Question:
I lived for a time in Waltham, MA, where there once was a watch company of the same name.
After returning for a visit, I thought I'd look for an old Waltham watch on eBay. The outcome:
There's a small crack through the glass/crystal, the nickel or chrome plating has worn down on the sides, and it's made in Switzerland rather than Waltham, but I'm very happy w/ it for $15 incl. shipping. Since no straps came w/ it, I thought I'd use this as an opportunity to get a nylon or grosgrain strap. Centralwatch.com comes highly recommended here, and they offer 5 for $30 (vs. $15-30 for 1 elsewhere).
The only one I definitely want is this one (since it's my alma mater and current employer's colors):
I also plan to get the blue and white version of the above. Then I'm considering this one for fun:
But is it too much fun? For the remaining 2 or three, I'm thinking solids. Any recommendations?
I'd appreciate any opinion! Here's the link to the full selection:
http://www.centralwatch.com/watchsto...roducts_id=138
Answer:
I know I'm not answering your question but I don't think a NATO strap goes well with a classic vintage watch like this. You should get a brown calf strap or alligator IMO
Answer:
If I were to add three more, I would get the pink, white and black (#44) just for fun; the khaki woven (#60) for casual situations; and the dark brown (#68) for dressier occasions.
Answer:
I have #1, #5, #6, #37, and #46.
#1 is classic red,white, and blue.
#5 is probably the most versatile because blue and white go with everything.
You may want to look at #27 and/or solids. #33 might be nice too.
Answer:
I agree that the black and grey Bond strap doesn't go particularly well with that plain vintage watch but I think the more colorful straps would look nice with it.
Answer:
gdl203: That's an answer, and a good one. I've been on the lookout for a brown calfskin. What type of watch normally goes with a "Nato" type of band? An old Hamilton military type?
Bradford: I'm a big fan of pink ties, shirts -- even had pink converse all-stars as a kid in the 80's, but I'm not sure I'm secure enough to pull off a pink watch band... :) I do think I'll go w/ your rec. of the khaki woven (#60) and maybe the dark brown (#68), but I also like the browns of 82 and 83. I wonder what the diff between 68 and 83 is in person.
crazyquik: Do you like them? Are they durable? I think I'll go w/ 1 and 5. Thanks.
Cantabrigian: The one I posted is blue and grey, but it does look black and grey. What do you think about the blue and grey?
To summarize: so far I'm going w/ 1, 2, 5, and 60. Then another solid for the last one, either #64 (black ribbon) #68, #82, #83.
Does anyone (crazyquik?) know what makes the differences between the "woven," "nylon," and "ribbon" ones?
Answer:
Yes - I'd say military watches are the best candidates, but by extension most sports watches - including divers (e.g. Rolex Submariner or Seiko Monster types) - are a good match for those bands.
Re: calf straps, there are many styles and qualities at very different price points. I've generally been pretty happy with aftermarket straps sold by Walt at LoneStarWatches.com or Bob Davis (
http://www.mywatchmaker.net/watchstr...tchstraps.htm).
Answer:
re: calf straps, the OP missed out on TheWatchPrince 90% off sale on Hirsch bands on Thanksgiving weekend. :)
re: NATO on Seiko Monsters, I don't know. Finding a strap (no solid orange NATO, please) for the incoming Orange Monster was a big headache for me this past weekend. This is mostly due to the oversized bezel guard and/or the raised bezel.
Answer:
What about a blue/grey NATO ?
Answer:
^ Nice! ^
Answer:
Thanks for all the help guys.
I got the 1, 5, 7, 60, 64 and 67.5 (the one they had was between 67 and 68 in darkness). A bit of info for anyone considering this: The straps are very solid or durable looking (at least). Others here say the quality is good. They seem better than many others I've seen that cost much more money. 5 for $25 is their standard, but if you call they'll give you any # for $5 each, or at least $5 more for each additional one. I got 6. GREAT customer service. I'm very happy w/ them, w/ one disappointment: the #7, listed as navy and grey is actually black and grey, or so it seems to me.
Answer:
I may place an order myself. Any chance you can post pics?
Answer:
PS, 1. they're adjustable. You can slide the ribbon through the buckle and secure it where you want it. 2. This makes the buckles switchable (silver and gold colored).
3. They order them once every year or two and so if stock in a particular # runs out, they it may be 1-2 yrs before they get new supplies.
Answer:
Here you go, Hard2Fit (I've enjoyed your posts, btw):
I chose to wear the controversial bk&grey. Not too bad, imo, but navy/grey would have been better. Just spoke w/ them about it and was told that the supplier names it navy/grey and they just leave it at that though they agree that it looks more like black. It may be a midnight blue, maybe.
The solids are upside down to show the adjustable end.
The buckle's aren't great, but not bad for $5. If anyone knows a good-quality replacement buckle, pls. let me know.
m
Answer:
Thx! Also, that pic is very helpful as you ordered 3 of the 5 I intend to order.
