Amazing the Difference a Strap Makes
I bought my Sealander with the Tide Strap during the Christopher Ward sale last summer thinking I was finally scratching my Christopher Ward itch but when it arrived it never spoke to me.
No problem as I had also bought the bracelet during the same sale ... it still never spoke to me. Consequently. this watch has been collecting dust in the watch box for months.
I even went as far as to list it on eBay for sale. However, before it sold dug out this leather strap and gave it a try. Boom it was what I was looking for and made all the difference.
For me this strap added the rugged element I was looking for and I cancelled my eBay listing. The watch has gotten more wrist time this week than in all the months I owned it prior.
Has a simple strap change saved any watches in your collection? I was shocked as I tend to be a bracelet guy and typically don't like leather straps.
Collector of value watches, watch modder, and vintage watch tinkerer.
The C63 design is rugged yet refined enough to make most leather straps work.
My favourite combo is this:
Great combo!
A strap has never saved a watch from being sold in my end. I used to only wear leather straps, but have moved more towards bracelets and NATO straps. I‘m overdue for a nice leather strap though.
I bought this as an afterthought. I had it on a single pass NATO for the longest time. This style of case is usually comfortable. NATO straps are usually comfortable. It was only when I put it on leather that I enjoyed wearing it. Now the case wears as it should.
Your CW is on a sharp strap. The right strap makes a huge difference.
The C63 design is rugged yet refined enough to make most leather straps work.
My favourite combo is this:
That is a classy combo.
Great combo!
A strap has never saved a watch from being sold in my end. I used to only wear leather straps, but have moved more towards bracelets and NATO straps. I‘m overdue for a nice leather strap though.
I’m mostly on the same page. Could never find a leather strap I liked so always leaned towards bracelets or natos. I think my problem was that all my leather straps were cheap. This one was a bit more money and I can feel the difference.
That is a classy combo.
I think the C63 works well with a classic two stitch strap. It's my favourite style of leather strap, so I might be biased.
I bought this as an afterthought. I had it on a single pass NATO for the longest time. This style of case is usually comfortable. NATO straps are usually comfortable. It was only when I put it on leather that I enjoyed wearing it. Now the case wears as it should.
Your CW is on a sharp strap. The right strap makes a huge difference.
I like that combo I started looking on eBay for a vintage Raketa watch when you posted a picture of it on another post lol. I’m not sure why I always bought cheap leather straps before lesson learned lol
I think the C63 works well with a classic two stitch strap. It's my favourite style of leather strap, so I might be biased.
I have a Horween two stitch on route as I type this, I got it to try with my blue Vanbanner so got blue stitching. May need to order another if I like it.
I have a Horween two stitch on route as I type this, I got it to try with my blue Vanbanner so got blue stitching. May need to order another if I like it.
I haven't tried a Horween strap yet, I do a have a couple of Colareb straps though.
I purchased the green dial Sealander with the Vintage Oak (brown) leather strap from CW which I like very much. But I've found the watch also works well with an embossed dark green leather strap from Barton and the rubber strap shown below. All in all I find it to be a very versatile timepiece.
Now for the winter I prefer leather straps to bracelet. Besides, I love to try combinations with straps, until one clicks.
That C63 in black is a strap-monster, so try some and enjoy a new watch often.
I switched the strap on my SBGA407 from the more formal looking dark blue alligator strap it comes with to a dark blue suede strap. TOTALLY changed the look for me and I love it. It’s less formal and super comfortable. I think it’s the perfect fit.
My Citizen EcoDrive Chrono had an awful bracelet and it got zero wrist time. Now with a Mankey flexible strap it’s saved.
I switched the strap on my SBGA407 from the more formal looking dark blue alligator strap it comes with to a dark blue suede strap. TOTALLY changed the look for me and I love it. It’s less formal and super comfortable. I think it’s the perfect fit.
That is so much cooler looking than the alligator strap!
My Citizen EcoDrive Chrono had an awful bracelet and it got zero wrist time. Now with a Mankey flexible strap it’s saved.
I hear you on the Citizen Bracelets. I had a Black Hawk that felt like I was waxing my wrist it pulled so much hair. That is a nice stretch strap nice upgrade!
Agree completely on the right strap making the difference… also think new strap can completely change the look of a watch and breathe new life into it. It’s also far cheaper to buy some nice new straps then a new watch 😂
"Has a simple strap change saved any watches in your collection?"
In my experience, good-looking and matching straps and bracelets, have only made my humble collection more beloved. None needed saving. You just have to be open to try different kinds to see what fits.
Cheers and enjoy your newfound affection for your CW63! 🍻 Hope to see it in even more straps and bracelets.
"Has a simple strap change saved any watches in your collection?"
In my experience, good-looking and matching straps and bracelets, have only made my humble collection more beloved. None needed saving. You just have to be open to try different kinds to see what fits.
Cheers and enjoy your newfound affection for your CW63! 🍻 Hope to see it in even more straps and bracelets.
That last Seiko 5 picture on the Mesh makes me want to find a white dial Seiko 5!
That last Seiko 5 picture on the Mesh makes me want to find a white dial Seiko 5!
Go for it! 🍻 There are lots to choose from. Mine is the SNKL41. Quite versatile for many occasions, as you can see. 👍🏼
The Sealander is so versatile, looks great on black vintage leather, a bracelet and I can't wait to pop a black hybrid rubber strap on my blue faced example.