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Why a Rally strap?

M
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Apart from some saying it looks good, is there an affinity between the Rally strap and the Speedmaster.

I’m wanting to save my bracelet from too much wear, plus I think it’ll be fun to switch things around now and then, but my own thoughts are that a rally is a little busy and takes the beauty away from the watch itself.

However, I purchased the Speedy for its historical importance and I have no problem in wearing it with a rally if there is significance.,
 
efauser
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Rally strap is sporty, which works nicely on the Speedy.
 
JwRosenthal
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The rally is a nice look for any “timing watch” (Heuer’s were really the classic for rally straps as they were meant for auto racing), but as far as the historical connection- there isn’t one with the Speedy as far as I know . As for alternatives that have a historical connection, you should look at the NASA Velcro straps, the Forstner mesh bracelet, and the Uncle Seiko reissues of the Holzer, 1171, and his forthcoming flatlink.
Here’s mine on a rally:
5DA4E2A9-1328-4DD2-9A42-115F22B7FD81.jpeg
 
TDBK
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I feel like rally straps are associated specifically with auto racing; I don't know if this is real and supported by history, if it's just a cultural perception, or based on something else (I'm struck by the similarity between the holes in a rally strap with the holes in classic driving gloves).

The Speedmaster is also associated with auto racing; pre-NASA Speedmaster marketing was focused on autosports (see this article from Fratello). So the connection seems authentic and appropriate, also looks great.
 
Evitzee
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The rally straps that have really large holes aren't that attractive to me but the ones with relatively small holes work well with the Speedmaster. The Apollo 8 comes with a rally-style strap as standard. I much prefer a rally strap to a NATO which I just cannot warm up to in look or function. Just depends on what you like.
 
IMG_9801.JPG IMG_9804.JPG
Tet
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Rally straps look superb on the Speedy.

Non-popular opinion but I also think the MK2 looks pretty good with them aswell(not AS good of course).

2020-02-23-6454.jpg
 
Gasman
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Sorry not a fan of rally straps on anything. I think the speedy looks best on a nice dark brown or burgundy leather strap.
 
Donn Chambers
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The Omega Speedmaster was introduced in the late 50s and promoted as a tool for race cars -- hence the name Speedmaster. Rally straps have been popular on any racing chronograph since the same time. Thus, a rally strap is completely appropriate for a Speedmaster, IMO. Don't know if it was ever offered as an option on the early Speedmasters, but I know it was offered on various models from the 1970s to the present.
 
Scarecrow Boat
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To also put some practical functionality behind the rally strap- they are extra breathable in the hotter months compared to a solid slab of leather.
 
Peter_from_NL
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I very much like the Omega rally strap that fits great on the Speedmaster. It has a very nice connection and looks slick. Unfortunately it is a bit expensive to just have for occasional wearing. I am now into multiple nato’s..... just received.
C4CE6DF8-1972-40DE-9834-EFF256F7B717.jpeg
 
M
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JwRosenthal JwRosenthal
The rally is a nice look for any “timing watch” (Heuer’s were really the classic for rally straps as they were meant for auto racing), but as far as the historical connection- there isn’t one with the Speedy as far as I know . As for alternatives that have a historical connection, you should look at the NASA Velcro straps, the Forstner mesh bracelet, and the Uncle Seiko reissues of the Holzer, 1171, and his forthcoming flatlink.
Here’s mine on a rally:
5DA4E2A9-1328-4DD2-9A42-115F22B7FD81.jpeg
I’ve a Forstner with horns but feel the strap is too thin and disproportionate. It’s funny that you mentioned Heuer’s affiliation with Rally straps because if I do go down that route, I’ll probably get from Heurville straps in the UK. They do seem a tad on the expensive side, however I’m hoping you get what you pay.
 
M
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Evitzee Evitzee
The rally straps that have really large holes aren't that attractive to me but the ones with relatively small holes work well with the Speedmaster. The Apollo 8 comes with a rally-style strap as standard. I much prefer a rally strap to a NATO which I just cannot warm up to in look or function. Just depends on what you like.
Thank you for the info. What make strap is yours and are you happy with it?
 
M
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Gasman Gasman
Sorry not a fan of rally straps on anything. I think the speedy looks best on a nice dark brown or burgundy leather strap.
I was feeling the same.
 
M
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5
Scarecrow Boat Scarecrow Boat
To also put some practical functionality behind the rally strap- they are extra breathable in the hotter months compared to a solid slab of leather.
I’ll be swapping the Speedy for a Sub with an Everest rubber
 
Evitzee
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M misterhyde
Thank you for the info. What make strap is yours and are you happy with it?
It's a LUGS Barenia leather. Butter soft, made in France. Very high quality, very happy with it. www.lugs.shop
 
Baz9614
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This one is from the Lugs shop
0F171018-0DEE-4C99-85B6-81129130BD9A.jpeg


And this one is a custom two stitch from Combat Straps

03BF544A-7975-4FD0-B9A8-00D4B8C537F0.jpeg
 
K
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For some reason, I associate them with automotive timing watches that speedmaster isn’t really known for (2915 barely qualifies). I like a chocolate colored standard stitched strap. I would test out colors with sellers that allow returns if the strap is unworn
 
M
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30
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5
Baz9614 Baz9614
This one is from the Lugs shop
0F171018-0DEE-4C99-85B6-81129130BD9A.jpeg


And this one is a custom two stitch from Combat Straps

03BF544A-7975-4FD0-B9A8-00D4B8C537F0.jpeg
I like the Lug strap very much, so much so I tried to purchase a couple this morning. Unfortunately not a good experience and very frustrating. Their, “ready to chat” was untrue, which I could have accepted if they hadn’t said that they were ready to chat.
Unless I’m wrong, in order to have “medium” you need something smaller and something larger, otherwise you can’t have a medium. When it was time to buy, the drop down gave me two size options, small and medium, and this was across the whole range. A 125/80 fits me OK, but this appears not to be an option. I would have thought they’ll lose many customers by not offering an actual large option. ‍♂️
 
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