Great video!! I have a green 5KX on a NATO strap but got tired of it so I bought a black, integrated rubber strap which has totally transformed the watch and now I don’t even want to take it off my wrist!
I ordered that black and orange NATO to go on my Wenger orange accented chrono. It arrived same day as this video! I’ve been doing the strap thing for years. Great video!
Love my 54 and so does my son! After I modded them, even better. Now just waiting for the bracelet. Hes got the black leather with white stitch and I have a Shark mesh on mine. You're right-strap monsters!
Mark absolutely right. Fall in love with your watch again - change the watch strap. Also there is a history to watch strap styles - the rally straps in the 1970s and lizard straps in the 1960s.
I have a 2020 Vostok Anphibia (420831) on a black N.A.T.O. strap. Black submirane dial. I bought the stap after market because I didn't like the supplied strap. Keeps great time and looks great on the new strap. I really enjoy it. Straps can change the charicter of a watch.
Completely agree with you. I go this route myself. Instead of more watches i can spend 200-300$ on a single leather strap of high quality. If you get high end quality and design, it's quite amazing how much of a difference it makes.
Couldn't agree more, the power of the straps is huge, it could change the look and feel of the watch drastically. I usually change straps almost weekly on my watches, it is also a fun activity :D I am thinking about making a strap out of new material as a new hobby to spend during the next lockdown :D I would love to get my hand on that wave dial ISL-62, a great look.
I was just trying to decide what watch to wear. Then I started to watch your video. It inspired me to wear my Red October with a new blue and white nato from wrist candy watch club. Thanks for the inspiration.
Marc, a number of your L.I.W. offerings are strap monsters. The dress watches definitely qualify and so do the new field watches. The minute I saw the new field watches I was envisioning them on alternative straps. I think it is a great suggestion for those who cannot afford a bunch of watches to change up the bands. Doing so keeps them fresh and you can "dial in" the color of the strap with your wardrobe if you want. And I agree with you, the black and orange "seatbelt" strap looks killer with the ISL 53/54. I'll bet you get a run on them.
I was gifted a watch a few years ago and didn't wear it because I disliked the strap. Then last year, I finally found out you can swap straps, and suddenly I'm into watches. Truly a game changer
Can confirm, this is a good tip! I have a Seiko Flightmaster that I've always liked but something was missing in the relationship. I've worn it on the stock bracelet for a while, it's fine. Also tried a few different NATOs, also fine. But I just put it on a dark brown two piece strap the other day. Oh yeah, now we're cooking.
I just bought a few straps from LIW for one of my citizen and AVI-8's. Looking forward to the change in looks. That canvas one that you showed, looks a lot like the strap on your matte blue field watch.
The canvas and aviator strap looked great on that watch. I have four different straps for my Bertucci that are easily changed. Nice video. Thanks Marc! 👍🏻👍🏻🇺🇸
Interesting as before you started I thought the Rally strap would look best, but actually I preferred the aviator and the NATO - I was suprised at the difference the strap made!
Saw the IG post and knew this was coming soon after ;) man what a versatile watch the ISL-54 is. Give yourself some credit on the great design as well, it’s not just the straps here Marc. Cheers.
I just bought that watch and love it. But, The strap it comes on basically sucks, and the straps I ordered for it haven't come yet. Looking forward to wearing it out and about.
Thanks for this video. Very timely - this watch is in the mail to me right now. I wish strap makers would just switch to quick release spring bars full time. They only take 15 seconds to swap out. I’d love for spring bar tools to go the way of the slide rule.
Thanks Marc! Informative as usual. I definitely agree this is a great way to "refresh" what you have and I'm going to try it.......right after I get just one more watch!
Love this concept. Brings back "life" to your watches! Now, off to your website and ordering this great field watch with that bright orange second hand and nylon strap with orange accents. However, I feel the aviator strap is simply awesome with this watch, even if it's not really a pilot watch. (ok, now I have to buy both straps along with the ISL-54 ... damn you Marc!! 😫) ... 🤪
Perfect watch for this video, Marc. Love love love my 54 - its gorgeous simplicity makes it the perfect strap tart. I have the black seatbelt strap with orange piping, and also a nice brown leather strap when she wants to be all classy-like, and finally a grey-blue canvas one. Now I'm seriously pondering a milanese bracelet like they have on the Longines Heritage Diver... which I am hoping scratches that itch for a few grand less... Whaddya think?
