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matching straps for vintage watches

TimeODanaos
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+1 re the Lip.
I can see how something greener might be the answer (IRL my "Tiffany" blue is a bit greener, no idea why my 'phone won't accept it). My "male" view would definitely go with @wagudc (esp the mocha! 👍), but I also see @Syrte rockin' that ?mint green on c.59 Seamaster. 🙄
You know what - I think I'm going to make the strap hunt all part of young Ms Danaos's treat! Really grateful for the swift input, thanks.
 
JwRosenthal
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TimeODanaos TimeODanaos
+1 re the Lip.
I can see how something greener might be the answer (IRL my "Tiffany" blue is a bit greener, no idea why my 'phone won't accept it). My "male" view would definitely go with @wagudc (esp the mocha! 👍), but I also see @Syrte rockin' that ?mint green on c.59 Seamaster. 🙄
You know what - I think I'm going to make the strap hunt all part of young Ms Danaos's treat! Really grateful for the swift input, thanks.
This would be an ideal approach- let her get involved in the process of dressing the watch, get her a strap tool and show her how to change it, and she’ll be hooked.
 
wagudc
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JwRosenthal JwRosenthal
Look at those lugs!!!!🥰

Thanks, this is a 1949 "His Excellency." It would have originally come on a mesh bracelet, but I think I prefer the strap. Bulova did some cool lugs back in the day.
 
wagudc
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TimeODanaos TimeODanaos
+1 re the Lip.
I can see how something greener might be the answer (IRL my "Tiffany" blue is a bit greener, no idea why my 'phone won't accept it). My "male" view would definitely go with @wagudc (esp the mocha! 👍), but I also see @Syrte rockin' that ?mint green on c.59 Seamaster. 🙄
You know what - I think I'm going to make the strap hunt all part of young Ms Danaos's treat! Really grateful for the swift input, thanks.

You can show the young Ms. Danaos this thread for ideas, esp. from @Syrte
 
hejsam
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Radiumpassion Radiumpassion
Yes, I`m loving vintage straps and bracelets.... and I am hoarding them like there was no tomorrow 😬
3DE6A073-CEA9-4B7E-8AC2-306E0884130B.jpeg DAA86FCF-6DFD-440D-AEB4-2FD3C32A9CCC.jpeg 24CDC789-1FFB-4B4D-AD32-85746A51CA8C.jpeg 5054A580-07C2-4B5C-894F-AEAAC6023CCB.jpeg 585B2367-6693-40B4-9B4C-8F9670816FC8.jpeg 2EE7535A-869F-4A6A-8C92-4F56978203CC.png 522F46EB-9EFF-4F03-8FCD-FA9EA145B717.jpeg
You should sell me a bonklip so I can match my chrono just as good as your Longines! 😉
A11B35EB-7B57-46A2-B7D8-1A8C99E1ED4F.jpeg
 
Syrte
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Thanks gentlemen for the kind words, @TimeODanaos « a bit greener » could also mean a very light turquoise blue like on that Tissot in the pictures.
Making her a part of a strap search is a great idea however, as a strap is a very personal choice which definitely makes the watch.
 
Woops
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Syrte Syrte
Matching the perfect strap to a watch is probably my favorite hobby within this hobby.

Vintage straps were mostly completely flat— and while the ones above look good quality, I only like completely flat straps with only one or two exceptions.
Now if we start talking about color and texture, the sky’s the limit.... below is a random sample of my various strap-swaps and experiments.
@dsio I hope I’m not exploding the OF servers 😁

Aside from the terrific straps, just a pile of gorgeous watches here. That Eterna with the sector dial is sublime.

Let us know when your strap consultancy business launches, please.
 
Syrte
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Woops Woops
Aside from the terrific straps, just a pile of gorgeous watches here. That Eterna with the sector dial is sublime.

Let us know when your strap consultancy business launches, please.
Thanks for the kind words. When all hell breaks loose in the economy I’m afraid the strap consultancy won’t be of much help though- although who knows.
 
