Question for the community about factory watch bracelets and straps:
Do you ONLY wear your watches with the strap or bracelet provided from the factory and consider it essential to the overall design and purchasing decision of said watch? And my question only applies to non integrated bracelet design watches.
I've seen a lot of comments on new watch releases where someone loves everything about a particular watch (case, design, dial, movement) that actually matters, but write it off because they don't like how the bracelet looks, the type of clasp it comes with or don't like the type of strap it comes with (color, material, etc) and are absolutely militant about the idea of ever changing to an aftermarket alternative or even a same manufacturer alternative bracelet or strap that actually fits the watch. 🤔
I'm in the car enthusiast community and I encounter this as well where a new performance ethusiast car comes out and everything about it is great, but someone writes it off because in their opinion 'the wheels are ugly' so its a non-starter for them. And IMHO, the wheels and tires are the easiest things to replace about a car someone doesn't like.
Same with watch bracelets or straps. What do you the community members think?
Humble watch collector, husband and dad from sunny California.
I generally find bracelets much less comfy than leather straps. So I pretty much only wear bracelets on integrated bracelet watches. I find the older and more rattly and tapered a bracelet is, the comfier it is.
The clasp on my Omega Seamaster 300 Heritage needed to be replaced, agreeably was on warranty, decided to leave the bracelet to buff some scratches on the shiny centre links, for a small fee, since I was at the Swatch service centre inquired about availability of the OEM mesh bracelet which will also fit on my SMP watch. Somewhat expensive but personally feel the look of my new bracelet suits the Seamaster Heritage well. I don’t switch bracelets, straps often but always source OEM when I do. Just a beytercmmm
Better fit
I’ll just go on and say that for me bracelet is as important as the watch itself. I’m saying that as an exclusively metal bracelet guy.
I find bracelets to be the most comfortable and versatile option: work, train, do outdoor stuff, swim… you can do anything with them. That being said, I want them to be the best quality that the price range allows.
Wearing a Tudor watch with a, lets say, Forstener bracelet is a no-go for me - watch and bracelet have to be a match, for me and in my opinion.
But I completely understand that it is not a must for somebody else. I actually envy them because they are not bothered with those trivial gripes :)
I come from a motorcycle background, where very few leave a bike standard, so I've no qualms about changing stuff on my watches.
My Grail (SM300 heritage) rarely is on its standard bracelet (although it's excellent) ,often on Staib mesh, Artem Sailcloth or a NATO .
Trying to find a "Spectre" bezel insert for it at the moment, but no luck so far. (If anyone reading this knows where I can get one I'd be very grateful).
Never keep anything on its standard bracelet
(Tho amusingly I often wear my green Willard on the black Willard's bracelet 😂)
Depends? I’m likely to leave a more expensive watch on its OEM bracelet as the quality typically matches. I’ve tried my BB58 on Forstner and Uncle but always revert to the stock bracelet. Seikos usually end up on after market bracelets.
My Berny's OEM titanium bracelet was a hair-pulling abomination I wore just once.
My Seestern's OEM bracelet with an on the fly micro adjust clasp is so comfortable I'll never swap it for anything else.
My second Preisig came on an aftermarket leather strap. The first one I had was on a BoR bracelet. The articulated lugs (19mm) are perfect for straight end bracelets, so I bought a Strapcode Asteroid bracelet for it and it works great. My intention is to use the same bracelet for the Citizen NB1060-12L when I get one.
For me, the purchase is two fold. First, I’m attracted to a great looking watch - if the OEM strap/bracelet options are good, great, but it’s not a deal breaker. Then second, I’m on the hunt for the perfect strap. I have bought many watches that came with bad straps (Tudor FXD MN, vintage Seamaster, Zenith) but have been reborn by hunting down amazing straps (FXD in post and can’t wait!)
I have my 124270 on a $40 jubilee. It fits my 6.25” wrist better with smaller links and a butterfly push-button clasp. I doubt the bracelet will last but fun for now :)
In this particular question I look back on my choices and for me the only thing that matters is aesthetics. I don't consider myself as a bracelet or a strap guy, I choose that looks better for my taste.