Watch: Bracelets or Leather Strap?

Point44

Point44

Joined
Jan 15, 2003
Messages
1,690
I posted on my new Omega Planet Ocean which i got a few weeks back. However, i've been having trouble fitting the bloody bracelet. I was quite surprised that there was no micro adjustments on the bracelet and have not been fully enjoying the watch. I bought one of those bracelet link removal tools and tried opening it up myself. Well, when i was putting the pin back in with my LM wave as a hammer it slipped and hit the case and there's a small dent in it now. ARRRGGGHHH. I will have to wait to get it removed when i send it in for servicing.

ANyway, i was just wondering whether anyone with an Omega has had this problem of the bracelet not fitting well. All they give is 1 half link and if i remove it, it gets too tight. With it on, it's too loose.

Also, i've given up and asked my dad to order from Omega a leather alligator strap with a deployant clasp. I was wondering how well do leather straps handle exposure to water like when washing hands etc. (not showering with it).

Does anyone actually prefer leather straps to the stainless steel bracelets? 'Cos i've looked at the Panerais and they look so much better with leather straps.

P.S. Sorry for such a disjointed post.
 
Most jewlers will adjust a watch band for you for a very nominal fee.

Keep in mind that in hot weather, your wrist will actually expand a little so a bracelet-style watch band needs to be left just a little loose to allow for that.


A diving-style watch with a leather band is gonna, in my opinion, look really stupid. Sorry, but I just had to add that.
 
Omega has a nice looking rubber strap with deployant clasp that is a decent compromise between style and practicality. Also the plain nylon Rhino straps look ok on a decent watch. I've seen some people use them on Omegas and they don't look too cheap. I have a Rhino strap on my Sieko Divers 24/7 and it is comfortable on hot weather and easy to wash when it get's stinky. (I have an Omega SMP but tend to favour the Seiko nowadays - but that's another story...)
 
I prefer a bracelet and I prefer it slightly loose, anyway. Having gone through adjusting them over the years, I think next time, I'll ask the jeweler to do it.

Leather and most rubber feels clammy to me.
 
I've never been a fan of bracelets.

If you get a quality water-resistant leather strap it should hold up to daily usage no problem as long as you aren't perspiring heavily.

Some of the new synthetic straps are worth a look, as well.

I've been wearing a blue Hirsch Carbon Sport synthetic strap for the last year for everything, including playing sports and diving and it still looks and functions like new. It's extremely comfortable and "breathes" better than any strap that I have owned.

Styling is subjective, but I find the Hirsch to look good on everything but full-on dress watches. It is perfectly at home on the common pilot/diver styles. I don't feel out of place wearing it in a suit.
 
Personally I prefer the SS braclet on my SMP. I wouldn't have it any other way, but then again I am very happy with the way it fits. I took it to a jewler to get it properly sized, took some trial and error but finally got it fight nicely. It only cost me like $7, and it also prevented me from harming the watch by trying to do it myself.

It really is a matter of personal preference which one you like better. Don't settle for one over the other and console yourself by saying others like it beter that way. If you really do like the bracelet, but are just unhappy with the fit take it to a jewler and see if they can fit it better.
 
Hi All-

As a small piece of advice...do not spend thousands of dollars on a watch only to go hacking at it with incorrect, imprecise, and poorly-fitting tools! :(

In terms of materials for a steel sports watch, one usually sees things like:
  • steel bracelets
  • leather straps
  • rubber straps
  • kevlar straps
  • nylon straps
The steel bracelets affixed to many premium watches are designed to remain secure and not fail when deep underwater or engaging in active sports. This is the reason why it is best to have it sized (at no charge) at the time of purchase. The jeweler will use specialized tools that will not slip or mar the watch. If you need to have a bracelet resized at a later date, it is usually under $10.00 and absolutely worth the investment. Everyone should have at least one watch with a quality steel bracelet.

If worn frequently and not allowed to dry...a leather strap will last less than one year and will get EXTREMELY stinky due to perspiration and putrid oils from your skin. If you desire a watch with a leather strap...ensure you have other watches to which you can rotate. If it is an alligator strap all contact with water must be avoided. You can occasionally rub talcum powder into the back and allow it to absorb oils and minimize foul smells. The simple fact-of-the-matter is one should plan on changing straps at least once every eighteen months at most...deployant mechanisms will help your strap to look its best.

