which is the best band to go with rolex watch (sports mode only)

[triton]

just like to find out which type of band you like to wear your rolex watch (sports model only)

• original bracelet/leather
• third party leather straps from strap makers
• nato/zulu straps
• rubber straps

like to hear opinions which type(s) you prefer and why.

[triton]

personally i like the original ss bracelet with the watch. it always gives a classic look.

sometimes i like to change with zulu straps. i prefer zulu straps compared to nato because it is thicker. initially i use normal zulu but lately i prefer leather zulu and i got ten10 to custom make some of them.

here is one with black leather nato with pvd ring

[watchnut66]

So far I like sports models on their stock bracelet...very comfortable and good for office or out. However I am itching to try distressed leather or Zulu/nato. But not confident of removing the bracelet without marring the lugs..

[triton]

try using a bergeon 6825 tool with better quality tape on the lugs.

So far I like sports models on their stock bracelet...very comfortable and good for office or out. However I am itching to try distressed leather or Zulu/nato. But not confident of removing the bracelet without marring the lugs..

[Derick]

I will prefer it to be "at it is".

[triton]

would like to hear reasons for using orignal bracelet and strap

[taxico]

for the purposes of my reply, i am restricting the watches to the oyster cased watches.

most aftermarket straps are 20x18 or 20x20. the slimmer shape of the lugs for most older rolex watches don't look good on those straps.

they pair best with 20x16 straps, which are quite difficult to find (well made/value for money). other straps just look out of place, unless they have vertical designs (eg, bond nato, or contrast stitching) that make the strap appear thinner than they really are.

rolex straps are 20x16 but i think overpriced, and works best on a rolex deployment which is also very expensive and usually found in precious metals only.

as i own more older generation rolex watches, i think those look best on rolex bracelets. vintage tropic goes well in thickness and shape for both dress and sport models.

the newer versions with thicker lugs look good on 20x20 or 20x18 straps BUT... most straps are too thin, causing the watch to be top heavy, especially the full gold models.

the perfect strap are vintage isofrane (thinner than modern isofrane) and seems to match the lug's thickness/side profile very well. the new isofranes are a bit too thick when viewed from the side.

hirsch rubber straps lose their shape, especially at the extreme area of the curve/bulges, after a few years (and are not cheap to buy, to begin with). BC pure rubber straps are cheaper than hirsch but are thinner.

i think the best is to leave the current generation of watches on bracelet, because there is no "perfect" strap (if there is, it is subjective and i have not found mine).

and also, if you don't remove the bracelet, you won't scratch the back of the lugs...

[Oceanklassik]

I just prefer the watch to look as original as possible and it is nicer (to me). It also depends on how each individual wears the watch. Personally, I feel people with thick(er) wrists wears the softer straps nicer, so changing the watch to nato/leather straps will suit them no matter what. However, the bracelet will suit most other wearers, whether skinny or fat.

[Watcha]

I prefer original bracelets on sports models simply it looks best to me.

For vintage or 14060, a non tapered plain leather looks best to me.

[BAR_Honda]

would like to hear reasons for using orignal bracelet and strap

I have 2 rolex sport models. Wears them in original bracelet because:
1. the braclet is so well made and comfortable
2. I can wash the bracelet once a while to remove the dirt and sweat accumulated, making it shining like new after wash
3. I don't risk scratching the lugs

I have a Pam (1950 casing) that allows me to change straps easily. That I change strap regularly because:
1. it is so easy to change the straps without scratching the lugs
2. because I can change strap easily, the straps don't get too smelly or dirty cos I rotate them.
3. Pam is meant to play with different straps

[monsoon]

I prefer the original too for 2 reasons:

1. Comfort/Look
2. Durability (More resistant against water/wear & tear etc)

[Jean Ramon]

def original, why would you change comething where a company invested tons of money in design to something else? Keep it original, that`s the way to go! Never change a winning team

[triton]

you raise an interesting point here which was what i was waiting.

why is it that for panerai watches, the user can opt to keep changing straps even for those models that comes with bracelet and/or rubber straps. why is it not applicable to rolex? it does not seem common for asian to switch bracelets to NATO/ZULU straps but for others, they will experiment with rubber straps, nato/zulu straps, etc.

3. Pam is meant to play with different straps

[taxico]

might be more fashionable, or at least historically relevant, for pams to be on straps than rolex...

i've got a few old pams that all don't have straps as i bought them that way a long time ago.

to wear them, i MUST buy a strap. mmmm... no thank you.

before the maxi-case rolex came out, the older cases do not look good with most aftermarket straps (20x18 or 20x20).

and 24mm straps were, admittedly, never off-the-shelf until the last 10 or so years... if you were making a custom strap (including straps for rolex watches), why not take a more unique/fashionable route?

the pam also seems designed for straps through their tube/screw/springbar design.

a rolex can be a pain to remove/install the bracelet without the right tool.

actually, even with the right tool it is a pain - just a lesser pain.

[BAR_Honda]

I agree with taxico. Its the way the watch is designed for / meant for wearing.

Rolex only comes with its bracelet. That's it.

Pams comes with 2 straps (most of them) and strap/buckle change tool.