I know this is four years old, but it's timeless for watch addicts. I have watched your channel for the last few years and enjoyed each video I have seen. This one is fabulous for me at this time due to my search for a strap for a particular diver watch I have. Great content, well presented, and honest. But the comment needs to be made about how much work you put into this video! It must have taken hours to get all the straps, macro shots, different watches, textures, and colors! Awesome! Thanks for all your work and dedication. Ciao!
I would also recommend Barton Watch Bands, mainly the elite silicone rubber straps, they are very durable , confortable and have a variety of colors. They also have natos, leather natos, canvas, leather you name it, great quality.
@@maximofenn3202 Absolutely, I actually switched to a colareb venezia on one. But, those are like $50. The barton leather ones are really comfortable and look great. Still run it on my seiko chrono. Highly recommend it for the price.
@@kyoukotoshino5600 the barton leather is genuine leather which is the lowest quality leather you can get. stay away from anything genuine leather. you want full grain leather.
lol u guys are funny. That is indeed me. That was taken about a year ago and I still haven't had a haircut. You guys should see it now. I'll have to update the profile pic soon...
A month or so back this channel introduced me to the Seiko Alpiniste, which I managed to pick up at a good price - leaving me sufficient funds to invest in a better strap (as mentioned in TGV's review, the factory-supplied strap is not that great). A few weeks later and Colareb straps were featured in one of the Urban Gentry videos, and one of their Sienna straps now resides on the Seiko. The difference is incredible and really has transformed both how I feel about the watch and the amount of pleasure I get from wearing it - so once again, many thanks for the recommendations.
I used to only wear my watches on the original bracelets. Then after I found your channel a few years ago I bought a bond (the incorrect black and grey) NATO strap for one of my divers, then I bought a dark brown crocodile strap for my gold Seiko day/date to tone down the bling a bit, now I have all kinds of NATO's, crocodile, leather, and rubber straps. When I get a new watch the first thing I do is try a bunch of different straps on it. I even have bought a bunch of tools (case back, rolex case back, hand pusher/puller, press, vise,). My girlfriend says I have an addiction. I got my Vintage Tag Heuer 2000 the other day on a OEM rubber strap that was well worn, in the 3 days I've had it, it's been on 4 different straps. Found a nice brown leather rough grain strap with a stainless brushed buckle that matches the case perfectly. WK1112-0 silver dial. It's sharp. Cheers!
Love the Bonetto and the way the orange draws out the orange details in the Squale. The feature the strap has where you can create your own hole is something I hadn't seen before. Cool idea.
Great to see you on! Perfect video during these times to change up your watches for a “NEW” feel and excitement without shelling out hundreds if not thousands of dollars$$$. You rock, great ideas, keep it up TGV‼️👍
I like the choices the erikas strap give you. Her customer service was excellent when my straps got lost in the mail. Haveston straps are my favorite with their ww2 themed straps.
Excellent straps , I also like Barton straps they have a wide selection and are very reasonable priced . All their straps have the “quick release” spring bars imbedded into straps and they even give you two straps one shorter and one longer !
Changing straps frequently, especially the doddle of changing NATOs is one of the most fun aspects of becoming a watch guy. Even many people who do wear a watch everyday don´t bother to dress their watch corresponding to mood or attire.
Excellent topic! Plus one on Colareb and Holbens. I will also add Barton Bands, especially for their premium silicon straps and then Strapcode for their stainless steel bracelets.
Great review as always, thanks TGV. I hear what you’re saying about the authenticity of the elasticated NDC versus the Erika’s Original “homage” but the extensive choice of colours, lug widths, buckle finish choice and crucially, the fact that Erika’s tailor the band to your wrist size is a huge plus point in their favour for me. And they’ll add a flag of choice too, if that’s your thing!
Talk about coincidence - not only have I just bought 3 watches (including my first Seiko) for my diver collection, I'm hunting for new straps as well. I may try a "sailcloth" strap for a change and perhaps something from Colareb for my Black Bay. Great timing old chap, I'll be watching this with interest !
This was helpful, I'm obsessed with details in anything (my cross to bare) and that includes straps . There is so much junk out there, so proper navigation through the maze is cost saving in the long run ! Ciao
I tried Colared a few months ago, thanks to you, and now I'm absolutly fan of the brand ! This brand is amazing value for money. Kind regards from France, Hugo.
That’s a really lovely watch collection my good sir, and also a great video that gave me a few ideas. Thanks for the quality content you produce, it’s really something.
