OEM vs Aftermarket Deployant Strap

For those wondering - "should I go with OEM or aftermarket for a deployant strap?". Here is the summary of my experience.

I purchased an OEM deployant clasp as I wanted high-quality precision hardware. However, I wrestled with the strap based on the OEM being about 8X the cost of an aftermarket OEM compatible. I ultimately ended up buying both; first aftermarket and then OEM. The aftermarket strap was on the order of $40. The one I got had white thread. I ended up blacking it out with a sharpie. (See photo)



All in all it looked very nice (photo on watch on granite counter). One minor observation was that the fit in the clasp an the strap holes was a bit more precise with the OEM. Not a big deal but just a small observation. The one thing I didn't like was it looked a bit thin, especially at the lugs. This is apparent in the first photo where the strap is on the watch and on a flat counter - note there is no padding / thickening as the strap approaches the body of the watch. This becomes harder to notice when the watch is worn and also from a distance as the strap is black.


That much said, after a few weeks, I broke down and purchased an OEM strap. The OEM strap was the matte black option (they do make one with more shine) so the strap is a bit dull in the photos (this is on watch in photo on wood table). The big difference was the OEM strap is about 2mm thicker at the lugs due to padding. (See photo - OEM on watch, aftermarket next to it) This may not seem like much but it is actually a 40% increase compared to the after market (see photos side by side and caliper measurements). That was the thickness I was looking for! It has a bit more "heft" that I think looks better with the watch.


My conclusion: if you don't have the money and/or less padding on the strap doesn't bother you - an aftermarket looks nice and will go just fine with your watch. If you can afford it, and you want more heft - You will be happier with the OEM. (Photo below)

There's a lot of ways you can change the look of a watch, this Kaufmann strap was only £30 but the quality is excellent.

Yes - I agree - I have found thicker straps but they were the "buckle" type. I had a hard time finding thicker aftermarket straps to specifically fit the deployant clasp.

Cousins UK do a handmade Italian alligator deployant strap that is really thick - thicker than OEM and is really tight to get under your shirt cuffs! It’s in excess of $100 bucks though for comparison. Fit at deployant end is also a little variable.. some I’ve had have been better than others.

An old pic that gives some idea of thickness:

Looks great! Is there a place on this forum where we can see all kinds of straps on speedmasters?

Spent $$ on the finest strap out there. Quality is there and feel and look are exceptional. But is it worth the money....we will see.

Thanks for that info - will have to check them out!

I just checked out Cousins. They have some nice stuff! I expect I'll purchased from them when some of my straps wear out.

I quite like Bulang & Sons, they make some lovely straps.

Thanks for that.

Omega's OEM straps are the highest quality. They're spendy, but quality usually is. I've tried a ton of aftermarket straps, many with great reputations, but none have held up as well as OEM.