Is quality strap a gamechanger?
The Hamilton Jazzmaster is my first automatic watch. I decided I would never sell that piece, even though I almost never wear it. It's really dressy, and there aren't a lot of occasions when I can put it on my wrist.
The biggest problem with this model is the original alligator-style strap, which looks and feels really cheap. The butterfly clasp is also not that great; it doesn't feel secure at all. I tried to put it on a mesh bracelet, but it looks too gimmicky.
Then I got a present from my girlfriend, who really likes me wearing this piece. It's a quality cordovan strap, and I must say, it completely changed my perspective on wearing this watch. It looks expensive; it's so soft and shiny. It probably costs a third of the price of the watch itself, but it's worth every penny.
What's your opinion on putting relatively affordable watches on quality straps?
What's the first thing you do when you wake up? - Check what time it is ⌚
A quality strap definitely elevates the watch, aesthetically and practically. 👍🏻👍🏻
Beautiful watch man. So elegant and classy. The strap elevates it.
The strap is half of the watch. I always splurge on high quality leather because it's a big part of the wearing experience.
It doesn't have to be expensive either, plenty of great artisans on Etsy offering horween chxl or shell cordovan for 1/4th of the price of Delugs.
I recently sold my Jazzmaster. I thought it too big to be a dress watch. Watch was a beautiful piece but the strap was thin and hard like a wooden board, and of a color like baby poop! So I got me a nice $50 red Italian leather strap, put the original clasp on and had suddenly a 'million dollar " watch! 😂
The buyer insisted on sending him the original band. He'll be in for a big surprise.
Changing straps is part of the fun of owning watches. I would definitely look at leather, rubber etc.
Nothing more deflating than a cheap grade strap on any watch. When I collected entry level vintage the seller had bags and bags of straps that he could fit onto the watches which sold for $50-$500 cad unless it was more special. I would take the watches to a watchmaker before looking for premium straps often better than the old watches but at least made a nice presentation. lol.
Great gift! Points to the princess. A good strap gives a watch a whole new look. Like us wearing new suits or new shoes. Love it and looks great on your wrist too.
No use having a watch you like married to a band you hate. For me a correctly sized, comfortable, and attractive band is a major factor in the overall watch wearing experience.
It is better a quality strap on a cheap watch than a cheap strap on a quality watch. I bought a few cheap straps in the past, don't regret because made me realize how bad a watch can be in a low quality strap.