SkunkPrince
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TimeODanaos TimeODanaos
I'm trying to prepare a 58 Norman Morris as a present for my daughter. On the one hand, I don't have much of an "eye", on the other, I don't want to fall into any sexist stereotyping traps. But I did want to break out of the vintage-watch-vintage strap mindset (which normally gets my vote, no question). This one wears a brown lizard affair, but the dial signature gave me the idea of taking a totally different direction, and I'm going to try Tiffany blue. Views? @Syrte and similar experts definitely welcome to comment. Thanks!
22.jpg

Is that a US case with 11/16th or similar lugs? That is just begging for some sort of gold bracelet, perhaps vintage mesh. Lots of 11/16th bracelets on eBay.
 
TimeODanaos
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SkunkPrince SkunkPrince
Is that a US case with 11/16th or similar lugs? That is just begging for some sort of gold bracelet, perhaps vintage mesh. Lots of 11/16th bracelets on eBay.
Hmm, interesting. Spot on with the knowledge - US case it is (I've been treating it like 18mm lugs, but could well be 11/16ths). I had a quick look at the bay, and I see what you mean. On this occasion I'll take a pass though, but with thanks. I reckon the OP was probably looking at non-metallic, so I'd better respect that. My watch is a thin dress calibre 520 and I reckon it will repay a supple leather (@STANDY made that point about getting the thickness matched), especially as I am converting a 1958? man's watch for a 21st century lady. Personally, I really like a milanese, but I have to keep remembering this isn't for me. I did see one on the bay, but for £2k(!) it would need to be an exact match - and that is sometimes one of the problems with US cases: 14kt is a clearly different shade of gold. In this case it's attractive, but I think a strap of the right hue will let it speak for itself. Anyhow - I love that girl, but I need to keep at least something back in reserve! (Maybe when her business succeeds she'll buy one for me...)
 
SkunkPrince
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Understood. 18mm straps are usually too wide, so look at 17mm or vintage 11/16th.
 
wagudc
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SkunkPrince SkunkPrince
Understood. 18mm straps are usually too wide, so look at 17mm or vintage 11/16th.

I've never had an issue putting 18mm leather or nylon straps on 11/16 lugs. A bracelet is a little different.
 
SkunkPrince
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wagudc wagudc
I've never had an issue putting 18mm leather or nylon straps on 11/16 lugs. A bracelet is a little different.

It depends entirely on your strap. Some are a bit oversize and just won't go.
 
wagudc
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SkunkPrince SkunkPrince
It depends entirely on your strap. Some are a bit oversize and just won't go.

Yes I could imagine that could be an issue with thick full grain leather or buffalo.
 
wagudc
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rkman11 rkman11
Somehow missed this, but thank you! I DEEPLY regret selling that watch... I will have to pick another one up soon and make that pairing happen again!

I understand. I deeply regret not buying that watch from you. Good luck finding another nice example.
 
Syrte
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A notable strap match update. @Radiumpassion as
A fellow strap hoarder you might appreciate? This pigskin strap was found by a friend in Southern France and with its gold buckle I have to believe it was destined to be paired with a tough sports watch like this 1940s Longines. They fit so well together that it gives me a whole new appreciation for the watch- as should be the case.
 
8EC5EED1-2A4E-4502-8890-99F36BE5298B.jpeg 4ACCBDE3-5F56-40D3-9066-24DCECD1E7AC.jpeg
Radiumpassion
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Very nice! @Syrte

I have a couple of these «bund style» straps, but I have never
found a nos specimen. Would love too see the reverse side of the
strap👍
 
Syrte
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Will gladly take a picture when I get back home.
I’m wearing a more discreet watch in the office.
 
Helvetia History
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I like Condor for my vintage watches. Have a touch of the pigskin look for a very good price. Can't find a good, reasonably priced, pigskin strap anywhere.

Here is their stick down camel grain for fixed bars on left and buffalo grain on right on two of my German military DH Helvetias.

20191030_082259-1.jpg


Her's another pic of the glue down.

20200304_090814.jpg
 
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