Bracelet and Strap Options - Part 2: Field Watch
This Columbia field watch has been with me since 2006 (if my memory serves me correctly). It was a gift from my ex-parents-in-law for my birthday.
Parted ways with my ex 2 years after that, but still wore this watch. It was the only one I had at that time (again, if my memory serves me correctly hehe).
In 2019, I decided not to change out the battery anymore. Its lollipop seconds hand had come out, the date wheel was not turning, the crown was a bit loose, and the custom-made leather strap I had gotten for it 4 years prior was depressing and stinky. I thought it was at the end of its life. So, I "buried" it in a small jewelry box.
But, in Feb 2022, I decided to resurrect it to be part of my collection. The watchmaker easily installed a new VJ-32 quartz movement, replaced the battery, and simply refitted the seconds hand. It's repair only took around 20 minutes to do. Voila! Currently, its running at -1s per 3 months, and is my peg when setting the time on my other watches.
This #columbia #fieldwatch has been with me these past 17 years, to so many places, events, situations, scenarios-- both good and not so good-- including all the memories that came with these. Since Feb 2022 however, I've added more memorable places, occasions, and events to its history, while getting it a number of straps along the way. Below are the suitable ones I got to its brass-like case, and classic olive green field-military style dial.
Regular NATOs
Perlon
MN Nylon
Leather NATO
Ribbed NATO
Nylon 2-piece Quick Release
Canvas
Abaca Fabric Style
Weaved Nylon
Braided Nylon
Braided Cotton NATO
Leather
Finding great straps for a valuable time piece is as important as the time piece itself. And for me, price is not a determining factor of its value. Each strap I got cost only between US$ 3 - 8. What matters is it looks cool on the watch, and fits comfortably on my wrist.
My Columbia field watch's history is part of my history-- my stories, and the many great lessons learned so far. It will continue being so whatever is left ahead, and each strap will be part of my history being made.
When a glorious sunset begins to descend, Bringing warm and lovely hues, Burnt orange, gold, dusky purple, Pink, mauve, and blue, No timepiece on earth, With all its sunburst, textures, and polish, Co...
Amazing watch brother enjoy
Amazing watch brother enjoy
Thank you, kind sir! 🍻
You're welcome, bud. It's my pleasure. 🍻
Ok…ok… this post is making me take photos of watches again… argh but I’m too lazy!! Ayos Pare! Pero kung ako yan pati yan relo na itapon ko na dahil galling sa ex hahaha!!!
Mine came on one of those leather and nylon military straps. And it has stopped working less than a year after a battery change. Yours is in better shape with the new movement.
Ok…ok… this post is making me take photos of watches again… argh but I’m too lazy!! Ayos Pare! Pero kung ako yan pati yan relo na itapon ko na dahil galling sa ex hahaha!!!
Hehehe... #hugotpamore 😜
Mine came on one of those leather and nylon military straps. And it has stopped working less than a year after a battery change. Yours is in better shape with the new movement.
Same here, mine came with a really nice leather 2-piece strap. And yes, it's performing well. Have you considered having its quartz movement changed? Most likely it's also powered by a similar VJ-32 movement. Mine cost $20 total (movement & service). Might be the resurrection too of yours. 😉
Same here, mine came with a really nice leather 2-piece strap. And yes, it's performing well. Have you considered having its quartz movement changed? Most likely it's also powered by a similar VJ-32 movement. Mine cost $20 total (movement & service). Might be the resurrection too of yours. 😉
I will try a new battery for the short term. I don't wear it much, so it is more sentimental than anything else.
Congrats on getting this cool watch back in the rotation. I'm curious about the manufacturer of the watch- assuming Columbia was a catalog company, I'm wondering if Seiko (or other mfg) private labeled that watch for them. The VJ-32 is a Seiko movement, right?
B-T-W I like the watch on those NATO straps but you simply must try a brushed mesh on it.
Congrats on getting this cool watch back in the rotation. I'm curious about the manufacturer of the watch- assuming Columbia was a catalog company, I'm wondering if Seiko (or other mfg) private labeled that watch for them. The VJ-32 is a Seiko movement, right?
B-T-W I like the watch on those NATO straps but you simply must try a brushed mesh on it.
