Leather Strapped Watches?

I don't really dig my Gold Seiko (automatic) anymore. It just gives off a "I'm a broke kid with a gold PLATED watch." I need some suggestions on classier watches. Is leather strapped the way to go? I just love how it wraps around the wrist and is so flush, can't get that feel with a steel watch. I have a Rolex Daytona passed down to me but I really don't like wearing it a lot.

I'm down to these three (open to suggestions).

https://www.amazon.com/Orient-FAA02004B9-Automati…

-I love this, it looks amazing. Unfortunately, it screams "I can't afford a Rolex Submariner." Will this be looked down on?

https://www.amazon.com/Orient-Bambino-Japanese-Au…

-Also love this, really simple and elegant.

https://www.amazon.com/Seiko-SGF204-Stainless-Ste…

-Not too much gold, love the balance. Unfortunately, this gives off the same stigma as the Orient (only this one mimics the Datejust II. I like it though.

17 Comments
 

Thanks for your honesty. I don't like my current Seiko due to the color. Gold just isn't a good look. Any Seiko models you recommend specifically?

Array
 

Don't get me wrong, the Orient Bambino is great and the Ray/Mako are popular for a reason but I don't like those specific ones because they look so generic. I own quite a few watches so maybe I am a snob.

The first gen Bambino is the one to get if you really like it. Look for a Seiko "cocktail" SARB065 on youtube if you like that style. The silver dial and case on the Seiko is very high quality but the strap is a bit trashy.

Hamilton and Tissot make higher end versions in this style. The Tissot Visodate is very similar but out of your budget if you're looking to stay at $300.

Alternatively you can build a watch on http://www.undone.watch/ . You'll get the same case style but you can upload a custom image for the dial and case back, prices go from $200-750.

 
Best Response

Which Daytona combination do you have? If it isn't super high contrast, you could try putting it on a leather band.

I have a Rolex Presidential on a leather band (it was my father's) and a Rolex Oyster bubbleback (from the 1940s) on a nylon band. They are both super comfortable and it completely changes the look of the Presidential from "DAMN, look at your wrist," to something that is very understated and classic.

I used to get so many comments when I had the Presidential on the bracelet, but in leather, nobody ever notices unless they are watch people. The bubbleback it is the same story; everyone notices it on an Oyster bracelet, only watch people notice it on a nylon strap.

 
"mrcheese321" Which Daytona combination do you have? If it isn't super high contrast, you could try putting it on a leather band.

I have a Rolex Presidential on a leather band (it was my father's) and a Rolex Oyster bubbleback (from the 1940s) on a nylon band. They are both super comfortable and it completely changes the look of the Presidential from "DAMN, look at your wrist," to something that is very understated and classic.

I used to get so many comments when I had the Presidential on the bracelet, but in leather, nobody ever notices unless they are watch people. The bubbleback it is the same story; everyone notices it on an Oyster bracelet, only watch people notice it on a nylon strap.

https://www.jomashop.com/rolex-watch-116500bkso.html

this is the one that I have

Array
 

Assuming you aren't a 22 year old 1st year analyst and don't hate chronograph dials, I would throw that on a black crocodile band and wear the crap out of it. If you can never see yourself wearing it, then I personally would sell it and get something that you want (sentimentality is great and all, but if it just sits in the drawer, there are better ways to remember your loved ones).

 
"rjmaharaj" If 300 is your budget, I'd recommend the Seiko SARB033...high quality movement and very modern look. I bought one on a steel bracelet and changed it to a leather strap. Highly highly recommend if you're going entry level. Otherwise, try to find a used Tag F1/Aquaracer or a used Omega Seamaster 200/DeVille. Happy hunting!

https://www.amazon.com/Mechanical-Standard-Models-...

https://www.jomashop.com/seiko-mens-watch-skx007k2.html

what do you think of this? I'd rather stay in 150-200 tbh after thinking about it.

Array
 

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