Had the adapter for my CasiOak turn up a short while ago and fitted it, pretty easy really, it just fits into the space where the original strap went with a couple of springbars, with a couple more 22mm ones which the strap has as captive fittings. It’s a lot softer than the plastic one, and it’s going to be a lot less sweaty in warmer weather. The strap’s a cheap version of the Apple Watch Ultimate Alpine one.
Looks good on that strap Countzero. Orange is always a good colour on watches….says the man wearing this today….
Ha! Nice one, recognised that straight away, before I spotted the ‘Nite…’ on the strap. Having worn the CasiOak with that strap on all afternoon, gotta say it’s brilliant! It’s barely noticeable on my arm, the watch is very light obviously, and that strap is also very light and soft and barely noticeable, I think it’s going to be my everyday watch, tbh.
There’s one more mod on its way, it’s possible to take the back off and swap the hour marker ring for different coloured ones, and I’ve got a fully lumed one coming from SKXMods, so I can change it over and not worry about the guarantee. 😁
I elevated my collection a tad after I spotted a bargain King Samurai…
Shown with my prior / sized bracelet and the Clockwork Republic integrated FKM strap. The “new” unsized bracelet is on the prior Samurai shortly to be in the classifieds.
Not 100% on the cyclops, I might remove it in the future.
I'd keep the original bracelet with it's watch. The proper set will be worth more if you come to sell that in future. Tend to agree with you about cyclops' - but that would also hit the resale if you're bothered. The circular cyclops on my mini-turtle offends me less than the squircle ones though.
Nice watch BTW.
Thanks tthew. The extra “shiny” or dial pattern doesn’t come across in the photos well. The two bracelets are the same btw, so as far as the new owner is concerned the older Watch will come with an unsized bracelet, which I felt added to saleability.
The Samuarai is now in the classifieds 🥺
Mrs Scape has booked a trip to the sort of destination where I wouldn't want to wear too flash a watch, so it was the ideal opportunity to treat myself to a budget beater, Kryton's Baltany caught my eye but I fancied the quartz "Dirty Dozen" homage
Strap it came with was a lurid tan thing, so a quick eBay purchase sees it looking a bit more wearable
Looks well. I use the Sinn 556i for the same purpose as you’ve just picked that up for, flies well under the radar. Fancied it on a dark brown leather as well, will give one a go.
Good to see Baltany gaining a few fans.
I replaced the original strap on mine for a Hirsch Kent in deep blue. Sets the face off nicely.
This is the automatic retro military:
Got a bit of a steal on eBay, you don’t see many of these in the UK.
It’s a bit battered and will need new glass, a service and some delicate touching up on the bezel damage.
Finally got round to cracking it open to give the glass a clean, then a little polish to the face of the glass.
Awaiting quotes for glass replacement, but pretty happy it's cleaned up well.
This I like....
Very nice!
This turned up on my Twitter feed on the wrist of @ChowdahHill - he's got a large boat with a lot of aircraft on it so this chunky watch is definitely appropriate.
@TheArtistFormerlyKnownAsSTR I've just bought one of those. Not sure why. I don't need yet another Seiko but I haven't had a watch for a bit and still can't get my grail watch for sensible £'s.
@Scapegoat - I really like the Balthany ‘Dirty Dozen’ especially with that strap on, that should wear in and develop a very nice patina, and become nice and soft as well. I also like the modified ‘sword’ hands and the style of the numerals, nicely 20/30’s-style retro.
A very simple and elegant design. 👌🏻
A very simple and elegant design.
It is nice and simple. I like what Baltany are doing. I was also smitten with the one derek_starship posted above, but as I already have a Hamilton Khaki Field.........
Mine is the 39mm quartz with the blue face. It is very much a blue/black rather than anything shimmery, and only really looks blue in certain lights. The overall effect is that it's muted but the yellow hands make it pop. I thought it looked OK in the photos with the standard tan brown strap, but in the flesh it just looked tacky. I'm tempted to try a canvas nato on it, but can't decide what colour.
Scapegoet you’ve seen mine above with the olive nato. I tried a black one but it didnt look quite right, but also a black sailcloth/fkm hybrid with cream stitching that looks good.
Countzeros words pain me, mine came with a dark brown leather strap which I really like on it it, but becuase in my head it’s not for water and therefore doesn’t represent true grab & go utility I don’t use it. Maybe I’m bit a bit soft in the head.
Totally with you there Kryton! I have a big thing about divers with leather straps. It's like seeing a Land Rover with huge low profile wheels - oxymoronic*
*totally a personal hangup
I picked up one of SPB255 black series back in spring last year.
