A strap for all seasons
I have a strap problem, or more precisely - most straps gives me problems that get worse during the summer. The issue is the humidity, the heat and sweat which cause me to itch to the point that sometime I have take my watch off to get some relief.
The worst offenders are silicone rubber followed by the resin (aka plastic fantastic) used on many Casio watches.
Natural vulcanized rubber and FKM don't itch but the former is sometime a bit too stiff and the later still feel a bit weird, despite my efforts to get used to it.
Metal bracelets seems to be the universal answer to summer itchiness, but they have issue of their own being often too bulky, or hard to fit, and I'm also not really a bracelet guy.
There's leather of course, It doesn't itch, it's good looking (unless you opt for bund straps), and I don't have a problem wearing leather straps even in sweltering days. It's also not a good fit on some watches, like the Yema Superman that I'm wearing today.
Then there are the straps that I don't like, such as the NATO which are only good if you ever need to get a watch really ugly and really fast, or those made of Perlon that are perhaps the worst of the bunch.
Since I'm neither a masochist nor particularly enamored with pseudo military tropes, I had to find my perfect straps elsewhere. And in many cases I found them at Erika's Originals. The material used is just firm enough to keep the watch in place and it has the right amount of elasticity to expand or contract during the day without extra fuss.
The straps from Erika are infinitely adjustable without having to fiddle with clasps or finding the right hole in a strap. A quick tug on the bronze buckle is enough to adjust it.
I don't mind the MN initials and anchor logo on the bronze hook since I don't see it unless I want to.
And then there is the owner. I had the pleasure to discuss a few issues over email with Erika, as she contacted me to ensure that they got some details correctly. I was so thoroughly impressed that I decided to throw as much of my business as I can to Erika's side.
The last time I wore the Yema Superman on this grey Mirage strap was cold enough to force me to wear fleece. Today is not the case since we are supposed to hit the +30 °C marker during the day and the strap is still a perfect fit.
I'm a big fan of watches that are interesting because they are either unique, have interesting features, well designed or simply offer a great value for their price.
MN straps are indeed cooler on wrist when weather is sweltering humid, which is generally the case where I live. Plus, the brass-like color/patina of my field watch has a hard time matching a bracelet to it.
Some supple yet reliable nylon 2-piece straps also work for me.
This braided nylon...
...this canvas...
...and this weaved nylon, are also comfortable despite the humidity.
Edited: Removed the perlon and NATO. 🍻
I’m have recently acquired an Erika’s originals for my Sternglas Hamburg Neuwerk. I agree, the straps are very comfortable and make the watch sit nicely on the wrist:
I’m wondering what it is about a NATO strap that looks worse than the ones from Erika’s? To me, they seem very similar.
I’m wondering what it is about a NATO strap that looks worse than the ones from Erika’s? To me, they seem very similar.
They are not.
The only commonality is that they are both made of fabric. The method for strapping it around the wrist and the hardware is quite different. With the NATO strap you end up with a tail that needs to be folded or cut, loops and too much hardware. They are useless and ugly and not even used by the military really.
So You won't the "French" way, well done !
So You won't the "French" way, well done !
I'm French enough already.
Already got into an argument with a stuck up member in the Yema owner's group who was apoplectic because I wasn't respectful enough to the French navy and nearly keeled over when I told him that I was at least as French as he was.
They are not.
The only commonality is that they are both made of fabric. The method for strapping it around the wrist and the hardware is quite different. With the NATO strap you end up with a tail that needs to be folded or cut, loops and too much hardware. They are useless and ugly and not even used by the military really.
I meant they look similar, but I guess not to you.
I get your complaints about them. For me they are outweighed by the simplicity, variety, and price. To each his own.
I have a Yema with an OG MN band. Good summertime choice.