Love the video. I've been wearing NATO straps for years, and recently got into MNs. Just in case you didn't know, Erika's Originals offers a "vintage" series of straps that is also claimed to be made from rolls of NOS Marine Nationale elastic webbing, both yellow stripe and red stripe variant. I have one each of their newly-made "Original" straps and NOS "Vintage" straps, and it's easy enough to tell that the weave pattern and even the coloration are slightly different, so I believe the Vintage is truly military surplus material. Decent enough excuse to get another watch and an NDC strap to go with it in order to compare and contrast!
Im thinking of replacing the straps on my Casio Duro and one of my Timex Expeditions. Don't hate either strap they have currently but I think both would look great on leather straps.
I wish what this mans expertises were mine and I could forget about slaving for a living. But as he recognises, all of us are and can be collectors. His take on higher priced watches is quite enlightening.
A great strap follow-up to your “2016” video, bravo.. That Melange strap is a must. I personally love switching off my alligators & crocodiles occasionally, on my dress watches, with fine Holbens suede straps to restyle and extend their use for a bit less formal wear. Thank you once again.
My personal recommendation for another honorable mention: Used ISOFRANE straps. You can get them from around 50-75 and up, and they are definitely the best rubber dive straps.
tunokies yep ! They are quiet a bit thinner though and don't have the vanilla scent . The Customer service from Borealis is miles better than ISO , miles ;)
Based on strength of this video, I just pulled the trigger on a Hadley Roma Cordura in navy blue for my Citizen EcoDrive diver with a navy bezel and dial. You're a trusted source of excellent information. Thanks.
Raaaah!! Hi TGV and of course Hugo! Hope you are both well. Thank you for sharing another fascinating video. I recently purchased a mesh strap for my SKX013K2 off ebay. £25 delivered, a real bargain and I'm over the moon with it, but I will definitely be looking at these other alternatives in the near future as well. Thanks again for sharing your wisdom and knowledge. Take care sir and look forward to the next one. Ciao 👍🏻
Good evening TGV, watch strap tips are always welcome! Straps can change the character of a watch in an instant. Great choice of straps! The Yema is just a great piece! Have a great evening!
I may be committing an unwritten watch foul: with my NATO straps, I cut them to fit by using a penny to trace a curve; then I trim them with scissors & burn the edges...
I had never heard about this and i have nato straps but im used to tucking the extra length inside so it feels natural to me. Id be wasting money if i messed with my straps and the fit didn't turn out well.
A foul would be hacking the end off with a blunt knife and leaving it to fray! The penny trick is a good idea I’ve seen recommended before. Personally I just tuck the strap in though.
You are a true OG (original Gentry), I love it thank you Tom, I always appreciate the loyal support, it speaks volumes about you in such a fickle age unfortunately. Onwards and upwards! Best regards, TGV
@@theurbangentry thanks Tristano content now is great, but I still like the early days of the channel to look for some great recommendations 😄. Onwards and upwards my friend and stay healthy
TGV, Based on your recommendation, just installed my black Crafter Blue rubber strap on Seiko SKX , and have to say , it's likely the most comfortable bands I've ever worn. Thanks for recommendation!
I own a legendary Citizen watch with a 24mm lug width and I love it. It makes the watch to bracelet or strap connection feel so stable. Just the opposite of how a big, heavy watch feels on a narrow bracelet.
Another great informative and entertaining video. I did go to the Holden’s website after viewing this video. Very nice straps. Had never heard of this company until watching your video. Oh, I did follow Hugo’s instruction and hit that liked button. TGV I’ve purchased several Blue Shark straps and have been pleased with all of them. Stay safe, stay well.
I have so many straps laying around from buying for a specific watch and then not quite being satisfied. You have some great picks here and I also like Haveston straps.
Brilliant video as always TGV! Not sure if anyone's mentioned him but Nick Mankey Designs deserves such praise for his Hook Straps. They're probably my favourite fabric strap, and I've tried them all. I strongly recommend you take a look if you want a cross between a Marine Nationale and a NATO. Plenty of love from Canada!
And just like that I've ordered 4 new watch straps. Thanks for the recommendations TGV. I can't wait to breath a little new life in my collection without spending big money. I would like to mention Watchgecko. I've bought several handmade leather straps and NATO's from them, and I think the quality for the price is pretty good. Looking forward to the next one. Regards, Koen
I’ve always loved Colareb. Great addition to any watch. And I think that was Philadelphia’s bravest (fire dept) in the background! Stupendous job as always.