Its currently in major rotation, love it.
What all photos and reviews fail to mention is that whilst the dial appears satin/matt black, it's actually has a dark bronze sunburst effect on it in the right light.
Here it is on a Wolbrook tropic strap.
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I've never really been onboard with the leather isn't for water thing, it's not like it's not used in other products which are designed for harsh treatment in wet conditions - walking boots etc.
It looks a bit weird but only because it's not the norm and the only reason it's not the norm is because... reasons?
@relapsed_mandalorian I have a couple of nixon watches that need new glass...wondered where you were getting your nixon done?
That looks nice. Reasonably glad I bought one now. We'll see on Saturday when I get to mug the Postman...
They do seem quite pricey for a not very accurate auto but what do I know...?
Equally I'm not at home with leather straps and divers but I think a thick rugged, beat up looking leather strap really suits visually.. . Its also comfy..... its just the nob waterproofness. However all leather straps need care, sweat and dirt will kill a leather strap, a cheaper one in no time. Look after it with some leather conditioner after every sweaty wear, shower wear, pool wear, and it will last a lot lot longer.
I never use to like dlc/ black finish on watches but softened that view and then got my snr035 and blue really like it. Twohats' watch looks great.
Bringing those two comments together, my snr035, in the wrist since Christmas, is worn on a £20-30 thick and rugged looking brown leather and condition the strap regularly. So far so good. Although..... I do tend to take it off to shower at work unlike any other watch and that's me babying the strap.
I’ve never really been onboard with the leather isn’t for water thing, it’s not like it’s not used in other products which are designed for harsh treatment in wet conditions – walking boots etc.
It looks a bit weird but only because it’s not the norm and the only reason it’s not the norm is because… reasons?
I really don't like Divers on leather because it isn't the best product for the job on a tool watch. Using the leather boots analogy, they generally need a lot of work to keep them fit for purpose. Synthetic not so much.
A tropic on a diver always looks good.
That said, it's a free world and I don't get hung up on whatever others happen to like.
"sweat and dirt will kill a leather strap"
It might kill a shitty "genuine leather" dress watch strap, realistically it'll do next to nothing to a decent piece of leather, even with no/minimal care.
Look at all the other rugged applications leather is used for and then consider whether a watch strap is subject to harder use - leather motorbike kit, horse "stuff", military boots etc etc don't just fall apart.
I think this is another watch thing that a lot of people repeat but don't actually think through.
Better leather is... better of course! It all needs care though, neglect or abuse your horween leather product and see how it the goes.
It'll go fine, for years.
But if cared for with occasional cleaning and conditioning it will go on for ever.
But then I wouldn't need to buy a new one and where's the fun in that!?
Interesting debate. Of course I wouldn’t pick a leather strapped watch for diving into a pool with, but my particular case was of a beater with a not expensive strap. I might wear it, and if the strap deteriorates get another non expensive strap, but I’m struggling to see the cost /mental effort justification for a pick up and go beater. As I said, it could just be me though, and I do find the baltany strap nice to wear.
Aye, I'm more a metal and rubber fetishist than leather. I've an alligator jobbie on a Chronomat Evolution and it looks nice but I wouldn't want leather on something I wear a lot. I sweat for England and it wouldn't last 5 mins...
@relapsed_mandalorian I have a couple of nixon watches that need new glass…wondered where you were getting your nixon done?
@luckydog Just had a quote back from the Watch Lab, £100 for glass replacement, including a service and battery replacement. The other two were kind enough to reply and pointing out I didn't read their site closely, they only support certain brands.
Nixon quoted me £300, but thats because I think they were going to replace the whole watch.
I like that strap, classy and understated. 🤌
Hmm yes, its a bit more "smart casual" than the Nato. I guess this is the beauty of straps though, 5 mins effort an its on the Nato ready for more cumbersome use.
Still V impressed at these watches for the money.
Still V impressed at these watches for the money.
CWC styling for a fraction of the price, what's not to love? Got a good G10 issued watch vibe. Think I might have an old issue grey NATO strap somewhere.
@relapsed_mandalorian thanks - I'll contact them about mine...nixon still haven't replied
Here you go. Mine was the dark brown vintage calf leather one. It was 20mm with an 18mm buckle so the baltany signed buckle swapped over without fuss.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/str/belvederewatchstraps?_trksid=p4429486.m3561.l2563
Well this turned up a few minutes ago. Is this the new STW economy Seamaster fetish? Oh, and it's actually not very big but makes my wrist look like a pipe cleaner (tho I normally wear a Fenix Pro which is huuuuge)...
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