ok, so those who've see my Instagram have seen this pic, but I would love the opinions of the truly important cohort here... I really like it... I'm Just such a purist that I don't know if I can keep it... Currently just a SS deployment clasp... Opinions please
I think it looks decent but the OEM fitment strap is so well suited to the unusual black pearl kind of colour of the ceramic case that it looks a little flat by comparison
Mr. Superclock, After a bottle of wine and a little scotch. I would say the gray strap looks better. Not a fan of a dark color with the gray. But Mr. Repoman would be a better opinion since he is good with speedmaster's.
Not feeling it. The black strap appears to lighten up the color of the watch. With the gray strap the body of the watch appears darker. As I right this I was thinking is the dress white and gold or blue and black...
I like it. It makes the accents - text, date number and outlines of the markers on the dial - stand out a little more. If the tach was black or had black numbers I'd be 100% behind it. As it is, looks sharp, but doesn't look quite finished, so maybe 96% behind it.
I saw the pic on IG when you posted it and I refrained from comment because I really wanted to think about this. As much as I like the OEM strap on the Grey Side, this was the first alternative look that gave me pause. A bracelet is definitely a NO-GO on the Grey Side, but this black strap surprised me. I'm going to say "yes" to the black, but under the proviso that I think it has a place along with the OEM strap. I could see dressing it up a bit with the black. I think it works.
I like it. It makes the case and dial pop with the contrast. I agree that it's an option alongside the OEM, not a replacement for it, but it's a smart look.
What had actually crossed my mind was the Omega vintage mesh 22mm strap which due to its design also fits 21mm lugs easily but its steel so the colour won't match. The titanium bracelets also don't quite match the colour as they've got too much warmth in their tone, but I'm just imagining if you had a mesh bracelet that was silver plated and left to tarnish you'd get close, that's about the only metal (silver with even patina) I can think of that comes close to describing the rather unique colour of the greyside.
Still looks fantastic, but I'm not sold. I'm sure I could get used to it though... How does it look on the wrist? The grey ceramic is such a complex colour. Which, for me, is the appeal for this piece. Despite my initial concerns with the original grey strap, I reckon Omega actually nailed it! I feel that, like the grey ceramic case itself, the strap also shows itself in a multitude of complimentary tones, when viewed in different lights. I just took a quick snap of mine (any excuse), exactly 'as-is' in my dimly lit living room right now. Charcoal with light grey stitching appears to be the current tone. (Admittedly, the photo shows it to be ever so slightly darker). Don't get me wrong though, I still spend a lot of time trying to reimagine my GSOTM. I will eventually make mine unique to me. I really want to see it on brown nubuck. For no other reason than me loving brown leather...
I prefer it to the OEM strap, looks really good to me. As mentioned earlier is males the eyes even more focus on the case and dial. I've seen pictures with certain light conditions where I thought the grey strap doesn't really fit to the color tone of the case.
what about a coloured strap to take advantage of the neutral colour of the watch. something burgundy or honey as a real contrast.
It looks nice, but I prefer the look of the Grey Side on it's OEM strap. To me, the Grey Side looks a little...boring on the black strap. Just my opinion, and we all know they share something in common with a certain part of the anatomy.
I think it looks pretty good. Of course the OEM strap compliments the watch perfectly and maybe the black would be better with contrast stitching.
It works well, but the original suits better the character of the watch for me. I think it could work with a similar strap with just a hint more character. Less smooth. I would wear it though. You can always keep switching