Kevlar is very nice because it is durable, has a unique look, and can be immersed and scrubbed clean of sweat and dirt. It provides a much more upscale look than rubber. Here is an attractive Perregaux with a kevlar strap:

gp_f1_2.jpg

Nylon is adequate, but really shouldn't be used on a watch like your Planet Ocean model...I would stick with the stock steel bracelet or go with kevlar. If you're looking to go aftermarket, consider contacting a consumate professional like Howard Marx for strap assistance.

~ Blue Jays ~
 
Hi Gollnick-

Ironic, ain't it? Alligator straps are delicate and don't do well when exposed to water.

~ Blue Jays ~
 
I did have the watch fitted when i bought. It felt alright at the time but as i was wearing it daily the fitting just seemed to bug me. It kinda pinched after awhile.
Then i sent it to the jewellers to get it fitted again. Paid money this time and he took out a half-link. Wore it, felt okay for awhile. As i was walking around the shopping mall i realised the thing felt tighter and tighter. So i went back to the store to tell him to replace the half-link. TOO LOOSE now. So i don't think the jewellers can fit it any better unless they have an extra half-link they can sell me.

So in desperation i bought the link removal tool. Actually it is very simple to use and it takes me less than 5 minutes to remove and replace a link. The slippage was unfortunate and it hit the underside of the case. Very small dent and not really noticeable but it IS THERE. AND I KNOW IT. THat is what is bugging me.

So how do you people wear your bracelets? I'm wearing it slightly loose and it goes up and down my wrist. In cold weather it just dangles a bit and can be turned around the wrist easily. I find that sweat actually keeps the bloody thing in place. I was thinking if i actually go swimming in this thing it won't be fitting quite nicely in water.

Anyway, my dad called me today and he told me they don't have the leather straps yet. Swatch says since it's new they don't have it yet. UNFORTUNATELY they do have the orange leather strap. ORANGE!!!. Even they admitted it was ugly.

Also, they don't have an extra half-link either for the planet ocean. They said i'll have to wait a little longer and i don't know how long.

Other than the bracelet sizing i'm very happy with omega. However, my next watch will have micro-adjustments. So no more omega unless it's a leather strap. I'm thinking something like the IWC Aquatimer or the Bell & Ross Pilot Sapphire.
 
first of all, the fit of any metal bracelet will change as weather and physiology do. At times, the maetal bracelet can be too loose, others, too tight. You should take this into consideration.

If you operate machinery, you really do not want the bracelet to be very loose. I have mine snug-fitting.

I do prefer leather, but leather straps for my watches are amazingly expensive, and last, at most, for about 18 months. Cheapies are not worth it.

The most resilient leather that I have found is sharkskin. It is way more resilient than alligator, and, as you might expect, can be immersed. They cost about as much as the alligator ones.

I would expect that omega has something available for you--they are a premium brand.
 
I like my bracelet snug enough so that it can't slid up and down my wrist or spin around. I find it annoying to have my watch moving around as I move, and also find that it makes it easier to knock the watch into things.

I find that I am able to adjust the fit of the watch slightly by how far up my wrist I place it. In colder weather it will generally be a slight be higher up my wrist than in hot weather. If you like a snugger fit that keeps the watch in an exact position then that might work for you too.
 
I have a watch with a Jurgens (Germany)leather strap...I believe it is called the Tropic model..the interior of the leather is lined with rubber. You get the leather look but avoid the sweat/oil/smell issue for the most part.
 
Blue Jays said:
Here is an attractive Perregaux with a kevlar strap:
Click to expand...

Are the pins attaching that band to the watch actually curved or do they just look that way? I'm asking because my Suunto X-Lander has curved pins and won't work with any of the standard bands I've found. If you found a band that fits onto curved pins I may be able to use it too.

The only band specifically designed to fit the X-Lander is leather one, which is not my preference for either material or style. I'd love to have some alternatives.

--Bob Q
 
A diving-style watch with a leather band is gonna, in my opinion, look really stupid. Sorry, but I just had to add that.
Click to expand...

Actually Divers on straps can look really great. I am wearing a Seiko 007 on a Ginsler Sharkskin with EOT deployant. Looks fine. My Yao Seiko has the same combo.

Omega probably has one of the nicest bracelet designs in horology in my eyes. Their clasps are like bank vaults, especially compared to Rolex clasps (not that I dislike Rolex, quite the contrary!).

In the summer, I prefer straps, Ginsler Sharkskin (with white Stichting) or Rhino straps.

In the winter, I switch to bracelted watches.
 
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