Anyone know where I can go (UK retailers) and do the looky feely thing for Hirsch straps please.

 

http://www.intime.co.uk/branch-locator

 

Hi @Cosd

Few Omega forum readers have mentioned the Hirsch alligator straps but there's one gentleman whom i know well who is passionate about Hirsch.Seek his views & advice .His name is @Texas_Tom

 

Www.watchobsession.co.uk
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Guys'n Gals,
Can I ask what the views are on embossed straps are? One of the reasons I want to see and feel a strap is the price difference between alligator and leather embossed alligator is quite significant, and of course I understand that. But are the embossed ones more durable, or is alligator quite a durable leather? On the net, you can't tell the difference between the two, I'm guessing in the flesh it would be an obvious difference.

 

Personally I do not like embossed straps. For the same reason I do not prefer gold electroplated watches. It is posing itself as something better. There are of course vintage watches in gold cap that does the same and I own some - so I am a hypocrite...

 

That's quite valid; My point though was based on durability against cost. I've never had a leather strap so have no idea how long they last with regular wear. I hope it isn't the case, but if say I was told that after a year a leather strap starts to look tired if worn daily, then I probably wouldn't spend 4 times the amount over a standard leather one; I would probably buy cheaper and change more often.

 

Straps are like shoes, you get what you pay for!

 

I'm from the Midwest USA and have worn western boots all of my life. Those boots have been made from all types of critters. If you don't regularly use a quality leather conditioner like Bick 4, no leather good will last as long as it should. Alligator and Elephant are very durable! Reptile leathers like Lizard (had a pair of Gila Monster boots years ago that were crazy), Snake etc are not quite as durable and require conditioning more often. Bull hide is tough but will age and show surface scuffs. Calf, Deer etc are very soft and supple from new but are the least durable.

 

Have a hirsch embossed leather. Had it up against my buddies longines actual alligator. Dammed if I could tell the difference. Have had the strap for over a year and still looks spanking new. 50 bucks and you can customize the buckle metal gold or silver. No brainer!

 

I'm not sure that's a "given"! There's always a premium to be paid on branding, and with that you would expect to get better quality yes, but that's not always the case.

 

Id say it depends what you are putting it on. I own an alligator embossed Hirsch and use it on a beater watch and i think its lovely. Id buy the real deal if i had something particularly special though.

 

Embossed leather is very comfortable to wear, especially if you live in humid areas, where you may perspire. Also look at the value of the watch you are putting the strap on. If you are buying a $300 watch strap for $15k watch it makes sense... Also I happen to like to change out straps, so I wanted several colors, and did not want to spend $1000 on just watch straps...

 

Hooraayyy..!The Calvary has arrived ! Thanks @Texas_Tom

 

i bought a Hirsch mariner for my speedy this afternoon.

 

I've never had an issue with embossed straps. They're 80% of the quality for 10-20% of the price. Yes you can tell a real gator strap from an embossed one, but unless you're using it on a very expensive watch, embossed leather is just fine for me. To be honest, if it's a well done embossed strap, the difference isn't huge - and everybody is looking at the watch anyway. Better use the extra money saved for a greater variety of straps to change the feel of the watch.

 

Its the Aqua Tera 8500 auto.

Maybe I'm being tight!!
I will go and have a look and make my decision, I can guess which one I'll probably end up with.

 

Buy the Hirsch. Here's my Grey Side on one of their embossed straps. You can't tell the difference.

 

That is exactly what people say about fake watches also.

 

Agreed. If you've had both, you can easily tell the difference, IMO.

As long as there's no pretense, and embossed looks nice, it's a nice way to save some money!