Educate me

1972Steve · May 24, 2020

Before they became “vintage watches” what did owners of expensive Swiss watches (particularly dress watches) wear for straps during the hot humid summers? Would they switch to Milanese, Bonklip, or Beads of Rice... or sweat it out in leather and swap straps every year?

I guess my question is were metal bracelets that affordable and popular in days past.

Thank you.

JwRosenthal · May 24, 2020

1972Steve
Before they became “vintage watches” what did owners of expensive Swiss watches (particularly dress watches) wear for straps during the hot humid summers? Would they switch to Milanese, Bonklip, or Beads of Rice... or sweat it out in leather and swap straps every year?

I guess my question is were metal bracelets that affordable and popular in days past.

Thank you.

My grandfather always wore leather, but he didn’t move much during the time I knew him. Father always wore bracelets but he was an MD and always washing his hands. I have a bunch of nylon pull-through straps that came on vintage watches from the 60’s-70’s (some solid colors, some striped), so I know those were popular.

gatorcpa · May 24, 2020

1972Steve
I guess my question is were metal bracelets that affordable and popular in days past.

One of the more popular aftermarket choices back in the day were Speidel Twist-o-Flex Bracelets.

The main issue with these are the variable sized end pieces. This one “fits” 18mm to 24mm lugs. Over time, they will grind against the lugs and may cause the springbar holes to eventually give way.

Some watch manufacturers fitted similar bracelets as original equipment on watches in the 1960’s and ‘70’s.

Hope this helps,
gatorcpa

UncleBuck · May 24, 2020

I threw away an Omega 1170/625 worth north of $500 for a twist-o-flex.🤦
Not the stupidest thing I've done, unfortunately.

STANDY · May 24, 2020

Have a few watches that still have original straps. Many great condition dress watches were worn once in a blue moon buy the original owner.
The Rose gold Zenith bumper I own still has a Zenith strap on it.

But as @gatorcpa mentioned above have a few watches that came on twistoflex bracelets.
Also plenty that came on old leather or Lizard straps.

One tended not to sweat in a dress watch in the day. 😉

Educate me

1972Steve

JwRosenthal

gatorcpa

UncleBuck

STANDY

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