Are the Omega OEM leather straps worth buying? I recently purchased a Seamaster Pro 300-(pics coming soon)-and I'm interested in a leather strap.

Or would the aftermarket be a better choice?

Thanks.

 

From what I've seen they can be stupid money, I've bought some nice aftermarket bands for a lot less than OEM. Hirsch comes to mind.

 

Welcome to the message board.

I have never owned an Omega branded leather strap, as I have been really happy with most any generic leather strap. My pocket book thanks me.

 

I've had eight or so different Omega straps, from rubber to leather. The leather ones are nice but very overpriced, and yes you can find comparable quality via Hirsch and the like although to find a strap that works with the superb Omega deployment is much tougher. Having one made custom will probably run about the same price as an Omega OEM, but will most likely be even better quality. Also, some Ebay sellers make Omega deployment compatible straps, and they are anywhere between 75-90% of the quality at about 20% of the price.
The rubber straps are a different story, and I believe they are worth the price. Incredible craftsmanship, amazing quality, and fit and finish is fantastic.

 

Great quality, stupid price. not worth it. I can see buying the rubber straps but there are too many great leather choices out there from independent labels.

 

I second Hirsch straps
Great look, less spend
Just out a performance band on my Speedmaster

 

Got this one and i love it.

 

Yes they are, if you appreciate quality.

 

Omega Black nylon strap is very comfortable
The underside has a leather lining which helps justify the price....even if only a little

 

I don't mind spending the money, if I'm getting quality in return. At OEM Omega strap prices I prefer Camille Fournet. Simply amazing straps. Much better than Hirsch IMO.

 

They're

I like this. Thanks. That could be it for me.

Oh, I am just about blind looking at straps for sale for the past hour or so.

 

Another vote for Hirsch. They are in the sweet spot as far as price and quality are concerned and have a lot of styles, sizes, and materials to choose from.

 

That black nylon with the nylon keepers is quite sharp. Do you know if the leather will age well over time? The only downside I see with other Omega leather underside straps is that they degrade a lot faster than other leather linings, although I'm guessing it will be less noticeable since the leather here is black as opposed to tan.

 

My vote for Omega OEM (leather) straps, speaking strictly from my experience with my PO, is I really like the fact that the straps "hugs" the case so there are no gaps between the case and the strap creating a seamless look. With aftermarket straps it leaves you with a gap that I feel leaves a very unappealing look IMHO.

To that end, it is painfully expensive to buy OEM straps, but for this single reason I have to.

And as others stated, Omega's rubber straps are THE BOMB and there are no comparisons.

 

Are you talking about the curved lug ends, or just the straps eliminating any space between itself and the interior of the lugs where the spring bar locks in? If you're talking about where the strap meets case (instead of where strap meets lug) I actually find myself liking that gap with my Speedy (has a more dressy, classic look) while looking to eliminate it on my Seamaster. So, with your PO I can see you point. Too bad there are very few straps (if any) for the Seamaster case than fill in the entire open area.

 

Panatime and other brands have curved lug straps.

 

Another vote for the Hirsch from me

 

Thanks for posting this and reminding me of them. I think the next strap I get for my Speedmaster Perpetual will be a thin, black Camille Fournet integrated round-scale alligator strap.

 

Yea...it is hard to explain I'm sorry for the confusion.

I am talking about the curved part of the strap that fills the gap alongside the interior of the case. I really like that clean look IMO.