I'm struggling to find a strap that fits...what are you guys using, a smashed 18mm or have you found 11/16ths?

 

I have an old 60s Kriesler on my Astronaut. I had a new JB Champion but didn't like it galling the lugs, so I made the switch.

 

I can't help but hum the theme from the "Jetson's" every time I pick it up.
I really don't like it but it clings like a weed.

So 11/16ths is the answer?

 

It was for me.

 

Thank you everyone for your comments. I did not go for the Spaceview I posted here but this thread has certainly given me a lot of information and cues!

 

18mm works perfect for me. Mine is a ‘73, when production was in Switzerland (if I’m correct). We’re earlier US models using 11/16ths?

 

I tried 18mm and it was too tight.
My lugs measure 17.5mm or 11/16.
I am going to find springbars and maybe a nice bracelet that measures the same.
I'm too much of a "gorilla mitts" to try to squeeze it in and don't even want to think about taking it off!

 

I am never too concerned about putting 18mm straps on 11/16 lugs. Fits just like my pants, a little muffin top never hurt anyone.

 

That’s more a soufflé than a muffin top

 

A large percentage of my vintage watches are 17.5 (Bulova, Zodiac, Wyler, etc). If you search eBay for 17mm bracelets (or decimal variations on that) you will find many that are actually correct for 17.5 (17.25-17.4). There may be a touch of gap, but these never fit perfectly anyway.
The bonus to these “off” sizes is that a JBC bullet link in 17.35 goes for substantially less than one in a true 18mm- which is what everyone is looking for.

 

Strictly speaking, 11/16" is 17.25mm. As you have seen, there can be some variation. Some 18mm straps will fit, most won't. But in general, a strap labeled 11/16" will fit the watch; whether it fits you is a separate issue. My wrist is right at the break point between a classic "regular" and "long", so when I buy a vintage leather strap in 11/16", I need a "long". Most 11/16" bracelets seem to fit me, but on their longest setting.

As for spring bars, an 18mm bar will usually compress enough to fit 11/16" with no issue.

 

My Astronaut measures 0.6875 which is a perfect 11/16." Looking on Ebay there's no shortage of 11/16" bracelets and bands.

 

Just an update for everyone that I ended up getting Omega f300Hz. See photos at the below link where I have posted a question regarding the bracelet it came with.

https://omegaforums.net/threads/mystery-pins-in-1098-bracelet.140417/

 

I can't answer your bracelet pin question, but I think you made a great choice of watch.

 

Thank you sir, I am loving it!