Does anybody have a suggestion for a budget ($50 ish) bracelet for a Speedmaster? I got mine head only and the OEM one is way too much but I'd like to have something metal to put it on. I've got lots of NATOs and leather straps already. So something similar in style to the OEM would work, or mesh maybe. I know there's some "knockoff" OEM straps on eBay for little money but I don't want to waste money either.
I think mesh would be the way to go. That way it's a different style all together rather than a cost saving excercise. Looks good on 'em as well.
Maybe something like thisPurchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network ?
I bought one of the non branded bracelets and it was ~$50. I am happy with the quality given the price. I will add that it did take 3-4 weeks to arrive and when received there was an issue with an end link. I sent a pic to the seller, and he sent out a new end link. http://www.ebay.com/itm/111327892634?_trksid=p2059210.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:ITPurchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network
Oh great, It is not easy to find reliable reviews on these kinds of things. I'll give this one a try.
Here is an option in Texas. I bought a Jubilee for a Rolex GMT and the quality is very good. http://m.ebay.com/itm/161404511577?_mwBanner=1Purchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network Company http://m.ebay.com/seller?itemId=161404511577&sid=wholesaleoutlet990Purchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network
Nuts! as usual, I jumped the gun. I already ordered from the company in Hong Kong. When will I ever learn.
Is there really a difference between these after market bracelets, and a fake bracelet. I know they may not have the logo on them, but surely they are infringing copyrights here? There are alternatives to fake bracelets, but this aftermarket stuff could get passed on at future dates, as genuine parts to unknowing buyers. I am no expert on bracelets, and someone swapping the buckle could pass this off as real to me!
@nxw1969 - I suspect one could try to do this, but really they would need to change clasp, clasp links, and end links. This seems like a lot of trouble to go though, but I guess it could/would be done. If I look at only the links (not end or clasp links), I am not able to tell any difference between the authentic and the generic links.
I know that many of the people on this site would spot it a mile off, but you only have to look through the sold items on ebay, to see the dozens of items that have been sold with dubious descriptions, or carefully worded descriptions. Redials passed off as "original and never refinished" Constellations with "original Omega crown" but not the original hex constellation crown.
Not $50 but I was thinking of one of these for a mesh bracelet: http://lonestarwatches.com/3.2Mesh.htm
$50 is a pretty low bar, as even the good non-authentic replacement bracelets usually run about $150 or thereabouts. I think you'd be better off saving up for a bit and trying to get a low-end used authentic Omega bracelet somewhere around $250-300. The quality is definitely noticeable, and the majority of your comfort with the watch will be based on what covers 80% of your wrist.
This one is probably gonna be in my SM Chrono http://www.luxurywatchstraps.co.uk/details.asp?itemid=104
Respectfully, I had one and paid much less for it. Quality not great - catch especially. I think your SM deserves better. PM me for more detail, if you need more.
I have a couple authentic mesh, and some like you linked, there was in fact a huge difference in quality in my opinion. Used/nos authentic mesh is $225-300 depending, well with it in my opinion compared to $50 mesh.
I had a Watchadoo bracelet on a Seiko Monster and it was surprisingly nice for how cheap it was. Looks like they've gone up in price since then: http://www.ebay.ca/sch/watchadoo/m.htmlPurchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network