I had been messing around with the idea of changing things up a bit on some of my watches. I’ve had my Panerai PAM112 for almost six years, and have changed the leather strap often. Well, I’ve left the alligator strap on for the past couple of years, but I have a few other options should I feel the need. As it is now, I like the dressier look on my Panerai.
I wanted to add a rubber strap to my Tudor Black Bay Heritage for a while, and finally pulled the trigger. I ordered the appropriate strap from Everest Bands, and was really impressed with the strap. It’s almost more of a silicone fell vs. rubber. The changing process on the Tudor was somewhat difficult, but I got the metal bracelet off, and the Everest strap installed:
I did this about a month ago before we went to the beach. I wanted something that would lighten the watch up, and something I could wear in the water and not worry about it. I was willing to accept the more causal look that the rubber strap adds, especially for the Summer. I’m sure I’ll put the metal bracelet back, but I’m enjoying the rubber strap for now.
Next, I got this Rolex Datejust to commemorate the upcoming birth of boy #2. I had been looking for one with a black face for quite some time – inspired by this picture – and the fine folks at Crown & Caliber helped me out. I absolutely love this watch.
I really like the Jubilee bracelet, but I wanted to see what it was like with a leather strap. A couple buddies that have Datejusts wear them on leather, and I like the look. I ordered a sand suede strap from Etsy, and decided to give it a go:
Again, the changing process wasn’t a piece of cake, but I got it done. My first reaction was that the strap provided quite a bit of contrast vs. the face of the watch, which is something I thought I could get over. I showed it to Mrs. RCS, who didn’t like it either.
Ultimately I changed it back to the Jubilee. I think a darker leather may work – maybe a snuff suede or a dark brown lizard. For now, we’re going back to metal.
I’d love to hear your thoughts…do you mess around with watch straps?
P L E A S E S U P P O R T O U R P A R T N E R S :
The rubber on the Tudor looks amazing. I have small wrists and wish that Everest would make their straps in other lengths.
I get most straps from Hodinkee. They are not cheap but quality is amazing. I have a few 20mm straps that would look great on your DateJust that I am looking to offload.If you are interested let me know am I will DM you pictures this evening.
I am a big fan of Everest. I know they have some Panerai straps now – may not be on the site yet – but I do like the dressy approach of alligator as you mentioned. I recently got a nylon strap from them for one of my Submariners and its a great summer strap, it looks great on the beach, boat, hikes, and it can transition to being dressed up at night for a wedding. I am trying to find a strap for my Tudor Bronze – its on nato now but I want a rubber/waterproof style. Its that or get rid of it for lack of wearing.
The drilled lugs on that DJ should make strap/bracelet swaps a breeze. It looks perfect on the Jubilee though.
Datejusts are tough. I’ve put mine on a nato, and I’ve thought about leather, but it just doesn’t look right. With the fluted bezel I think the jubilee is the only way to go.
Older Air King with it’s smooth bezel and Oyster bracelet is a good candidate for rotating different straps, although nothing beats the standard configuration.