Thoughts about this combination?

Posts

1,875

Likes

2,863

Annapolis

·May 10, 2020

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.

 

Posts

5,076

Likes

15,698

DaveK

·May 10, 2020

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

Wear it if you like it though 👍

 

Posts

8,700

Likes

14,610

efauser

·May 10, 2020

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.

 

Posts

16,305

Likes

45,004

JwRosenthal

·May 10, 2020

Nope.

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

 

Posts

1,301

Likes

2,575

queriver

·May 10, 2020

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.

 

Posts

16,305

Likes

45,004

JwRosenthal

·May 10, 2020

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

 

Posts

16,305

Likes

45,004

JwRosenthal

·May 10, 2020

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

 

Posts

1,875

Likes

2,863

Annapolis

·May 10, 2020

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.

 

Posts

16,305

Likes

45,004

JwRosenthal

·May 10, 2020

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.

 

Posts

1,875

Likes

2,863

Annapolis

·May 10, 2020

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.

 

Posts

1,875

Likes

2,863

Annapolis

·May 10, 2020

DaveK

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

You speak deep truths, my friend. 😀

 

Posts

733

Likes

1,457

WatchCor

·May 10, 2020

JwRosenthal

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

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

 

Posts

1,875

Likes

2,863

Annapolis

·May 10, 2020

WatchCor

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

I had the same thought. Really beautiful piece.

 

Posts

16,305

Likes

45,004

JwRosenthal

·May 10, 2020

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

 

Posts

16,305

Likes

45,004

JwRosenthal

·May 10, 2020

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/