Trolling Otto Frei for straps, and I noticed this new page:

http://www.ofrei.com/swiss-made-rubber-straps.html

Go take a look, I'll wait.

Omega is fond of crocodile straps. A vintage Seamaster 300 needs a waterproof strap, because it's a dive watch. In this strap, you have the best of both worlds.

In comparison to a matte crocodile strap from Omega, the finish on the rubber strap is comparable. It is natural rubber and Swiss made, and so marked on the smooth back. The 20mm version uses an 18mm buckle, which you can source from Omega if you want one. The buckle that comes with is very high quality.

As with a lot of rubber straps, it's pretty stiff to begin with. Based on some Internet research, heating the rubber under the hot faucet, bending into a tight curve and cooling with the cold faucet helps the strap to fit.

The contrast stitching isn't as bold as it looks in the pictures. Knowing what I know now, I should have bought the white stitch instead of red, more classic in appearance. I might buy the white anyways.

Pictures follow.

Tom

 

Great looking piece. Agree with divers having water resistant straps/bracelets. Not a hard/fast rule mind you, but generally.

Edit: Useless anecdote; Otto Frei has annoyingly regular banking hours. As such, I sent my GF there to pick up some items, she snagged a shitclicker ballpoint from them with "otto frei" printed on it. Thrilling. Stay Tuned...

 

They look good and seem not bad for the price Agree with your point wrt the stitching color, white was probably a better fit to your SM300. Let us know how it feels after some wear.

 

I have one too. Just started a massive weight loss program. Straps are more forgiving.

Tom

 

I found some Longines straps on Ofrei have good price but the size too big for Longines watches. I care about are they genuine or not? The price more cheaper than the OEM price, about $30 compare with OEM $230 or $330. And I really hate the checkout page. That must choose manually and the shipping charges is high for a straps. Did someone else buy the items from Ofrei? Please share your reviews.

 

Not bad. I'm still hunting for the perfect strap for the 300 MC.

 

I like them for a change. The blue would be nice every now and then too!

 

very nice, thanks for the heads up

 

I don't have any experience with a rubber strap...

Are they hot to wear? My steel bracelets get a little "funky" during the summer months, but I could only imagine that the rubber would be worse. (I don't swim with watches on, so there is no automatic rinse cycle here.)

 

I usually have at least one of my Seamasters or Planet Oceans on Omega rubber deployant straps at any given time. They are very comfortable. I have worn them in hot humid climates without any discomfort.

 

Would really dress up my PO with the orange bezel.

 

Really like the rubber functionality with the contrast stitching look!

 

@VetPsychWars Looks good! I was also looking at this style strap for my planet ocean, how is it holding up and how is the stiffness in the strap after about 6 months? Assuming you still have it fitted. Thanks!

 

Love the red stitching and matte finish. Argh.. might have to buy one and try it on every single watch loll

 

Alas, I do not. Because of health issues I need a significantly flexible bracelet or strap, or there's a lot of pain after an hour or two. So I mostly wear the 1171 bracelet (much flexi) or a soft strap. This one just wasn't soft enough for me.

Sorry I couldn't be more help.

Tom

 

I'm glad you shared this and waited 6 months for me to take a look... I've been looking for a rubber/leather strap for my Explorer II with curved ends and this looks like it might do the trick. I've ordered the 21mm black with white stitching so will see in a few weeks if it looks as good in person as it does on the website.

Thank you for bumping this thread. Funny how often an old thread can become new again! I've spent a lot of time looking through various strap options, including many searches in OF threads and this one never caught my attention before.

 

@gostang9 Glad it helped you out! Please post some pics when you get yours fitted!

 

Apparently it has been delivered, I will pick it up Thurs and then evidence shall be given!


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Picked up the strap today and promptly installed while waiting in my car to pick my daughter up after school.

First impressions: quality and feel of the rubber strap is good. It was very easy to install and I like how it changes the look of my Explorer II.

Started with this.

Ended with this.
I have a hard time getting decent pictures, but here are a few of my best attempts to get different shots to capture it.

Here it is with a new book I received today (recommended by a colleague)
Here's a shot of the whole watch and strap.

The strap has slightly curved ends, although the spring-bar hole is so close to the end of the strap there is still quite a gap with the Explorer II. I've tried to order an Everest strap but they do not yet make one for the new 216570.

I really like the look of this watch, and my immediate impression of this strap is that it provides a nice visual change.

Unfortunately, my wrists must be on the "large side" as most default lengths seem just a little short for me.


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