Recently I find I am drawn to photo’s of all your great watches that are on leather or fabric straps and think that is something I want to factor into my next purchase.

I just wondered what your experiences are with style and colour that works best?

Black is the obvious choice, but I have the Seamaster in Black, so would ideally prefer an alternative to that, but if Black is your answer then so be it from an advice point of view.

 

I once had a Seiko Orange Monster and wore if on an orange band (cheap z22 style) loved it as a summer watch.

My old Panerai used to have red/ copper leather for it, worked a treat (black dial) then used to match some other leather to it that I wore.

My blue Monaco is mainly on the blue leather.

My old beige U Boat I ditched the black leather for a nice vintage looking brown.

Orange nato on the Aquaracer would look great & in the Seamaster

 

Orange on orange is a bold choice in fairness. I am still fancying an Olive Green Tropic for my Orange Aquaracer.

The rest sound cool, albeit with colours matched up to the dial, as opposed to multiple colour options on same dial.

 

Actually, I did really like the Doxa in Orange on Orange, thinking about it.

 

Mr McBeard we gonna need photos of all them sweet colour combos you be describin'

 

Didn’t even think of that. PMSL

 

In fact, everyone can feel free to post up examples…

 

A Speedmaster or a diver with a matte dial.

IWC Pilots also do very well with strap swaps.

Black or grey is the most versatile but blues can be played with too (other colors to a certain extent, but with less options on the strap market)

 

I am trying to avoid the Speedmaster as it just seems too obvious alongside the Seamaster. As it happens, I thought I didn’t like them and so hadn’t tried one on until recently. Tried on the sailcloth strap version and I must admit it did look good on the wrist despite thinking I didn’t like them.

I like the Zenith Defy, a lot, but don’t think it will fit my requirements. Been looking at the Chronograph instead, as the multi coloured subdials leave lots of options.

 

Speedmasters are like 911s. Obvious choices because they're excellent and supremely enjoyable, whether you're a rich snob who wants something shiny to show off or you're a nerd who knows everything about the 60+ year history of the type

The real answer here, the watch that will always look good on almost any strap you put it on, is a tritium-dial Speedmaster. Better yet, a good 3590.50 or '80s 145.022 are cheaper even than the most deeply discounted new model

 

Apologies if I cam across like I was having a pop, as that certainly wasn’t my intention. I have no opinion, either way, on those who do have them. Hey, my watch choice isn’t everyone’s cup of tea either.

You are right though, and I am warming to them.

Randomly, I would absolutely love a 911 as that and the 356 are my all time grail cars. I very much doubt I will ever own either, as outside my means, but perhaps a Speedmaster actually does fit my personality by the sounds of it.

I have always liked the Speedmaster Racing, plus the ‘57 version too. The white dial with blue hands I missed out on, plus the Snoopy is now out of the question.

 

I loved Orange monster, good size n weight, and all night lume!

 

Oh not at all. It's just the truth, LOL.

Though I have to say, I've never met someone wearing a Speedmaster who wasn't at least a little bit of a watch nerd (or space nerd).

 

I must be the former, as not the later.

 

I find plain dials like the calibre 5, carrera are strap monsters...personally love the grey/ anthracite ...you get the flexibility of both black and white...

I am playing around with a few cheap straps i had lying around or got on Amazon before i commit to something bespoke...but its exciting watching the watch transform

 

Silver or white, you can put literally anything on them.

 

Think my 1st mechanical watch, enjoyed time with that and used whilst on holiday in Cuba over 10yrs ago. (1st gen), plus that crazy Seiko lume

 

Don't think I have one of the Monster on orange I'm afraid. Here are some of the others,

 

Same. Used to be my holiday watch.


This was my favourite, though.

 

Ohh is that the Thai Ltd Ed? Was once thinking of getting one, removing the cyclops & changing to the older crown (1st gen) shame they lost the 'teeth' indices from the 1st gen - one of the best features