Good timing! I generally don't like bracelets and prefer straps. Just yesterday I got a new Orient Mako II (Japan version, because I prefer the arabic numerals anesthetically) and an alternate strap to go with it. Makes a huge difference.
Marc, would you ever consider doing a special run of Islanders with an abalone face like the Phoibos WM PY010E ? I would definitely be on the waiting list!
I really like the clasdic design of this watch except the islander logo ( for me) is just too close under the '12' & possibly being in the same colour adds to the competition. Perhaps if it matched the grey of the case the proximity would seem reduced? I know - I often get called, ' unique '.
I bought a Hirsch pure caoutchouc strap from you in black. I’m lusting for the same in blue. I realize you can’t stock tons of the most expensive items , but it’s a bummer having to buy somewhere else.
Is there a leather strap which is somehow resistant to getting soiled on the inner surface from sweaty wrists over one year of use? And of course which wouldn’t start smelling at some point after becoming soiled?
Hi Marc, I am looking at the canvas straps. What are the lengths? I don't see that detail in the website description. Are they 80mm X 120mm (total 200mm)? I prefer shorter (190mm).
Another cool video! And WOW, you guys really do have a LOT of straps. I bet this one would look great on that Hirsch Robby Performance watch with the orange.... ;)
Hey Marc, inquiring minds want to know: How many times have you stabbed yourself with a springbar tool? Asking for a friend. Never happened to me. Ever. Not even once.
My 11yo daughter loves her 2 watches so much that she wears them both on the same wrist. Can you recommend a younger ladies watch or two? She LOVES the pinky that i gave my wife but something a little cheaper. I'll most likely get her a pinky for her 13th birthday though.
@@ProfJoeGinese I concur. My jaw dropped when I saw the Red October on a review. Then I saw it was a limited run and sighed that I'll never be able to get one. lol
Great 'series' Mark. I watched this & the 2 do's and don'ts uploads. sᴀᴠᴇ ғᴏʀ ʏᴏᴜʀ ᴡᴀᴛᴄʜᴇs You sort of covered this indirectly, but I reckon it's worth stating. Save some $ every pay check and have it sitting there, ready and waiting so that you can strike as soon as a good deal on a good watch presents itself.
Excellent video Marc, thank you. I have a question, are the spring bars any different between the choice of strap? Do you need different spring bars for a leather strap vs. a nylon/nato strap. I have seen fat bars, what would those be used for?
I’m not sure of the cost involved, but would you ever do a legitimate mechanical 4 hand GMT watch? I love the duel time bezel you offer but it’s not the same.
I love strap-ons! Oops did I really say that? Seriously though, this is a great point. Since this vid I have bought quite a few straps. Mostly cheap, but even an 'expensive' strap - say forty bucks - really gives a different personality. Thank you LIW.
Have you ever shown us your own collection of watches that you are keeping for yourself? I don’t mean expensive collectible ones, but random cheaper ones which you bought over the years and just like them.
Is it just me....or does anyone else feel like a rally strap goes with a ball gag like peas and carrots? Something about a rally strap and wrist hair just grosses me out. Different strokes.
Unless you can't stand anything other than metal bracelets on a watch. I have tried leather, rubber and NATO straps but just don't like them. All my watches have metal bracelets. Even my Zeppelin moon phase and G-Shock Mudmaster are on metal bracelets.
I am loving that gray canvas strap. Compliments the field watch very well.
I agree!
Great video!! I have a green 5KX on a NATO strap but got tired of it so I bought a black, integrated rubber strap which has totally transformed the watch and now I don’t even want to take it off my wrist!
Sweet!
Love the various looks...however, wrist shots would have been awesome!
I know, I know.
You sold me again. Just ordered a couple of new straps for my 54. It has become a daily go to in my rotation. Keep up the great offerings!
Great to hear!
