Incoming Helbros panda - strap recommendations?

Thommas · Sep 22, 2022

I got lucky fishing on eBay last week and caught this beauty minutes after it was listed. Pictures were OK and made it clear the watch was clean. It showed up today and it's even nicer than I was hoping.

36mm chrome-plated case in perfect condition, Valjoux 7733 movement, mint dial with orange accents on the sweep hand and tachy scale. A lot to like in this package.

Now I'm scratching my head for the perfect strap to match. I have it on a soft, light brown two-stitch but no doubt I can find a better fit. Would appreciate some recos!

Now for some eye candy...

JwRosenthal · Sep 22, 2022

Just looked it up….grrrrr😒…I’m jealous. that was a fantastic score.

Black rally with orange stitch that’s what it deserves.
https://www.bandrbands.com/black-le-mans-racing-watch-strap-orange-stitch.aspx

Thommas · Sep 22, 2022

JwRosenthal
Just looked it up….grrrrr😒…I’m jealous. that was a fantastic score.

Black rally with orange stitch that’s what it deserves.
https://www.bandrbands.com/black-le-mans-racing-watch-strap-orange-stitch.aspx

Thanks! It's one of those that wasn't making it to the bargain thread...

I thought about going full orange suede, but it's probably too much. Or even light grey with orange accents.

I never got into rally straps but this might be the right one for it. Black over tan?

JwRosenthal · Sep 22, 2022

Well, dibs.

The orange suede would be nice, gotta play up those orange accents. I like the little hole rally straps but never cared for the big holes- I don’t like seeing my arm hair through the holes.

__ryan__ · Sep 22, 2022

I like the look of these "big-eye" rally straps from here. There are a number of leathers/colors to choose from if you go bespoke.

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dougwhiz · Sep 22, 2022

Maybe it's the way the subdials are oriented on my Seiko panda, but I really like it on the "big eye" rally strap. Sorry for the poor lighting, but you can see the effect.

Thommas · Sep 22, 2022

dougwhiz
Maybe it's the way the subdials are oriented on my Seiko panda, but I really like it on the "big eye" rally strap. Sorry for the poor lighting, but you can see the effect.

Love it. I went with the cognac "big eye" rally strap pictured above. I don't have hairy forearms but I'll be extra careful for spotted sunburns...

Thommas · Sep 28, 2022

Update. The rally strap arrived and it's an awesome fit. Definitely turned this little guy into the racer he's meant to be.

Shoutout to highlight Windup Watches for the gorgeous strap. Impressive quality for $45, shipped (from Brooklyn NY) in 48h. Very recommended!