Thank you, John. 🍻 Re. the manufacturer, I've also wondered a similar thing. I was initially thinking that they had their watches designed probably internally, or outsourced within the US. But then they asked a 3rd party manufacturer from China to manufacture the bespoke designs, and assemble them using reliable movements like the Seiko VJ-32. But you're insight is most likely right.
Re. the brushed mesh, I'm not aware what that looks like. Do you have a sample photo?
Thank you, John. 🍻 Re. the manufacturer, I've also wondered a similar thing. I was initially thinking that they had their watches designed probably internally, or outsourced within the US. But then they asked a 3rd party manufacturer from China to manufacture the bespoke designs, and assemble them using reliable movements like the Seiko VJ-32. But you're insight is most likely right.
Re. the brushed mesh, I'm not aware what that looks like. Do you have a sample photo?
Perhaps something like this....
https://assets.suredone.com/2509/media-photos/797636-1-18mm-20mm22mm24mm-shark-mesh-4mm-thick-steel-watch-band-bracelet-for-breitling-743251637.jpg
I enjoy the look of 90s early 2000s field watches
They were quite unique, weren't they? 🍻
Perhaps something like this....
https://assets.suredone.com/2509/media-photos/797636-1-18mm-20mm22mm24mm-shark-mesh-4mm-thick-steel-watch-band-bracelet-for-breitling-743251637.jpg
Thanks for the photo and link, bud! 💯 I noticed though that most shark mesh bracelets are usually stainless steel/ silver in color. My Columbia field watch has a brass-like color or patina, and I'm not sure the colors will match or even complement. The mesh above seems more suited for polished stainless steel cases like these...
Thoughts?
Thanks for the photo and link, bud! 💯 I noticed though that most shark mesh bracelets are usually stainless steel/ silver in color. My Columbia field watch has a brass-like color or patina, and I'm not sure the colors will match or even complement. The mesh above seems more suited for polished stainless steel cases like these...
Thoughts?
It will take some time to search out but I have seen mesh in coloways that will work with your Columbia.
That Columbia is certainly a "strap monster" and looks like you can't go wrong when swapping out straps on it.
Great photos and article...thanks for sharing!
I double-checked and not sure you saw this previous post...may help you find some more strap options...
What are your favorite vendors for Watch Straps? | WatchCrunch
It will take some time to search out but I have seen mesh in coloways that will work with your Columbia.
Cool. 😎 Will put on my sleuthing skills to work. Thanks, John!
That Columbia is certainly a "strap monster" and looks like you can't go wrong when swapping out straps on it.
Great photos and article...thanks for sharing!
I double-checked and not sure you saw this previous post...may help you find some more strap options...
What are your favorite vendors for Watch Straps? | WatchCrunch
Thanks, man, and you're welcome! 🍻 So true, field watches with the classic olive green dial can wear a good number of earth-colored or complementary straps. Thanks too, for the list of strap vendors! 🥳 Will check them out. It'll surely also help my buddy @Fieldwalker find some for his Seiko Alpinist Ginza edition.
Thank you, kind sir! 🍻
🙇🏾
Columbia is a great company, Gert Boyle was a BadAss! This watch has a very Columbia feel to me. If she was giving watch strap advice it would sound like this. There's No Bad Weather, Just Bad Watch Strap Choices!
Columbia is a great company, Gert Boyle was a BadAss! This watch has a very Columbia feel to me. If she was giving watch strap advice it would sound like this. There's No Bad Weather, Just Bad Watch Strap Choices!
BadAss Momma! 💪 Making me appreciate my Columbia field watch even more. It does look like it has its own unique Columbia DNA indeed. I hope my watch strap choices passed her test. 😉 Thanks for the compliments as always, my friend!
I’m going to go give my busted Orient Ray 1 a hug. Very cool watch! Stories like this are what I live about this hobby. What a cool watch to bring back to life! Looks great on so many straps. Thanks for sharing this with us. Great photos too!
Thanks, bud! It is indeed a cool watch. 😎 Its unique late 90s to early 2000s design is equally iconic.
Glad my story ignited again your love for your Orient Ray. That surely is a strap monster too! I'm coming out with Part 3 of this series, and it's all about my Seiko 5 diver. It might give you lots of ideas to go with. Here's a peek...
Cheers! 🍻