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.

 

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

 

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.