Hi TGV. Great video! Thanks for continuing to post such great content. I know you made this video a very long time ago, but I wanted to know the make and model of the dress watch that you showed with the Hirsch lizard grain style strap. It's skeletonized and shown at 18:01. It's a beautiful watch that caught my eye and was hoping that I could track it down. Thanks in advance and keep the great content coming! We appreciate it!
Could you do a Top-List about your favourite strapmonster watches? I Love those kind of watches as they feel like a new watch every time you change the strap and still look awesome! Greetings from Germany
The Colareb straps are just awesome. Recently I purchased a strip strap. I love the quality. I have a lot of colareb straps now. :) Thank you for your tip years ago, TGV! Greetings, Sebastian
I have nato straps and already have some cool rubber straps for my casio mdva which you had reviewed and that got me into starting my first watch collection. Already planning on buying my first Cartier Santos in Gold anyways so i love watching your videos and you provide so much information for beginners and advanced watch collectors. Love you TGV #nohomo 🤣🤣🤘🤘🤘
Cool to hear a shout out to cheapestnatostraps. I went and bought five straps to keep them open. I saw the IG post saying that they needed sales or else they would be forced to close.
Great, excellent. I have a couple of Citizens with leather straps but they are too short for me. So I need a quality strap leather or rubber, so thanks so much for the leads. In this time of doom and gloom, I really enjoy your channel, thank you again.
Have you looked at Haglund’s nato straps? Each hole is stitched so won’t tear, and silky to touch. Keepers are nicely polished too so give a nice glint underwater... Thought I’d mention... TBH!
Hi TGV, love your contents. Because of you, i've rekindled my love for mechanical watches, for that I thank you good sir. By the way, can you please create a spin-off session with Hugo reviewing watches? Would love to see that..thanks again. Onwards and Upwards!
Another awesome video. You had me intrigued with the Dan Henry. So I went to his web site and ordered the 1979 compressor diver Love the look of the vintage diver. Could you do a review of the 1970 diver? That would be great to see. The Oris 1965 is my favorite vintage inspired dive watch. I'm very excited to get it in my hands to check it out. Thanks for the great videos TGV.
I ordered some NATOs from Wrist Candy Watch Club, actually kudos to your design, most of the NATOs I purchased were colorways designed by you, TGV! I was somewhat surprised that you didn't mention WCWC NATOs here in this video since you did design those, but I suppose here you are preferring the real McCoy providence of the Phoenix NATOs. But I really like your NATO designs, especially the SOE and El Alamein!
Cracking video mate. Some very nice straps and some extremely nice watches. As mentioned on a previous video many moons ago love your AP. I know it's not the same model but reminds me of Bill Murrays in Scrooged. Stunning ⌚😍. O&U sir
The Rios1931 on the 411 caught my eye. Decided to be conservative though and ordered that strap in black to put on my 411. Well TGV, first I buy the 411 in January 2019 after watching your review of it and now I've ordered a strap after seeing one on yours 😂
...really enjoyed this TGV...i like the BluShark silicone straps, also Barton in a pinch...i've given-up on Nato straps and always having an uneven/unfinished/unacceptale mess when i inevitably have to cut it to shorten it since they're all issued stock in 17' lengths for some reason...love the AP on original strap,feel a quality, original signed-strap,while still wearable, adds to weight and gravitas of quality watch...i tend to like Hadley-Roma for quality tool and tactical daily straps, and Hirsch for quality dress and exotics...would love a piece on your best/personal practices re: when/why you swap-out a strap...what dictates choices for any single watch...why strap-over- bracelet or vice-versa...and best/interesting/tasty choices for daily,short and long-term storage...i know similarly you've touched on some of these in the past, would love fresh up-look...
Now that they are more established than 2 years ago: Lorier Nato and Regimental options are also quite good, but come in 20mm only. On the plus side, they are very affordable and you can order them with a spring bar tool fitting their watches (albeit, not Rolex, their springbar access is legendarily finicky).
Most of my watches are on Crown & Buckle chevron style straps...they are the bees knees!! I used Watchbox to purchase my first foray into lower level luxury by purchasing a watch I have been desiring for a long time...an Oris Divers 65. Watchbox was really cool to work with and I was able to get the watch for $100 less than the listed price!
