I had posted earlier here about my new strap, which was widely unloved and universally criticized. I confess too that it did not grow on me, although it is supremely comfortable. It may go on the Speedy later.

Unable to find what I wanted elsewhere, I turned to the 'bay and bought what is very likely a Chinese made (no country of origin shown) inexpensive albeit "genuine Italian leather" strap that nearly almost kind of matches the blue of the Seamaster. It is stiff and uncomfortable, but is getting better. I like the contrast stitching as well.

Opinions solicited.

As for comments in the past that a cheap strap can break and cause me to lose the watch, it seems more likely to me that until the leather gets worn, cracked and splits, it's more likely to fail from a broken pin than the strap.

$22 shipped from Texas.

 

Personally, i would never put a non OEM bracelet strap or NATO on my watch.

 

Can't tell much about the overall build quality from that one photo, but if nothing else it does look like it's blue as intended. At this point it comes down to personal taste.

 

It doesn’t look very comfortable to me ? The OEM strap would look far better imo

 

This is also from Texas and under $30. It is not a OEM but I don't have to worry about babying this and I can wear it everyday. Appears to be very high quality. It is a Barton. Only downside the canvas strap only goes to eight although the leather will go to size 9.
Edit, strap is actually a very dark blue black.

 

Leather straps on a dive watch is so strange to me. Like wearing a tuxedo on top and track shorts below.

 

Why?

 

The OEM strap is rubber, yes? I don't like rubber. I'm not aware of a leather option from Omega, and I don't like Nato or fabric. Yeah, yeah, I know... picky, pick. LOL

 

Crocs and gators dive under the water all the time, and they are usually wearing 'leather'

 

Color is right, but if it is stiff and uncomfortable, is it worth it? Only you can answer that question.

 

Very Bond to do it both leather strap in water or dive watch with a tux. That is James Bond in Dr. No.

 

Omega has an alligator strap that's imbued with rubber for the Seamaster.

 

Actually it's still skin at that point, it doesn't become leather until it's been tanned.

 

The "look" you're going for reminds me of a Breitling. Since it would be anathema to put a Breitling on an Omega, why not go with this excellent Hirsch:

https://www.hirschstraps.com/collections/heavy-calf

 

Don't know it just doesn't feel right to me putting my several thousand dollar watch on a cheap bracelet/nato/strap. I would rather pay and get an official one. I know everyone doesn't agree but thats how i feel.

 

I quite like my Electric Blue on its padded Di Modell

 

I see your point. I also agree with not using a poorly made strap or bracelet. However, there are well made straps that are good value. By having a number of straps, you can have the same watch used in different settings. Also the OEM bracelet can get annoying for a day to day wearer, as it is very heavy.

 

I understand that some people like to have many straps and logically cant afford several OEM ones. But i would rather just have one or a couple of OEM ones. I agree that the bracelet can feel heavy some times and especially in the summer. That's why i got an OEM NATO for my SMP

 

Thus the ' ' around leather

 

You'll never have everyone agree with you about anything. Thanks for sharing your opinion.