Omega strap/bracelet help please!

[RicksAlfas]

I've chosen a watch to help me get over the fact I'm 40 next month.

What I can't decided is on the strap. The watch is available with either a Cordura strap with a very swish twin button deployment clasp:


or for £100 more a bracelet:


Now the problem is that I don't particularly like either the strap or the bracelet! I would much prefer a traditional black leather strap e.g. a Hirsch Modena or Heavy Calf.

As I understand it I could transfer the deployment clasp off the Cordura strap onto a leather one which would be great. Does that sound feasible?

Or should I go for the bracelet and just buy a Hirsch strap and buckle? I would only do this for possible future trade in benefits as I don't think I would ever wear it on the bracelet. It's just not my cup of tea.

Any pointers would be gratefully received!

[Podie]

Buy the bracelet version. Straps are easy to source, bracelets aren't cheap....

[Podie]

Oh, and speak to PHer Dominic H - usually gets you a good deal.

[Teebs]

I picked up the bracelet version of that watch last year from Dom H.

Cracking watch.

[andy tims]

Podie said:

Buy the bracelet version. Straps are easy to source, bracelets aren't cheap....

Podie said:

Oh, and speak to PHer Dominic H - usually gets you a good deal.

This x 2

[RicksAlfas]

Thanks chaps. I thought you'd say that!
The only thing I was surprised at is how expensive the Omega strap and clasp are. The AD I spoke to reckoned there was only about £50 difference between buying the strap watch and then buying a bracelet OR buying the bracelet watch and then buying the Omega strap and clasp. That clasp really was a work of art, and if I buy the bracelet watch and just stick an aftermarket strap on I won't get that Omega clasp.


I'm certainly going to drop Dom a line, but I want to get my story straight first and then I'm not messing him about.

[Podie]

I have an Omega clasp on my Railmaster. They are very nice.

It really does depend if it's a keeper or not. I've never sell the Railmaster, so went for the strap. With other watches I've gone for the bracelets and bought straps later if I felt like a change.

[RicksAlfas]

It'll be a keeper so I think I'll get the strap option and then use the clasp on a Hirsch (or similar).

[GC8]

Id always buy a new watch on a bracelet. Id then buy the leather strap that suited me, probably for around £50 (each time, as straps seldom last) and keep the bracelet for when I fancied a change.

[JAM35F]

Buy it on the bracelet and then if you really don't want it sell it on as mint and unused. I bet you will get a fair chunk of cash for it, easily enough for buying the clasp you want with change.

Have a search and see what a new bracelet is worth before committing.

I did this on a much smaller/cheaper scale with a seiko orange monster, sold the bracelet on unused straight away and got £40 for it. On a £120 watch that is quite a saving. £80 for a monster, bargain.

[clockworks]

I too would buy it on the bracelet, and source my own strap. You can get a perfectly serviceable leather strap for very little money.
I've got a very nice Zenith el Primero Chronomaster Moonphase, which I wear on a strap that cost me £1.50 from Cousins. I replaced the standard buckle with a stainless deployent clasp, also from Cousins, for less than a fiver.
If you want something more upmarket, Hirsch do some nice "dress" straps for about £25, or there's always the option of a custom strap from Toshi.

Watch manufacturer's prices for leather straps and buckles are just crazy.

[Hoofy]

That is a lovely watch. As above, get it on a bracelet, replace the bracelet with the strap of your choice. When you sell it, the bracelet will be pristine and help with the resale.

[RicksAlfas]

Thanks all.


The thing is the Omega deployment clasp is a thing of beauty, and is about £200 in it's own right. If I get the bracelet and replace it with an aftermarket strap I won't get that lovely Omega clasp. If I get the bracelet and then buy the clasp aftwerwards I've spent another £300 (£100 extra for bracelet watch, £200 for clasp) which I don't really want to do, and I know I'll never wear it on the bracelet as it's just not me.

My only concern is getting an aftermarket strap to fit the Omega clasp, but these guys have done it:
http://forums.watchuseek.com/f20/omega-deployant-c...

[Hoofy]

Providing you get the right strap, I can't see why the deployant won't fit.