Great to see some strap reviews. A couple there I'll be checking out. Personally I've been hunting for high quality single pass NATO style straps, and have bought a Crown & Buckle Chevron adjustable single pass strap, which I have to say is fantastic quality. I'm not that enamoured with seatbelt NATOs so the weave of the Chevrons appeals to me, and they are stitched at the end rather than heat sealed. Quite similar to Tudor NATOs but a lot more affordable and obtainable.
WOAH very impressive straps, I love the very last strap you show ,for your Benrus, very cool indeed, looks very comfortable, ones again very helpful, time to shop 👍🏼👍🏼
Holy smokes this video is now a year old! I'd really like to see a video about strap etiquette (what you can match, what you shouldn't match and why, and when of course) Side note, I'm so close to buying the Superman but can't really get over the 19mm lugs. All the best André
Excuse the mess? You mean, "Don't drool on my watches!" Nice variety of straps pictured. I'm basically trapped in a world on Bond NATOs, black leather, and silver bracelets. I'll try harder. Carry On TVG.
Just bought a seiko snzg15 and a couple of Barton leather and sailcloth straps. Can’t wait for the straps to come in because the one that came with the seiko is rough af and is scratching my wrist up.
I never thought I’d get excited about somebody talking about watch straps, but here I am. Great vid.
I know this is four years old, but it's timeless for watch addicts. I have watched your channel for the last few years and enjoyed each video I have seen. This one is fabulous for me at this time due to my search for a strap for a particular diver watch I have. Great content, well presented, and honest. But the comment needs to be made about how much work you put into this video! It must have taken hours to get all the straps, macro shots, different watches, textures, and colors! Awesome! Thanks for all your work and dedication. Ciao!
I would also recommend Barton Watch Bands, mainly the elite silicone rubber straps, they are very durable , confortable and have a variety of colors. They also have natos, leather natos, canvas, leather you name it, great quality.
Got a leather one on my sun & moon 3. Very good looking band
Barton should have made the cut, ry good quality straps, specially the elite silicone ones..!
@@kyoukotoshino5600 the leather is good? I’m considering buying one
@@maximofenn3202
Absolutely, I actually switched to a colareb venezia on one. But, those are like $50. The barton leather ones are really comfortable and look great. Still run it on my seiko chrono. Highly recommend it for the price.
@@kyoukotoshino5600 the barton leather is genuine leather which is the lowest quality leather you can get. stay away from anything genuine leather. you want full grain leather.
I wish I Cared about anything as much as this dude loves watches
IDK man if that is really your profile pic I'd say you doing a good job keeping those locks luxurious. I mean, that stuff would make Rapunzel envious.
Hahah Rapunzel-Luke 😅
What's it like to have a full head of hair lol. Care about that.
lol u guys are funny. That is indeed me. That was taken about a year ago and I still haven't had a haircut. You guys should see it now. I'll have to update the profile pic soon...
@@LukeVisinoni how do I know if the profile pic is the updated one?
the blend of your voice, accent and background music is seriously calming
I personally love crown and buckle. They have great customer service and different NATO straps in different quality ranges
A month or so back this channel introduced me to the Seiko Alpiniste, which I managed to pick up at a good price - leaving me sufficient funds to invest in a better strap (as mentioned in TGV's review, the factory-supplied strap is not that great). A few weeks later and Colareb straps were featured in one of the Urban Gentry videos, and one of their Sienna straps now resides on the Seiko. The difference is incredible and really has transformed both how I feel about the watch and the amount of pleasure I get from wearing it - so once again, many thanks for the recommendations.
My stress levels dropped just watching a TGV video on watch straps. Thank you sir!
I used to only wear my watches on the original bracelets. Then after I found your channel a few years ago I bought a bond (the incorrect black and grey) NATO strap for one of my divers, then I bought a dark brown crocodile strap for my gold Seiko day/date to tone down the bling a bit, now I have all kinds of NATO's, crocodile, leather, and rubber straps. When I get a new watch the first thing I do is try a bunch of different straps on it. I even have bought a bunch of tools (case back, rolex case back, hand pusher/puller, press, vise,). My girlfriend says I have an addiction.
I got my Vintage Tag Heuer 2000 the other day on a OEM rubber strap that was well worn, in the 3 days I've had it, it's been on 4 different straps. Found a nice brown leather rough grain strap with a stainless brushed buckle that matches the case perfectly. WK1112-0 silver dial. It's sharp. Cheers!
