.

UncleBuck · Nov 14, 2021

SkunkPrince
Alas what I have is 10mm

Thank you so much for checking!
The watch has waited 100 years, the search continues.

SkunkPrince · Nov 14, 2021

UncleBuck
Thank you so much for checking!
The watch has waited 100 years, the search continues.

10mm isn't that far off. Since it's a US Army watch, the strap was likely 7/16" or 1/2", and really that 10mm strap is 3/8". It was war and you took what you could get. So PM me if you want to see the narrower straps.

Early 1900's Antique Watch Strap

UncleBuck

Vitezi

UncleBuck

SkunkPrince

UncleBuck

JimInOz

SkunkPrince

Duracuir1

Canuck

SkunkPrince

UncleBuck

SkunkPrince

UncleBuck

SkunkPrince

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