watch straps

[Deleted]

I started to post my BC3 up for sale yesterday, but couldn't hit the submit button. Instead I think I want to get get a couple of straps and give it a bit of new life. I'd like to get one webbed/ballistic nylon and one leather, probably either nato or zulu in style. if i go with a traditional leather strap, i'll likely go with a toshi strap.

i was hoping to get some feedback from anyone on vendors, particularly for leather nato style straps. anyone have any recommendations?

[jbreitenbucher]

I've had good luck with Hirsch and Crown and Buckle. I've also had some leather ones custom made by Stone Creek Straps. It sort of depends on what you are looking to spend I guess.

[bugula]

www.cheapestnatostraps.com has been my go to for NATOs. they always have a code going and are the cheapest place around with a large selection. www.natostrapsco.com is also a great source.

for leather - if you're looking for something off the shelf, www.panatime.com has a good selection. if you're looking for something custom, Steveo has made quite a few for me - www.steveostraps.com.

[Winterland]

If I remember correctly I purchased my nylon band this same color for an older Eddie Bauer military style watch from this Ebay seller. They have lots of items for sale if you check their store.
I wasn't familiar with the BC3. Too big for my wrist but looks like a nice watch.

Ebay seller

[Deleted]

thanks for the responses all...I'll give them all a look.

[Deleted]

Oct 1, 2014 17:45:12 GMT -6 Winterland said:

I wasn't familiar with the BC3. Too big for my wrist but looks like a nice watch.

it's a bc3 7500 day/date with a 40mm case. not terribly large, but i wouldn't want anything larger for sure.
 

[jbreitenbucher]

This is the croc strap that Stone Creek did for me

[Old26]

Toshi is my joint for leather - all day.
This place I've used for Maratec and other non-leather straps: www.countycomm.com/zulutwobuckle.html

[Deleted]

Old26 thanks, will check out countycomm. toshi's definitely in the running if i get a lugged strap.

[Deleted]

i ended up picking up an olive HD Nato and a CXL natural nato style strap from crown and buckle using a discount code. they arrived today. the hardware on both is quite nice and both compliment the watch very well. currently wearing the cxl as it's more comfortable out of the box. the thickness/stiffness of the ballistic nylon of the HD will need a bit of time to break in.
i also used dental floss to remove the spring bars from the lugs which if you haven't done before is MUCH easier than any other method i've used including the proper tool...and really no chance of marring the case.

[jbreitenbucher]

Oct 10, 2014 14:53:12 GMT -6 @david said:

i ended up picking up an olive HD Nato and a CXL natural nato style strap from crown and buckle using a discount code. they arrived today. the hardware on both is quite nice and both compliment the watch very well. currently wearing the cxl as it's more comfortable out of the box. the thickness/stiffness of the ballistic nylon of the HD will need a bit of time to break in.
i also used dental floss to remove the spring bars from the lugs which if you haven't done before is MUCH easier than any other method i've used including the proper tool...and really no chance of marring the case.

Is there a little video of how it works? I can guess, but since I put a small scuff in the brand new Speedy on the first band swap, this trick would be useful.

[Derek G]

Oct 10, 2014 14:53:12 GMT -6 @david said:

i also used dental floss to remove the spring bars from the lugs which if you haven't done before is MUCH easier than any other method i've used including the proper tool...and really no chance of marring the case.

Excellent tip!   never thought of that. Thanks  a lot!

[gaseousclay]

jbreitenbucher

do you have any ideas as to how much Stone Creek Straps charges for the Horween CXL straps? I tossed the strap I was using in the garbage. It was a DaLuca strap which I bought off ebay cheap, and well, I got what I paid for. It started cracking underneath and left black residue on my wrist, not to mention it started to smell. the reason why I skimped on a watch band was because my Seiko SNK809 only cost me $55, so it seemed weird to me to spend more on a strap than my watch is worth.

[whiskeyriver]

Aug 3, 2015 10:00:33 GMT -6 gaseousclay said:

jbreitenbucher

do you have any ideas as to how much Stone Creek Straps charges for the Horween CXL straps? I tossed the strap I was using in the garbage. It was a DaLuca strap which I bought off ebay cheap, and well, I got what I paid for. It started cracking underneath and left black residue on my wrist, not to mention it started to smell. the reason why I skimped on a watch band was because my Seiko SNK809 only cost me $55, so it seemed weird to me to spend more on a strap than my watch is worth.

$65 from Strapping Fellow and great customer service:


www.strappingfellow.com/

#8 isn't listed, but if you want CXL #8 just ask him. That's what I did.

[jbreitenbucher]

Aug 3, 2015 10:00:33 GMT -6 gaseousclay said:

jbreitenbucher

do you have any ideas as to how much Stone Creek Straps charges for the Horween CXL straps? I tossed the strap I was using in the garbage. It was a DaLuca strap which I bought off ebay cheap, and well, I got what I paid for. It started cracking underneath and left black residue on my wrist, not to mention it started to smell. the reason why I skimped on a watch band was because my Seiko SNK809 only cost me $55, so it seemed weird to me to spend more on a strap than my watch is worth.

Don't know about Stone Creek's Horween. I got a custom gator strap and I want to say it was around $150-$175. For my Horween straps I have been using Crown and Buckle. Reasonable price, made in Florida, and very pleasant chaps. May not work for you unless you like NATO or Zulu straps.

[brentkuz]

Crown and buckle are cheesy to me. No better than $3 eBay straps.

[wdw]

Thanks to the enablers on this thread, I've gone for a Toshi burgundy shell cordovan strap. Just hope I can fit it ok.

[bentin]

DaLuca does some cool stuff in leather:
www.dalucastraps.com/categories/NATO-Watch-Straps/

I also use these guys for nylon straps:
natostrapsco.com

[wdw]

My Toshi burgundy shell strap arrived and here it is. I much prefer leather to the usual stainless steel strap and will probably wear my watch more often now.

[kylepa]

Unsolicited photo of a custom strap my buddy made for me. Horween CXL with copper rivets that match the face.