Love the Bonetto and the way the orange draws out the orange details in the Squale. The feature the strap has where you can create your own hole is something I hadn't seen before. Cool idea.
Great to see you on! Perfect video during these times to change up your watches for a “NEW” feel and excitement without shelling out hundreds if not thousands of dollars$$$. You rock, great ideas, keep it up TGV‼️👍
I like the choices the erikas strap give you. Her customer service was excellent when my straps got lost in the mail. Haveston straps are my favorite with their ww2 themed straps.
they are amazing but too expensive imo
Excellent straps , I also like Barton straps they have a wide selection and are very reasonable priced . All their straps have the “quick release” spring bars imbedded into straps and they even give you two straps one shorter and one longer !
Ray Caroli did a “well aware” NATO on my first diver, a blue citizen pro master eco drive. Excellent beater combo.
Terrific survey of watch straps. Many thanks 🙏
Changing straps frequently, especially the doddle of changing NATOs is one of the most fun aspects of becoming a watch guy. Even many people who do wear a watch everyday don´t bother to dress their watch corresponding to mood or attire.
I could not agree more!
Excellent point my friend,
Thank you,
Best regards,
TGV
I agree... U have just 3 watches a casio a seiko and a citizen.... And i have 30 different straps 😁 it is like having 90 different watches hahaha
Why bother changing straps constantly? I'm perfectly satisfied with the strap I select for each watch.
Excellent topic! Plus one on Colareb and Holbens. I will also add Barton Bands, especially for their premium silicon straps and then Strapcode for their stainless steel bracelets.
Sir, you are a true watch guy 10/10 👌
Great review as always, thanks TGV. I hear what you’re saying about the authenticity of the elasticated NDC versus the Erika’s Original “homage” but the extensive choice of colours, lug widths, buckle finish choice and crucially, the fact that Erika’s tailor the band to your wrist size is a huge plus point in their favour for me. And they’ll add a flag of choice too, if that’s your thing!
Was just watching a longislandwatch video and was thinking haven't seen a tgv video in a while. Here we go!!
Talk about coincidence - not only have I just bought 3 watches (including my first Seiko) for my diver collection, I'm hunting for new straps as well. I may try a "sailcloth" strap for a change and perhaps something from Colareb for my Black Bay. Great timing old chap, I'll be watching this with interest !
Love the Colareb Firenze I'm wearing one now in the same colour which I bought on TGV's recommendation and it was well worth it
Thank you, good sir. As a charter member of the strap-of-the-month club, I really appreciated your thorough review.
Lovely to hear from you EP!
Thank you my friend,
Best regards,
TGV
Love your watch channel! I bought a seiko, gshock, casio, guanquin, and tissot within 2 weeks, not mentioning the straps, after watching videos here.
This was helpful, I'm obsessed with details in anything (my cross to bare)
and that includes straps . There is so much junk out there, so proper navigation through the maze is cost saving in the long run ! Ciao
As someone new to watch collecting. And even though this is an old video, I have found it very informative. Thanks!
I really liked this video. It was enjoyable to see all the different watches with the different watch bands. good video.
I tried Colared a few months ago, thanks to you, and now I'm absolutly fan of the brand ! This brand is amazing value for money.
Kind regards from France,
Hugo.
That’s a really lovely watch collection my good sir, and also a great video that gave me a few ideas. Thanks for the quality content you produce, it’s really something.
Love the video. I've been wearing NATO straps for years, and recently got into MNs. Just in case you didn't know, Erika's Originals offers a "vintage" series of straps that is also claimed to be made from rolls of NOS Marine Nationale elastic webbing, both yellow stripe and red stripe variant. I have one each of their newly-made "Original" straps and NOS "Vintage" straps, and it's easy enough to tell that the weave pattern and even the coloration are slightly different, so I believe the Vintage is truly military surplus material. Decent enough excuse to get another watch and an NDC strap to go with it in order to compare and contrast!
Im thinking of replacing the straps on my Casio Duro and one of my Timex Expeditions. Don't hate either strap they have currently but I think both would look great on leather straps.
I wish what this mans expertises were mine and I could forget about slaving for a living. But as he recognises, all of us are and can be collectors. His take on higher priced watches is quite enlightening.
A great strap follow-up to your “2016” video, bravo.. That Melange strap is a must. I personally love switching off my alligators & crocodiles occasionally, on my dress watches, with fine Holbens suede straps to restyle and extend their use for a bit less formal wear. Thank you once again.