The Black Rivet Leather Strap just looked awesome to me. Also the the Brown Racing Strap. Cheers🍻
I ordered that black and orange NATO to go on my Wenger orange accented chrono. It arrived same day as this video! I’ve been doing the strap thing for years. Great video!
Love my 54 and so does my son! After I modded them, even better. Now just waiting for the bracelet. Hes got the black leather with white stitch and I have a Shark mesh on mine. You're right-strap monsters!
Sweet, thank you, and keep waiting!
Mark absolutely right. Fall in love with your watch again - change the watch strap. Also there is a history to watch strap styles - the rally straps in the 1970s and lizard straps in the 1960s.
Thanks!
Well you've convinced me, just picked up 3 straps off your store!
I have a 2020 Vostok Anphibia (420831) on a black N.A.T.O. strap. Black submirane dial. I bought the stap after market because I didn't like the supplied strap. Keeps great time and looks great on the new strap. I really enjoy it. Straps can change the charicter of a watch.
True!
Completely agree with you. I go this route myself. Instead of more watches i can spend 200-300$ on a single leather strap of high quality. If you get high end quality and design, it's quite amazing how much of a difference it makes.
Couldn't agree more, the power of the straps is huge, it could change the look and feel of the watch drastically.
I usually change straps almost weekly on my watches, it is also a fun activity :D
I am thinking about making a strap out of new material as a new hobby to spend during the next lockdown :D
I would love to get my hand on that wave dial ISL-62, a great look.
Thanks for watching.
I absolutely love how thing your watch is
The last one was definitely killer.
I was just trying to decide what watch to wear. Then I started to watch your video. It inspired me to wear my Red October with a new blue and white nato from wrist candy watch club. Thanks for the inspiration.
Awesome!!!
Marc, a number of your L.I.W. offerings are strap monsters. The dress watches definitely qualify and so do the new field watches. The minute I saw the new field watches I was envisioning them on alternative straps. I think it is a great suggestion for those who cannot afford a bunch of watches to change up the bands. Doing so keeps them fresh and you can "dial in" the color of the strap with your wardrobe if you want.
And I agree with you, the black and orange "seatbelt" strap looks killer with the ISL 53/54. I'll bet you get a run on them.
We shall see, thank you!
I was gifted a watch a few years ago and didn't wear it because I disliked the strap. Then last year, I finally found out you can swap straps, and suddenly I'm into watches. Truly a game changer
I get it!
Can confirm, this is a good tip! I have a Seiko Flightmaster that I've always liked but something was missing in the relationship. I've worn it on the stock bracelet for a while, it's fine. Also tried a few different NATOs, also fine. But I just put it on a dark brown two piece strap the other day. Oh yeah, now we're cooking.
Thanks for sharing!
Gray canvas for the win
Still waiting for an Islander bracelet to fit the ISL-54 🙏🤞
I just bought a few straps from LIW for one of my citizen and AVI-8's. Looking forward to the change in looks.
That canvas one that you showed, looks a lot like the strap on your matte blue field watch.
Yes, it is similar. Not the same, though
Love the look of the ISL 62, in fact I've just ordered one.
It appears there is no Branding or text on the dial of the ISL-62.
I like it.
Me too
The islander field watch with no date looks great.
Thanks.
The canvas and aviator strap looked great on that watch. I have four different straps for my Bertucci that are easily changed. Nice video. Thanks Marc! 👍🏻👍🏻🇺🇸
Right on
Interesting as before you started I thought the Rally strap would look best, but actually I preferred the aviator and the NATO - I was suprised at the difference the strap made!
It sure does!
Saw the IG post and knew this was coming soon after ;) man what a versatile watch the ISL-54 is. Give yourself some credit on the great design as well, it’s not just the straps here Marc. Cheers.
Thanks, will do!
I just bought that watch and love it. But, The strap it comes on basically sucks, and the straps I ordered for it haven't come yet. Looking forward to wearing it out and about.
Thanks for this video. Very timely - this watch is in the mail to me right now. I wish strap makers would just switch to quick release spring bars full time. They only take 15 seconds to swap out. I’d love for spring bar tools to go the way of the slide rule.
