Convince Me: Vintage Rolex on Leather Straps

[Mike1066]

Gents:

Alright, I have to admit - I'm just not a fan of rolex on leather (specifically divers and GMTs). I just don't think it is natural. NATOs I get. And the original steel I obviously understand.

Now recently, it seems like leather straps are catching on and very popular with vintage Rolexes. Jedly, Tonez, and other sell some great leather straps from what I've heard. And the pictures are growing on me. But for some reason, I still just... can't.... convince myself.

I like the look - a faded, nicely stitched leather strap, Rolex buckle on a 1680 w/ faded insert. But I just know - if I pick one of these straps up, I'm afraid I'll go, "Leathers don't belong on Rolexes!?! What was I thinking!?!"

So, I'm asking you leather lovers out there - please convince me as to why I should take the plunge! Thanks guys!

V/R

Mike

[cruvon]

I love leather straps, adds a bit more variation and colour to an otherwise metal strapped vintage. Why not try a few, they don't cost a fortune relative to the watch anyways and you might end up loving them.

Have these 2 customs by Attila Aszodi which are more masculine in design and that sync to my taste but if don't want go this wild;), you could also try many standard variations in leather, endless possibilities and oppurtunity to bring out the creativity and personality in oneself!

[Dan Pierce]

Here's some amazingly comfortable Italian leather from Tonez.
dP

[Frogman4me]

I am hooked...

sorry for the Iphone pics

[jedly1]

i am slightly biased so i wont try to convince you but you aren't alone, mike wood is the same ......although i do have nice pic of him wearing a gilt PCG tropical on one of my suede's and he admitted he liked it ...which i recorded secretly :)

in all serious though for discussion..its important to remember that Rolex would option you one of their leathers on most of the sports models..this is particularly true in the South America area ..i have seen most subs and daytonas originally supplied on leather with zero bracelet wear .....but then if it doesn't look right to your eyes it just doesn't, pure and simple !!!

[Frogman4me]

Thanks Jed for the straps! They are so comfortable.

[pablofields]

I'm a big fan. It's a lot of fun to search for good combos

[Mike Wood]

Leather straps on Rolex Oysters is just sooo wrong...

If the Good Lord wanted us to wear our sporties on the skins of dead animals, he wouldn't have created a wide range of durable metal bands which fit perfectly and wear so comfortably on our wrists...

And as for photos of me wearing a GMT on leather... I have no recollection whatsoever after drinking a cup of funny tasting coffee last time I met up with Jed...

[cruvon]

Jed, can we please see those pics of Mike wearing the leather?:)

[romex]

Originally Posted by Dan Pierce

Here's some amazingly comfortable Italian leather from Tonez.
dP

that looks absolutely stunning

[Dan Pierce]

Originally Posted by romex

that looks absolutely stunning

Thanks, mate!
dP

[Keeperoftime]

16750

[RLX-lvr]

Here is mine from Jed.

[s4dan]

I love my vintage Rolex on leather Just gives it another great look...IMO.

[swish77]

It's all about mixing it up. Metal is still my No. 1 choice, but when I get a little bored I put one of these cool, beat-up looking straps on one of my vintage Rolexes, and voila! It's like getting a new acquisition. For you fashion types, there's something chic about these straps on a fine timepiece, like wearing old-school low-top sneakers with an Armani suit. Sometimes it works.

[AWS]

Originally Posted by Frogman4me

Thanks Jed for the straps! They are so comfortable.

I really enjoy mixing it up with the straps once in awhile. Nice pics David!

[slcbbrown]

My first love for Rolex is the metal bracelet, but for a few hundred $'s, you can own a pile of straps that let you change the look of your watch all sorts of ways. So, I've got more than a few straps.

I do find it kind of ridiculous that a company would sell a sport watch (particularly a dive watch) on leather-- take that PAM owners. But, I've got a 14060 with Etur's end pieces and that I wear with various straps.

[swish77]

Originally Posted by slcbbrown

My first love for Rolex is the metal bracelet, but for a few hundred $'s, you can own a pile of straps that let you change the look of your watch all sorts of ways. So, I've got more than a few straps.

I do find it kind of ridiculous that a company would sell a sport watch (particularly a dive watch) on leather-- take that PAM owners. But, I've got a 14060 with Etur's end pieces and that I wear with various straps.

I don't totally disagree, but keep in mind that all Panerai straps, including leather, are waterproof.

[Racer X]

...

[pablofields]

Originally Posted by Racer X

...

Especially dig that gold sub on brown strap!

[Mike1066]

WOW! This thread got a lot of reponses! I was expecting maybe one pic. You leather lovers really love your leather!

Those are some great straps. I especially love Frogman4Me's light, light vanilla tan strap. I think that may look "the business" on my 1665?

V/R

Mike

[lsavoldi]

5513 on a racing strap.

[Goiguidoc]

Dan, every time I see your watch with these beautiful end links I fall in love!

[jjkapsberger]

Mike1066: don't think. Do!

A vintage Sub on a leather strap is a very enjoyable presentation--classy, quiet. With a variety of straps you get a variety of looks to suit your mood. Lots o' fun.

ImageUploadedByTapatalk1340388254.304563.jpg
5512 III59 on Gunny G352 (Arrillo in Breitling style)

[Twsns]

Originally Posted by swish77

It's all about mixing it up. Metal is still my No. 1 choice, but when I get a little bored I put one of these cool, beat-up looking straps on one of my vintage Rolexes, and voila! It's like getting a new acquisition. For you fashion types, there's something chic about these straps on a fine timepiece, like wearing old-school low-top sneakers with an Armani suit. Sometimes it works.

Swish, where did you get that suede band? In NYC or from Jedly? I'm thinking about getting one for my 5513. Looks great on your 1680 BTW.

[RALAUstin]

I really like this leather Nato on my 1665, 1680 and 5513.

[JesusSandals]

I have to say I agree i don't like subs etc on leathers at all. However some of these in this thread do look great, vintage and leather is ok I guess!

[Dan Pierce]

Originally Posted by Goiguidoc

Dan, every time I see your watch with these beautiful end links I fall in love!

Thank you, Greg!
dP

[Beaumont Miller II]

Here is my Mk IV maxi with matching insert and strap:

[cruvon]

Wow, some beautiful straps here, love how different the watches look with every strap change!

Btw Dan, Jeff, where did you'll source those SS Rolex buckes from? Are they 16mm?