My personal recommendation for another honorable mention: Used ISOFRANE straps. You can get them from around 50-75 and up, and they are definitely the best rubber dive straps.
Or a new borealis ISO copy. Just as good IMO. I have both.
tunokies yep ! They are quiet a bit thinner though and don't have the vanilla scent . The Customer service from Borealis is miles better than ISO , miles ;)
Barton elite silicone watch straps are good especially the two tone colour combo ones.
I absolutely love Barton, I've purchased like 12 of them, the only problem is their "army green" is more a forest green and definitely not olive drab.
Based on strength of this video, I just pulled the trigger on a Hadley Roma Cordura in navy blue for my Citizen EcoDrive diver with a navy bezel and dial. You're a trusted source of excellent information. Thanks.
Great video, thinking about buying some straps to transform my watches so that I don’t get the urge to buy more timepieces 😂😂
Good thinking, it actually works, well for me, at least for a few days! lol
Thank you my friend,
Best regards,
TGV
Raaaah!! Hi TGV and of course Hugo! Hope you are both well. Thank you for sharing another fascinating video. I recently purchased a mesh strap for my SKX013K2 off ebay. £25 delivered, a real bargain and I'm over the moon with it, but I will definitely be looking at these other alternatives in the near future as well. Thanks again for sharing your wisdom and knowledge. Take care sir and look forward to the next one. Ciao 👍🏻
As Hugo wishes!!! The like is pressed! Love seeing your videos pop up on my phone, and stay safe!!!
What brand is this watch at 18:05? Looked grat with the lizard strap :D
Good evening TGV, watch strap tips are always welcome! Straps can change the character of a watch in an instant. Great choice of straps! The Yema is just a great piece! Have a great evening!
Didn’t even finish the video and I bought the rubber strap for the SKX. Great recommendations! Thank you so much.
I may be committing an unwritten watch foul: with my NATO straps, I cut them to fit by using a penny to trace a curve; then I trim them with scissors & burn the edges...
I had never heard about this and i have nato straps but im used to tucking the extra length inside so it feels natural to me. Id be wasting money if i messed with my straps and the fit didn't turn out well.
That’s not a foul, that’s smart. 👍
A foul would be hacking the end off with a blunt knife and leaving it to fray! The penny trick is a good idea I’ve seen recommended before. Personally I just tuck the strap in though.
Owl29 I’ll have to try that!
I have a special technique for getting rid of the extra length on my NATOs, it's called having arms like Popeye :P
I missed these strap video's, one of my favourite segments of the channel back in the days 😉
You are a true OG (original Gentry), I love it thank you Tom,
I always appreciate the loyal support, it speaks volumes about you in such a fickle age unfortunately.
Onwards and upwards!
Best regards,
TGV
@@theurbangentry thanks Tristano content now is great, but I still like the early days of the channel to look for some great recommendations 😄. Onwards and upwards my friend and stay healthy
TGV,
Based on your recommendation, just installed my black Crafter Blue rubber strap on Seiko SKX , and have to say , it's likely the most comfortable bands I've ever worn.
Thanks for recommendation!
I own a legendary Citizen watch with a 24mm lug width and I love it. It makes the watch to bracelet or strap connection feel so stable. Just the opposite of how a big, heavy watch feels on a narrow bracelet.
Another great informative and entertaining video. I did go to the Holden’s website after viewing this video. Very nice straps. Had never heard of this company until watching your video. Oh, I did follow Hugo’s instruction and hit that liked button.
TGV I’ve purchased several Blue Shark straps and have been pleased with all of them.
Stay safe, stay well.
I have so many straps laying around from buying for a specific watch and then not quite being satisfied. You have some great picks here and I also like Haveston straps.
Treating your watch straps like how you treat your other attires (changing it depending on the occasion) is actually really fun!
Brilliant video as always TGV! Not sure if anyone's mentioned him but Nick Mankey Designs deserves such praise for his Hook Straps. They're probably my favourite fabric strap, and I've tried them all. I strongly recommend you take a look if you want a cross between a Marine Nationale and a NATO. Plenty of love from Canada!
And just like that I've ordered 4 new watch straps. Thanks for the recommendations TGV. I can't wait to breath a little new life in my collection without spending big money.
I would like to mention Watchgecko. I've bought several handmade leather straps and NATO's from them, and I think the quality for the price is pretty good.