Totally agree
Thanks Marc! Informative as usual. I definitely agree this is a great way to "refresh" what you have and I'm going to try it.......right after I get just one more watch!
Fantastic!
Love this concept. Brings back "life" to your watches!
Now, off to your website and ordering this great field watch with that bright orange second hand and nylon strap with orange accents.
However, I feel the aviator strap is simply awesome with this watch, even if it's not really a pilot watch.
(ok, now I have to buy both straps along with the ISL-54 ... damn you Marc!! 😫) ... 🤪
Thanks Frank!
Perfect watch for this video, Marc. Love love love my 54 - its gorgeous simplicity makes it the perfect strap tart. I have the black seatbelt strap with orange piping, and also a nice brown leather strap when she wants to be all classy-like, and finally a grey-blue canvas one. Now I'm seriously pondering a milanese bracelet like they have on the Longines Heritage Diver... which I am hoping scratches that itch for a few grand less... Whaddya think?
Good timing! I generally don't like bracelets and prefer straps. Just yesterday I got a new Orient Mako II (Japan version, because I prefer the arabic numerals anesthetically) and an alternate strap to go with it. Makes a huge difference.
isl-54 looks great. gave me great ideas to which straps i can use on my tudor ranger
Thanks!
I think it would also look good on a Grey and Black "Bond" NATO........
Just ordered the ISL01, perfect timing for this video Marc.
Thank you!
Can you show the difference between Nato and Zulu straps, and how to make a Nato into a Zulu,
Great demo, Marc.
thanks!
Marc, would you ever consider doing a special run of Islanders with an abalone face like the Phoibos WM PY010E ? I would definitely be on the waiting list!
I really like the clasdic design of this watch except the islander logo ( for me) is just too close under the '12' & possibly being in the same colour adds to the competition.
Perhaps if it matched the grey of the case the proximity would seem reduced?
I know - I often get called, ' unique '.
Okay, no problem, always appreciate feedback.
dang, i have the 54 watch and those are great strap suggestions. thanks!
Will you make a bracelet for that watch?
I bought a Hirsch pure caoutchouc strap from you in black. I’m lusting for the same in blue. I realize you can’t stock tons of the most expensive items , but it’s a bummer having to buy somewhere else.
I appreciate you being bummed about it :)
"Strap it on" with Long Island Watch!!!👍✌
LOL.
At a glance the ISL 54 has an Explorer 1 vibe.
It’s a real strap monster as TGV would say!
Sure is!
waitin on a steel bracelet for that ISL explorer....
Love Nato Straps😎 Cheap & functional, and they look awesome. Is there any watch that doesn't look great on one?
-
I don't think so. Maybe a Patek, LOL
Great insight, however, if one doesn't connect with NATO's, quick release straps are really the easiest way to go!
Very true.
Why you make it look easy removing the springbars?
Is there a leather strap which is somehow resistant to getting soiled on the inner surface from sweaty wrists over one year of use? And of course which wouldn’t start smelling at some point after becoming soiled?
Hi Marc, I am looking at the canvas straps. What are the lengths? I don't see that detail in the website description. Are they 80mm X 120mm (total 200mm)? I prefer shorter (190mm).
Too many SNR049 wrist shots, ended up getting one too! 😂
Unusual lug widths, very high/long lugs, fixed lugs and integrated bracelets are my personal nemesis because it severely limits my choices.
True.
Another cool video! And WOW, you guys really do have a LOT of straps. I bet this one would look great on that Hirsch Robby Performance watch with the orange.... ;)
I've done that too!
Love the rally strap,Mark.
Is the Islander based on the Rolex Explorer?
Great video and recommendations Marc 👍🏼
Glad you like them!
its the aviator strap for me. the rivets just sets it off.
My personal favourite is a rubber nato style strap
I don't have one; might have to check it out.
@@islandwatch Same Nato design with the water resistance of rubber
Yesss, perfect watch for this subject! Mega like
For sure
Any plans to release this watch in titanium and may be in 38mm case?
That Horween Rally Strap (on sale for 59$ on your site ;) looks perfect for my Citizen Brycen Chronograph
Nice!
Hey Marc, inquiring minds want to know:
How many times have you stabbed yourself with a springbar tool? Asking for a friend.
