Thoughts about this combination?

[Annapolis]

This is a (hastily and poorly MSPaint-ed) mockup of a strap/watch combination I'm considering. ---I have the watch already, not the strap. I'm wondering what folks think of the taupe on black here. I don't always trust my own sensibilities and the wife doesn't trust hers either (though she should). I'm a standard-issue white dude, not especially tan or pale. Maybe how the taupe looks against my skin is the more important consideration?

It's this vs. a black strap.

 

[DaveK]

I bet your wife said no 😉 She’d be right, as always.

Wear it if you like it though 👍

 

[efauser]

Annapolis

I don't always trust my own sensibilities and the wife doesn't trust hers either (though she should).

I see why you don't and imho you shouldn't.

 

[JwRosenthal]

Nope.

if you want a light color on that watch, go with grey.

 

[queriver]

It's a no from me. But if you like nude look straps, hey whatever.
If you want a warm tone strap perhaps cognac colour will work. Trying mocking it up and show us that. It works well with black dial speedmasters.

 

[JwRosenthal]

My technical dial on cognac color-
Not black dial but dark grey sunburst

 

[JwRosenthal]

And here is a black dial on a Fluco goatskin in grey- this is one of my favorite straps.

 

[Annapolis]

Appreciate the comments! This is exactly why I asked. I think what I want is a darker gray or a black and I was stupidly trying to force the Omega taupe nato to be gray when it’s really just not. (OEM natos in 18mm are very limited.)

Thanks guys for the steer.

 

[JwRosenthal]

Plenty of aftermarket grey NATO’s out there- as the nato was never a factory option during the period of this watch, I see no need to pay the premium for a factory strap- but that just me.

 

[Annapolis]

That’s true—and I’m not necessarily going that factory nato route. Just had a lead on a very inexpensive one of these but if it’s not right, it’s not right, and no amount of wishful thinking will make it so. Where I live and work it’s mostly folks in uniform—my fashion sense (if it ever existed) is depleted. I’ll play it a little safer, I think.

 

[Annapolis]

DaveK

I bet your wife said no 😉 She’d be right, as always.

You speak deep truths, my friend. 😀

 

[WatchCor]

JwRosenthal

My technical dial on cognac color-
Not black dial but dark grey sunburst

Sorry for the tangent, but wau 🥰 that is gorgeous. Dibs 😜

 

[Annapolis]

WatchCor

Sorry for the tangent, but wau 🥰 that is gorgeous. Dibs 😜

I had the same thought. Really beautiful piece.

 

[JwRosenthal]

These also pop on stainless- and thanks for the compliments- it’s one of my fav’s.


@Annapolis - these things look good on almost anything. But getting the period correct style really makes them stand out, be it a bracelet or strap. NATO’s are comfy and easy to wear, and can butch up a smaller vintage watch (I have some of my 1940’s 31mm watches on NATO’s for that purpose), but take away from some of the vintage appeal. A slim and tapered strap was what was typically on these and made them really slick. You could also try a black perforated rally style if you are looking for some texture. Seriously, the options are limitless and getting a variety of quality straps will allow you to mix and match...and trust me- rarely does a strap not find a watch eventually....even the taupe one...just not on that watch

 

[JwRosenthal]

Holbens is a good source for reasonably priced straps by quality companies. Filter by size (18mm), and grab 1/2 dozen that speak to you and a strap tool and have fun.

https://holbensfinewatchbands.com/