Looking forward to the next one.
Regards,
Koen
I’ve always loved Colareb. Great addition to any watch. And I think that was Philadelphia’s bravest (fire dept) in the background! Stupendous job as always.
What was the gold skeleton dress watch please? Love the look of that one!
Hamilton masterpice skeleton watch with Buren movement.
I love when you do strap video's, I've tried most of the straps. Colareb are the best. 😊👍🇮🇹
Interesting content. Keep up the good work. Regards.
Best watch channel on TH-cam!!! Love this topic.
Thank you , very informative for this rookie
So glad to see crafter blue here. First thing I did was put a crafter blue on my tgv squale and they go great together.
Excellent video TGV, with a few straps I need to look at.
For me BluShark NATOs are my favorite. I haven’t tried the Phoenix ones yet tho
jgolfer12 theyre customer service is awesome too
Totally agree - I have about a dozen BluShark straps...very happy with them, and awesome customer service!
Concur on BluShark, esp. the seatbelt NATOs
Hemsut NATO's are great value and quality.
Hi TGV. Great video! Thanks for continuing to post such great content. I know you made this video a very long time ago, but I wanted to know the make and model of the dress watch that you showed with the Hirsch lizard grain style strap. It's skeletonized and shown at 18:01. It's a beautiful watch that caught my eye and was hoping that I could track it down. Thanks in advance and keep the great content coming! We appreciate it!
Absolute class!
Good variety and review. One of my favorites for NATOs is Haveston. Especially the Parade and Service series. Love Colareb straps!
Could you do a Top-List about your favourite strapmonster watches?
I Love those kind of watches as they feel like a new watch every time you change the strap and still look awesome!
Greetings from Germany
The Colareb straps are just awesome. Recently I purchased a strip strap. I love the quality. I have a lot of colareb straps now. :) Thank you for your tip years ago, TGV! Greetings, Sebastian
just got in to watches this year and this was the perfect video for strap ideas for my skx007
I have nato straps and already have some cool rubber straps for my casio mdva which you had reviewed and that got me into starting my first watch collection. Already planning on buying my first Cartier Santos in Gold anyways so i love watching your videos and you provide so much information for beginners and advanced watch collectors. Love you TGV #nohomo 🤣🤣🤘🤘🤘
Crown & Buckle are my go to. And being from Australia hard to go past Sydney Strap Co. Bit of a strap addict so loved watch this, always great viewing
Cool to hear a shout out to cheapestnatostraps. I went and bought five straps to keep them open. I saw the IG post saying that they needed sales or else they would be forced to close.
Hirsch makes some awesome straps and I have been surprised with Fluco as well. Good looks and excellent quality.
what make and model is that amazing dress watch with a white outer dial and gold skeleton mechanism with the Hirsch strap at 18m 15s ??
I just got an Uncle Seiko strap for my skx, it's fantastic, but I do really like the look of the one you featured here
Thank you, So glad you mentioned them, I have a bracelet of form them, they are great.
Best regards,
TGV
Always more informative then others. Thank you. Truly enjoy your videos.
Great, excellent.
I have a couple of Citizens with leather straps but they are too short for me.
So I need a quality strap leather or rubber, so thanks so much for the leads.
In this time of doom and gloom, I really enjoy your channel, thank you again.
I tell ya, those Vulcans really know their rubber straps.
Have you looked at Haglund’s nato straps? Each hole is stitched so won’t tear, and silky to touch. Keepers are nicely polished too so give a nice glint underwater... Thought I’d mention... TBH!
Hi TGV, love your contents. Because of you, i've rekindled my love for mechanical watches, for that I thank you good sir. By the way, can you please create a spin-off session with Hugo reviewing watches? Would love to see that..thanks again. Onwards and Upwards!
Love the review of the straps. All great ideas and sources. Thanks!
Another awesome video. You had me intrigued with the Dan Henry. So I went to his web site and ordered the 1979 compressor diver Love the look of the vintage diver. Could you do a review of the 1970 diver? That would be great to see. The Oris 1965 is my favorite vintage inspired dive watch. I'm very excited to get it in my hands to check it out. Thanks for the great videos TGV.
I ordered some NATOs from Wrist Candy Watch Club, actually kudos to your design, most of the NATOs I purchased were colorways designed by you, TGV! I was somewhat surprised that you didn't mention WCWC NATOs here in this video since you did design those, but I suppose here you are preferring the real McCoy providence of the Phoenix NATOs. But I really like your NATO designs, especially the SOE and El Alamein!
