MoT's WDF

Backstory...bought this Tissot PR50 auto about 20 years ago when I took my first trip to Europe. I spent a couple of days in Geneva and this is what I picked up as my first "nice" watch. Been a watch fan for many years prior, but mostly collected and wore vintage watches.

[img][/img]

This has seen plenty of wrist time over the years. But as I've moved back more into current production watches lately, finding I'm wearing it less and less. I have no plans of ever getting rid of it, but thinking maybe a new strap could freshen it up a bit. The bracelet is nice enough and quite comfortable, but maybe a leather strap could also add a little bit of color.

[img][/img]
[img][/img]

Here's my wishlist:
1) No silicone, no rubber, no NATO, no Zulu.
2) No black or brown leather preferred
3) No exotic embossing (alligator, lizard, etc)
4) 18mm lug width, so that narrows things down a bit
5) Ideally, no more than $30-40

Anyone got any suggestions?

I'm a big fan of Andrea of Martu Leathers. I think she has made eight for me, all bespoke straps.

She will make a smooth leather strap to your specs for $40.

Don't be in a hurry, though: Normally it takes several weeks for a strap to arrive to me on the US west coast.

How about a G&Co. for 40% off? Plenty of color options in 18mm. None over $25 with current promo.

[img]https://static.wixstatic.com/media/cfa0 ... s_4_2.webp[/img]
https://www.gandcostraps.com/product-pa ... -20mm-22mm

[img]https://static.wixstatic.com/media/cfa0 ... 0_s_2.webp[/img]
https://www.gandcostraps.com/product-pa ... -20mm-22mm

[img]https://static.wixstatic.com/media/cfa0 ... s_4_2.webp[/img]
https://www.gandcostraps.com/product-pa ... -20mm-22mm

Boourns wrote: ↑Fri Feb 22, 2019 8:56 am How about a G&Co. for 40% off? Plenty of color options in 18mm. None over $25 with current promo.

I have been looking at G&Co since the deal was posted, but haven't found anything that really caught my eye.
I try to avoid suede, as I tend to sweat.
And didn't care for the look of the stitching on some others options.

The one I gravitated towards the most wasn't in stock in 18mm
[img][/img]

This other one piqued my interest, but not completely sold on if the colors would work with the Tissot and on my wrist.
And I don't like the black buckle.
[img][/img]

Why pay $22, when you can buy the same strap for under $5? AliExpress on the bottom one.

I found the other one from the same seller on there, too, but no blue version. I bet other sellers probably have it if you look around.

I have one of these Barton Espresso Leather straps that I think looks great with a silver dial watch but I know you're hoping to avoid brown leather so maybe the blue or red leather would work.

https://www.bartonwatchbands.com/collec ... atch-bands

[img][/img]

Over in the "Show off your collection" thread they were discussing tweed herringbone straps. I think that could work as well.



https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/ ... opping-ads

[img]https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0146/ ... 1484097175[/img]

Both pics stolen from the web.

yinzburgher wrote: ↑Tue Mar 05, 2019 10:54 am I have one of these Barton Espresso Leather straps that I think looks great with a silver dial watch but I know you're hoping to avoid brown leather so maybe the blue or red leather would work.

https://www.bartonwatchbands.com/collec ... atch-bands

[img][/img]

Over in the "Show off your collection" thread they were discussing tweed herringbone straps. I think that could work as well.



https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/ ... opping-ads

[img]https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0146/ ... 1484097175[/img]

Both pics stolen from the web.

Hadn't really considered canvas, as that just makes me think NATO.
But that might be an area to explore.
Thanks!

yinzburgher wrote: ↑Tue Mar 05, 2019 10:54 am I have one of these Barton Espresso Leather straps that I think looks great with a silver dial watch but I know you're hoping to avoid brown leather so maybe the blue or red leather would work.

https://www.bartonwatchbands.com/collec ... atch-bands

Over in the "Show off your collection" thread they were discussing tweed herringbone straps. I think that could work as well.

https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/ ... opping-ads

[img]https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0146/ ... 1484097175[/img]

Both pics stolen from the web.

That tweed strap looks awesome.

On suggestion from yinzburgher, I went ahead and ordered a tweed herringbone strap.
I like it a lot.

[img][/img]
[img][/img]

Will likely remain on the hunt for other options, but this is a good look.

For the record, have been in communication with Andrea from Martu.
But nothing she has in stock now piques my interest so she is supposed to get back to me when she finds something interesting from her leather supplier.

TheJohnP wrote: ↑Thu Mar 14, 2019 12:30 pm On suggestion from yinzburgher, I went ahead and ordered a tweed herringbone strap.
I like it a lot.

[img][/img]
[img][/img]

Will likely remain on the hunt for other options, but this is a good look.

For the record, have been in communication with Andrea from Martu.
But nothing she has in stock now piques my interest so she is supposed to get back to me when she finds something interesting from her leather supplier.

Nice. Did you get the one from Amazon?

yinzburgher wrote: ↑Thu Mar 14, 2019 12:49 pm
Nice. Did you get the one from Amazon?

I certainly did.
Thanks for the suggestion and link!

Moving this question to this thread, so WRUW can stay more on topic.

quincas wrote: ↑Thu Mar 14, 2019 3:09 pm Thanks for sharing. [emoji106]

How’s the quality of the strap and buckle? Surely better than the tool?

For the price, quality seems really good.
Fabric is nice and not scratchy. Leather backing...well we'll see how it holds up for the long haul.
Buckle is OK, no complaints.
Overall it is pretty stiff. Then again it is brand new and a thick fabric weave.

Here's some more pictures of the back, side, and buckle.

[img][/img]
[img][/img]
[img][/img]
[img][/img]

The fabric looks like it has a lot of loose threads..does it seem durable?

Kind of wait and see how it holds up.
I am not particularly concerned with some fraying. You don't really notice it on wrist.
At least I don't.

Nice find. I like changing straps a lot. It looks unique and quality seems fine enough. Sometimes, it's just same lot of fun searching for strap deals like watches. And with far less money, you can enjoy a *new* watch. I find it the strap is little bit cheaper in aliexpress in my case. Will definitely try out. And that's what I love this forum, I learn every day. And I have to say, the posts here are more refined and stick to the point here than *the other forum* and that's a good thing. Thank you.