Original strap color for gold 30t2rg chronometre?

Posts
6,812
Likes
22,020
For those who may have seen or have an original strap that accompanied any yellow gold 30t2rg chronometers: which of the following colors would be closest to original issue? Thanks.

 
Posts
6,812
Likes
22,020
Thanks. Looks closest to number two, no?
 
Posts
415
Likes
360
don't forget to take into account the yellowness of the paper which does shine through the ink on a printed page.
 
Posts
33
Likes
15
Guys......during the 40's printing ads in color was VERY expensive and used what was called 'Process color'. This used only a few simple colors like red, blue and yellow and could only create very limited variations of color. That specific ad looks to be made of only two colors, red and black, and there are no browns......that's just the aging of the paper. So if you're thinking the colors in that ad are accurate...........you might want to rethink that. All you can tell from that ad is that the strap wasn't red. Other than that all bets are off. You really need a better reference to know what color that strap was. Just sayin'.

;O)
 
Posts
6,812
Likes
22,020
I’m guessing there are very few original strap examples around for an accurate color assessment.
 
Posts
6,542
Likes
26,516
I found this listing on the forum


I am only sharing as the backside of the strap looks as if the inlay could possibly say Omega. Which, if it does, could help sway you to a certain color.
 
Posts
7,768
Likes
27,010
W W30bob
That specific ad looks to be made of only two colors, red and black, and there are no browns......that's just the aging of the paper.
Red and black (and white paper) only to produce that rose gold color? And the strap?

I'm not buying that.

There was also orange, and likely yellow and green used. I also believe that the background was not originally white, but something like the "parchment" seen. Had it been white that had changed through aging, it would not be that consistent.

This is what it would have looked like with black and red only, a combination that I am confident that Omega would not have chosen in isolation.

 
Posts
6,812
Likes
22,020
I have a vague recollection that pigskin was widely in use at the time, which would explain the straps that have a bit of an orange tint.
 
Posts
8,089
Likes
58,158
Original was more tannish-beige than a neutral.

More like your second picture than the first.
 
Posts
1,997
Likes
1,227
Regardless of the colour. I don’t think the original straps are that attractive. Rather bulky and unflattering

I would fit something a little slimmer. med brown leather or ostrich. Semi matte med. brown gator for dress.

Matching stitching
 
Posts
7,075
Likes
13,183
Most straps of that era were tan or light brown, I wouldn't overthink it. They weren't fancy, most aren't that attractive to 2024 eyes and most people wouldn't like the exact strap on their watch today.
 
Posts
6,812
Likes
22,020
They weren't fancy, most aren't that attractive to 2024 eyes and most people wouldn't like the exact strap on their watch today
On the contrary: the straps were created at that time, and reflective of that era, to showcase a certain aesthetic that the designers felt were an appropriate pairing with the watch. You may not agree, but finding a replacement that aligns with that intention is something that collectors often do, whether they personally care for the features or not.
 
Posts
6,097
Likes
45,272
I love the look of the rolled edges of the straps fitted to the watches of the era.

My favorite style!

Would appreciate learning of some reliable sources to acquire accurate reproductions of those straps.
 
Posts
3,415
Likes
7,323
I found this listing on the forum


I am only sharing as the backside of the strap looks as if the inlay could possibly say Omega. Which, if it does, could help sway you to a certain color.
This is correct for a 30mm chronometre.

The second one you show is younger and used for Seamasters and Connies.It is thicker and does not fit the slim chronometre cases well.