This is the video i needed thanks for making it.
Cracking video mate. Some very nice straps and some extremely nice watches. As mentioned on a previous video many moons ago love your AP. I know it's not the same model but reminds me of Bill Murrays in Scrooged. Stunning ⌚😍. O&U sir
The Rios1931 on the 411 caught my eye.
Decided to be conservative though and ordered that strap in black to put on my 411.
Well TGV, first I buy the 411 in January 2019 after watching your review of it and now I've ordered a strap after seeing one on yours 😂
...really enjoyed this TGV...i like the BluShark silicone straps, also Barton in a pinch...i've given-up on Nato straps and always having an uneven/unfinished/unacceptale mess when i inevitably have to cut it to shorten it since they're all issued stock in 17' lengths for some reason...love the AP on original strap,feel a quality, original signed-strap,while still wearable, adds to weight and gravitas of quality watch...i tend to like Hadley-Roma for quality tool and tactical daily straps, and Hirsch for quality dress and exotics...would love a piece on your best/personal practices re: when/why you swap-out a strap...what dictates choices for any single watch...why strap-over- bracelet or vice-versa...and best/interesting/tasty choices for daily,short and long-term storage...i know similarly you've touched on some of these in the past, would love fresh up-look...
Now that they are more established than 2 years ago: Lorier Nato and Regimental options are also quite good, but come in 20mm only. On the plus side, they are very affordable and you can order them with a spring bar tool fitting their watches (albeit, not Rolex, their springbar access is legendarily finicky).
The buckle is upside down on the Hadley Roma Crocodile strap.
Great timing, the last three weeks I have bought the SKX007 SKX009 and the SRPC97J1 and want new straps for all of them. Tristano you've read my mind.
Hi TGV
Excellent upgrade on straps. This is surely the software of watch industry. But who doesn’t love to have the choices?😉
Keep up the good work👍
Thank you Kjeld,
Haha, well put.
Best regards,
TGV
Most of my watches are on Crown & Buckle chevron style straps...they are the bees knees!!
I used Watchbox to purchase my first foray into lower level luxury by purchasing a watch I have been desiring for a long time...an Oris Divers 65. Watchbox was really cool to work with and I was able to get the watch for $100 less than the listed price!
Thank you for introducing a Yema watch!
Underrated brand. Great quality at an affordable price.
Great to see some strap reviews. A couple there I'll be checking out.
Personally I've been hunting for high quality single pass NATO style straps, and have bought a Crown & Buckle Chevron adjustable single pass strap, which I have to say is fantastic quality. I'm not that enamoured with seatbelt NATOs so the weave of the Chevrons appeals to me, and they are stitched at the end rather than heat sealed. Quite similar to Tudor NATOs but a lot more affordable and obtainable.
Great video (love the chill Animal Crossing vibe with the background music). Definitely recommend the Erica’s Original myself. Very comfortable.
WOAH very impressive straps, I love the very last strap you show ,for your Benrus, very cool indeed, looks very comfortable, ones again very helpful, time to shop 👍🏼👍🏼
Holy smokes this video is now a year old! I'd really like to see a video about strap etiquette (what you can match, what you shouldn't match and why, and when of course)
Side note, I'm so close to buying the Superman but can't really get over the 19mm lugs.
All the best
André
I just purchased a NATO from crown and buckle and am very happy. Good quality product. Huge variety.
Awesome- I’ve missed your strap roundups TGV! You’ve given me a few ideas for my incoming Raven.
Why the white glove? Great information and details about the various straps which are out in the marketplace
The piled up watches in the background makes me anxious. Crafter Blue straps are bomb. 👍🏼
Crazy, I just realized I wasn't subscribed. Been watching for years. I took the liberty to rectify that.
Just bought a Glycine combat sub...looks like now I need to buy a strap...I will take my time deciding and use this video as a guide
It is amazing how a watch band can change the whole look of a piece. Great collection.
Excuse the mess? You mean, "Don't drool on my watches!" Nice variety of straps pictured. I'm basically trapped in a world on Bond NATOs, black leather, and silver bracelets. I'll try harder. Carry On TVG.
TVG, lol
Just bought a seiko snzg15 and a couple of Barton leather and sailcloth straps. Can’t wait for the straps to come in because the one that came with the seiko is rough af and is scratching my wrist up.
Great video and production! Subscribed!