I have a very nice watch that I never wear.
That tends to bother me. But I’m also not someone who forces it—if I don’t connect with something, it’s not making it into the rotation. And for whatever reason, this Omega Schumacher Speedmaster (3506.31) has been sitting at the bottom of my watch box for a while now.
I’ve thought about selling it, and still might. It holds its value well, and there’s an argument to be made that it deserves a better home than the one I’ve been giving it.
But before I move on from it, I figured it was worth one more shot.
A couple of months ago, I pulled it out, put it on my wrist, and spent a little time with it. The watch itself isn’t the issue. It never was. It’s the band. And I know that sounds a little backwards (this is a Speedy, after all), but I tend to prefer simpler watches, and the bracelet just never did much for me.
So I went down the rabbit hole. Forums, strap swaps, a little light research. Plenty of guys have taken these in different directions, so I used that as a guide and started looking around.
The goal was simple: dress it up a bit.
I’ve got a Tudor Black Bay that handles daily wear and anything in the water, so with the Omega, I leaned the other way. Went with an alligator strap (this one). Not the typical racing-style leather you usually see paired with a Speedmaster. This is a little cleaner, a little more refined. Exactly what I was after.
So far, it’s working.
First thing you notice is how much it lightens the watch. It wears easier. Feels less like a tool and more like something you can throw on with a jacket. The alligator does exactly what I hoped: it elevates it without trying too hard.
I’m going to keep it in the rotation for a bit and see if it sticks. But first, I need to take it off, give the case a proper clean, and start fresh.
Since the band came in this week, I figured I’d show the before and after:
What do you think?
Can’t go wrong with a Speedie.
That leather strap was absolutely the right choice, looks sharp.
With all of this watch conversation lately, can we maybe get a post about watch boxes and what you use?
I have a few automatic watches and I am struggling to find something with multiple winders that also holds other accessories. Not sure if you use a winder as well or just have things in multiple boxes.
Any advice would help!
I’ve got probably a dozen automatic watches (only one “nice” watch, a Datejust), and most live in various drawers or watch boxes. I keep accessories in a different box or bag. Unless you’re changing watches daily or have a perpetual calendar or something, I’m not convinced that winders are really that necessary and potentially put more wear on the internals and oils.
I agree with Trip. Watch winders are not necessarily needed. They are becoming less common and just put extra wear and tear on the watch. If you swap them out and wear them often – they are not needed – just set the watch and roll with it. I have mine in waterproof/dustproof cases I keep locked in my safe. Having them on display in a room for everyone to see if just easier for a potential thief to just grab them.
A great new look for a great “under the radar”
chronograph. I’d add a black leather strap to
highlight the counters and one in red for fun
and to pick up the speedmaster script.