Never happened to me.
Ever.
Not even once.
LOL. MANY!
My 11yo daughter loves her 2 watches so much that she wears them both on the same wrist. Can you recommend a younger ladies watch or two? She LOVES the pinky that i gave my wife but something a little cheaper. I'll most likely get her a pinky for her 13th birthday though.
Just got one of your snapcode straps for my brand new ISL 18 had tyo taake out a link shouls i get some very light lock thread to secure the screws?
Well, now I feel like I need to get that watch, the field, and the dress that's coming (any date of release yet)?
couple of weeks.
@@islandwatch Thank you! (Red October is a beast btw. I can't wear it often because I waste too many minutes just staring at it.)
@@ProfJoeGinese I concur. My jaw dropped when I saw the Red October on a review. Then I saw it was a limited run and sighed that I'll never be able to get one. lol
Great 'series' Mark.
I watched this & the 2 do's and don'ts uploads.
sᴀᴠᴇ ғᴏʀ ʏᴏᴜʀ ᴡᴀᴛᴄʜᴇs
You sort of covered this indirectly, but I reckon it's worth stating.
Save some $ every pay check and have it sitting there, ready and waiting so that you can strike as soon as a good deal on a good watch presents itself.
Watching this as I'm wearing a leather Hirsch that I bought from Long Island :-)
Sweet
Any thoughts about making an Islander with a Batman color GMT bezel?
Soon.
The stock band is the best.
Everyone has a fave.
@@islandwatch It’s hum drum watch and a hum drum strap. That’s why it’s a cool looking rig.
Excellent video Marc, thank you. I have a question, are the spring bars any different between the choice of strap? Do you need different spring bars for a leather strap vs. a nylon/nato strap. I have seen fat bars, what would those be used for?
FAT is only used for Seiko divers, generally. For this stuff, 1.5 or 1.8mm works well.
@@islandwatch thank you very much.
I’m not sure of the cost involved, but would you ever do a legitimate mechanical 4 hand GMT watch? I love the duel time bezel you offer but it’s not the same.
Yes, I would
@@islandwatch 😁😁😁
Hey my friend, just got a Steward strap.. omg, absolutely love it on my Lorier Neptune. Will do a review on it soon.. Keep up the good work..
LeoV
I love strap-ons! Oops did I really say that? Seriously though, this is a great point. Since this vid I have bought quite a few straps. Mostly cheap, but even an 'expensive' strap - say forty bucks - really gives a different personality. Thank you LIW.
That watch looks great. Give yourself a pat in the back.
Okay, I am. LOL
Good stuff!
Thanks!
Have you ever shown us your own collection of watches that you are keeping for yourself? I don’t mean expensive collectible ones, but random cheaper ones which you bought over the years and just like them.
Rather than the logo on the dial, the word “Islander” would look better. It would provide some balance to the “automatic” lettering below.
The strap monster! I'm always tagging you on my isl54, you must be annoyed 😆🙃🙂🙄
The underdog of TH-cam is here
LOL
😂😂
Id like to see this piece on a bracelet. Its growing on me...
Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!
There will be
I have the opposite problem. I hate straps. I am a bracelet guy. It's harder to find a bracelet that fit a watch that comes with a strap.
True. Very true.
I just discovered your website. So much to choose from! My bank account hates you tho lol jk
Hey can you send some Islanders to RandomRob that would be right up his viewership's alley.
He's done them.
Ah, straps aka a slippery slope.
Yup, just another rabbit hole!
I have SO many more straps than watches!
Hi good morning
Good morning
Is it just me....or does anyone else feel like a rally strap goes with a ball gag like peas and carrots? Something about a rally strap and wrist hair just grosses me out. Different strokes.
LOL
Well Marc, now you've done it. You have to show bracelets: linked, mesh, heavy, stainless, black.
Maybe another vid.
Unless you can't stand anything other than metal bracelets on a watch. I have tried leather, rubber and NATO straps but just don't like them. All my watches have metal bracelets. Even my Zeppelin moon phase and G-Shock Mudmaster are on metal bracelets.
I am a bracelet person for sure; own a ton.