Leather Vs Oyster

[Pix]

I put leather on my Datejust and wear it in the shower all the time...I figure cows stand out in the rain so why not :)

[bharat]

I love the Oyster bracelet and IMHO really makes the watch. Sometimes I catch myself staring at the bracelet in the middle of the day!

[volvo]

I vote bracelet for Rolex...leather are for Panerai.

[Etschell]

metal only. rubber is for lovers and leather doesnt mix well with h2o

[watchwatcher]

As a general rule, I'm a bracelet guy. But, on the models that Rolex have dedicated to leather or rubber, such as the Daytona and the YM, I think they look awfully sharp.

[tifosi]

I can't think of anything I prefer more than the Oyster bracelet. :)

[Greg75]

Like both Oyster and straps. Prefer Subs and GMTs on the Oyster, especially now with maxi cases, but really like straps on the slimmer profiled Daytona and even as a change of pace on the new DD strap models with end-links. Just received this strap today from ABP for my 116519. Personally, I think it looks great and do enjoy being able to change the look by changing the straps.

[G.D.BeanCounter]

Originally Posted by Greg75

Like both Oyster and straps. Prefer Subs and GMTs on the Oyster, especially now with maxi cases, but really like straps on the slimmer profiled Daytona and even as a change of pace on the new DD strap models with end-links. Just received this strap today from ABP for my 116519. Personally, I think it looks great and do enjoy being able to change the look by changing the straps.

Hi Greg, did you change the clasp yourself? That's where I fall back from changing the look of my 116519. Can you show what the spring bars for the clasp look like underneath? Nice strap, by the way.

[Greg75]

Hi GDBC - yes, often change the strap myself--would not trust must stores to do it. I do not have pics of the spring-bars for the clasp, but they are essentially the same as those at the lugs but shorter. It's easy to do.

For the larger folding end of the clasp, just use the end of a spring-bar tool end without the fork--looks like a blunted toothpick--to disengage the spring-bar by pushing the blunted tip through the clasp hole on either side. For the flip-lock side, just use the fork-end of the tool, as you would on the lugs. Two tips: I (as many here do) use painters' tape to mask off the underside of the lugs and work from the underside of the watch. Also, make sure you do not mix up the clasp spring-bars, as the tube of the spring-bar at the flip-lock end is slightly shorter than the one used on the other side of the clasp. Easy to see if you put the two next to each other.

Thanks. I do like this new strap, too.

[jms_trm]

Hello guys!

Anyone have a oyster band that fit 1982 datejust for sale?

[HogwldFLTR]

I'll wear some leather during the winter and stainless, nylon, or rubber during the summer.

[brandrea]

Modern Oyster, Vintage NATO

[zack777es]

Most of the time on oyster.
But I do like to "dress" it up with leather once in a while.

[Watch Rob]

oyster, always

[mr_mike]

Oyster for me, for preference. But my DJ-II would likely look good on leather too - it's a good halfway house between the pure sports models and the dressier models, so I think it would look OK on a strap too to take it further toward the dress end of the spectrum.

I don't get the comment about it only looking good on what it came with - for one thing, some models come with a choice of Jubilee or Oyster, to cater for different tastes. Some models have also come on leather from the factory as well, in the past. The only correct answer is 'whatever looks best to the owner'.

[sea-dweller]

Oyster.

[tomchicago]

vintage pieces are really nice on leather

[breitlings]

I have wanted to put my DD and 16710 on croc -- any recommendations on endlinks etc?

[doramas]

Oyster

[bjw]

Personally I don't like leather on my wrist day in day out- especially if I'm warm. I don't like the feeling of sweat on leather so I wear the bracelet that is make for Rolex.

That being said, I like the look of a nice leather strap on some of the sport models. In fact I think any of the sport models can look quite handsome with the right leather strap.

On the other hand, I have Really not found a NATO strap on any Rolex that looks remotely desirable.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[DGB]

I just bought a black crocodile leather for my Sub and I liked the result. The black dial and bezel go so well with the black strap. It gives a touch of sport/dress watch , perfect for wearing a formal suit for work.

[Douglas9700]

Prefer my 5 series Sub on a leather strap and Sub C in its original form - provides a nice mix. To each his own. :)

[run23]

I like leather on divers, except Rolex for some reason (have seen some nice worn leather on vintage pieces though).

On the other hand, I love me a good (and cheap) NATO on my Sub.

[mjclark32]

Oyster has always won for me, however the Everest has been the best contender I've found so far

[ejvette]

I like switching it up on every watch I own except my DJ41 on a jubilee that never gets changed.

[zesty55]

I was thinking I'd for sure get an Everest for my Rolex before I bought, but once I tried on my 116710LN I fell in love with that bracelet, interest in aftermarket bands disappeared.

[Bob the brush]

I have a 1016 explorer I have had from new, in 1981, it came with an oyster bracelet, I purchased after a couple of years a jubilee bracelet, and I used to flip the bracelets regularly. last Christmas I treated myself to an Everest leather band. I do not wear the watch everyday anymore, just on special occasions, and I do enjoy the different look the choice gives me. I wear my tog as a daily wearer just on an oyster bracelet, I will get a jubilee for it when I have spare cash.

[coffeebreak]

I have my 16570 on a rubber-backed Hirsch now. I like how it looks with the smartyjones18 endlinks. But it still looks best with the oyster bracelet

[Trailblazer]

I used to switch around but came to realise the watch's full glory is with the factory bracelet, so its all back to its original awesomeness now.

[Mattais]

interesting topic - the comment that half the design of the watch is in the factory band was reminiscent to me of the sentiment of the poster who cannot stand when others switch out the factory band. i assume the post about switching bands voiding the warranty was in response and in jest . . . it's just a band . . .

of course Rolex is going to supply a band with all its watches, and of course it should supply a metal band with them as it is in the best position to supply this type of band. i don't think this decision relates much if at all as to whether it is appropriate to customize one's watch with a new band. for me choosing bands is one of the funner parts about enjoying watches.

i will say that leather straps on divers look silly to me, as they contrast with the purpose of the watch; and in much the same way, an oyster band on an explorer seems to misunderstand if not contradict the nature of the explorer