Gents,

Looking for some guidance that will help me put my Blue Seamaster back in use as a part of my watch collection. Below are the details for my watch that I could pull from the original paperwork:

* Year originally purchased: 2003
* Ref: 25418000
* Calibre #: 1538

Now to my question - I have not been using this watch for a bit and looking to get a leather or mesh strap for an uplift. Looking for some guidance on if the OEM mesh strap will fit this watch. I am not sure on the lug size, so although I am reading and searching not sure what my options are. Please advise.

Also, open to feedback on strap options that will go well with the blue Seamaster. Thanks in advance for your help with this.

 

You need to measure the lug gap first.

(Edit) - Update - I think it will be 20mm.

 

Many thanks. I take it then that the OEM mesh strap will not work as from what I am reading it is compatible with 22mm.

 

Not seeing the 20 mm on oforei, but the article in this link states that the mesh bracelet also comes in 20 mm (http://thelearnedgentleman.com/the-omega-shark-mesh-bracelet/). Will continue searching to see if it can be sourced.

 

You should measure it yourself to be 100% sure, as I don't own that watch.

20mm was just the result of a couple of minutes search.

 

@britrover you could always try to buy a generic 20mm mesh from eBay to try out the look. IMO, the "Bond" Seamasters rarely look good on anything but bracelets, leather straps are nearly always a letdown. The 20mm OEM rubber strap is pretty good, though.

 

Oh, and @britrover and @keepitsimple - please get an avatar! I had to read this thread twice in order to figure out who was stating what!

 

Well thank you. Your diligent attention is appreciated.
Much better than those folk who chime into a thread without bothering to read what has gone before

 

The Bond looks OK on a brown leather strap but rubbish on Black as the blue is too dark and thus similar in shade. Cousins do some curved end leather straps for around a fiver (£5) which look fit well and rather good on Omegas.

 

always do an omega blue. (i know this is an 18 and you need a 20 BUT omega blues are really deep blues.. they look pretty good. would look good on your avatar too @padders let me find another...

 

more omega... still 18s

 

Thanks, you are right it would look good. The price of genuine Omega straps puts me right off them though. By the time I get the watch in the pic back from STS looking pristine it will have cost me less than £450 in total so spending £150 on a strap seems excessive. It may be justifiable on a SMP though.

 

EmaS blue stingray curved lug.

 

AHA HA!

www.FullyWound.co.uk (!!)

 

also "OF member here!" geys 10% off the entire site.

 

A lot cheaper! Thanks.

 

Had the Omega Mesh in 20mm and it was one of the most comfortable bracelets I've ever wrapped around my wrist. Doesn't pull your arm hairs and with each chain link it conforms to your wrist ever so perfectly. I loved it so much that I put it on all of my watches with 20mm lugs =) Check out the sales section in forums such as this.

 

I will probably get some grief for suggesting a Chinese mesh for a fine watch, but you can get these for around $10 on Ebay in 22mm,20mm,18mm. A great way to try out the look without spending $300+.
Vostok Diver Dude and Chronostop Driver

 

The only problem with trying out a cheap mesh is that they NEVER feel close to what the Omega mesh feels like though they approximate the look pretty well. Even higher-quality aftermarket meshes from Strapcode, WJean, Staib and Squale can't compare. Breitling mesh is as comfortable but wears much heavier, and the polished clasp is a scratch magnet, somehow moreso than the brushed Omega Seatbelt clasp.
I was never a believer in Omega mesh until I tried it on and it's hands down the most comfortable bracelet you can purchase. The looks clash with some pieces but matches incredibly well on any diver.