Strap Guide written by @onefree5ole.
The Panerai Luminor has always been a watch of intrigue for me. I never thought it would be a watch that I could wear though. My wrist is a poultry 6.3" and I just imagined that every Luminor would look gigantic. Cue the mistake of walking into a Panerai Boutique. The 42mm PAM1392 fit really well and that was all it took. A couple of weeks later and it was mine. The Luminor is a strap monster if I've ever seen one as well so there are many looks it can take on. Let's take a look at some of the options available from Delugs.
Strap Guide written by @hvwatchphoto.
The Rolex Datejust is an icon in the world of watches and of course, as a brand, Rolex is on everyone's lips if they are asked "tell me an expensive watch". The watch enthusiast is of course aware that Rolex has earned its reputation and position in the watch scene, but there are also many brands that exceed with their quality and even if it doesn't really matter, also with their higher price tag.
The Rolex DJ II in question was the first Rolex I've ever owned, and when I got it I was overjoyed. Part of me felt that the “game has been played” and this is the “end game watch”. But as all of us watch nerds know...there is no cure for this disease and no such thing as an “end game watch”.
It's also not believable to claim that the watch is a "keeper", but I still dare to claim that this watch is. The watch in question was on my wrist when my firstborn son was born and that's when I decided that I wanted to give this watch to my son when he is old enough.
The shocking increase in the value of Rolexes and the constant desire to try something new has become a problem from the watch enthusiast's point of view. I admit that sometimes I also feel bored with this model.
For that, I have boldly set out to try new straps for DateJust, and it has been a really interesting and refreshing journey. Whether it's a nato strap, rubber strap or high-quality handmade leather strap... they always bring new energy to the use of a familiar and perhaps even boring watch. Rolex doesn't offer any other strap options for this model, other than a metal bracelet... so it might get boring.
With its enormous high-quality and versatile selection of 21mm straps, Delugs offers many opportunities to renew the look of this watch. Just remember to choose curved spring bars and you are good to go.
Strap Guide written by @wrists.and.walls.
As soon as Cartier announced the revamp of their Tank-line with the colorful limited editions in red, green and blue back in spring 2021, I became a fan of the minimalistic and super clean versions of one of the world’s most iconic watches. While I could have pulled the trigger on the blue dial variant, something held me back. That something must (no pun intended) have been the black version. What started as a highly limited 50 piece edition for the brand’s Geneva boutique soon after was announced as a regular production variant. While that caused some irritation here and there (read: watering down the limitation), I was genuinely happy about that release. This meant I would be able to get my hands on the clean Tank iteration I enjoyed the most – pitch black. In my opinion, the deep black lacquer perfectly corresponds with the minimalistic, no numerals look and the polished steel case. What a stunner! And what a dress watch! However, I was certain that this Tank had more to offer than just looking great at black tie events. This is where Ken stepped in once again and offered me to try a range of different looks, including straps from his newly introduced Tank collection. These are fitted with the Cartier – inspired tang buckle to stay close to the original appearance. And yes – this watch can definitely be dressed down!
A little note on the sizing: normally, the medium sized Delugs straps fit me really well, giving me 2 or 3 holes of excess length – not too much abundant strap and not too short. But due to the Tank’s relatively small size I mostly use these straps on the second last hole. I know some like to have as little excess strap remaining as possible, but this almost renders the free keeper on the straps irrelevant. All in all, while still perfectly wearable, I maybe should’ve sized up according to the watches measurements. You might want to keep that in mind when ordering straps for your Tank and, depending on your preferences, choose a longer option than usual.
For reference, my wrist measures approx. 17,5cm / 6.9 inches.
Strap Guide written by @thewatchphoto.
By the late 1980s, the brand commonly referred to as the watchmakers’ watchmaker was on the brink and its stale lineup of timepieces was in desperate need of rejuvenation. That injection of excitement came in 1991, in the form of the new “Grand Taille” case for the Reverso. “Grand Taille” is French for “large size” though by contemporary standards, it is somewhat diminutive. Then again, I love dress watches and believe that they should wear on the smaller side! My first ever Reverso was a stainless steel Grand Taille.
In my earlier watch collecting days, I had always stayed away from coloured precious metals, fearing that they are too soft, too flashy, and “just not exactly me”. Fast forward a few years to when I came across this particularly rare reference and immediately fell in love. When I laid eyes on the “Art Deco” model for the first time, it felt like a truly distilled version of all the things I love most about Reversos. From the juxtaposition of the strong gadroon lines running above and below the dial against the sumptuously curved lugs, to the different finishes on the dial, and finally to the free-hand engraved party trick on the reverse side (see photos)...it was a done deal.
Strap Guide written by @gingin_watches.
Not a big fan of Panerai watches but I like this one.
That was my initial reaction to this watch. I’m not a Panerai guy, but this one is unusual. I like unusual things. So I assumed that 959 is the right PAM for me. Not too big, not too thick and the colorway is interesting.
But there is a drawback. It’s not that easy to match a strap. Which probably was the sole reason for lack of love between us, as I find the OEM rubber strap simply awful. Fortunately things have changed, thanks to the straps mentioned below. Having the right strap can make all the difference.
Let’s take a look at the watch. 42mm in diameter, 13mm thickness, 52mm lug to lug and 22mm lug width in a regular Luminor Submersible case. Panerai for smaller wrists, as they say.
The most distinctive features are the matte blue ceramic bezel, light grey textured dial and turquoise blue seconds hand. These colors and textures will play a big factor in pairing the strap.
Strap Guide written by @olli.ver.
Hi, it’s Oliver (@olli.ver) again and this time I’m happy to present you some impressions of my Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch „First Omega In Space“.
Presented at Baselworld 2012 the Speedmaster „First Omega In Space“ or so called „FOIS“ refers to the CK2998, worn by Walter Shirra during the „Sigma 7“ mission of the Mercury Programme in 1962. 50 years later this modern re-interpretation was released with some slightly redesigned elements but still features the black dial, black bezel and stainless steel case with the diameter of 39,7mm, symmetric lugs and no crown guards as the original one. It also got similar Alpha and Baton style hands. On the caseback you can find the „Hippocampus“ or Seahorse that you could also find on Shirra’s watch. Besides that, as a „Numbered Edition“ every FOIS got it’s own serial number. Inside the case, the actual model runs with Omega’s well-known 1861 movement.
But to keep this a bit short and simple, let’s start with the showcase of some straps to maybe provide some inspiration of how this speedy works with different styles.
Strap Guide written by @ikemadethis.
Once in a while, the people get what they want. The Tudor Pelagos was first released in 2012 coming in at a large wearing 42mm. It wasn’t the diameter that made it wear large. Rather, it was the slab sided case giving the visual appearance of a top heavy watch. Enthusiasts have been praying to the watch gods ever since for a smaller version. The Black Bay 58 was the first of Tudor’s recent dive watches to be downsized so it was only a matter of time before the Pelagos would get a reduction as well. Enter the Pelagos 39. It's a titanium watch coming in at 39mm across the case but closer to 40mm across the bezel. Speaking of the bezel, we get a radial brushed fully lumed ceramic insert over the matte version of its big brother. This is a feature that has grown on me with ownership. It gives the watch a more dynamic appearance with the bezel looking from stark black to a ghost gray depending on the lighting. Most importantly, the Pelagos remains a strap monster. The lugs are an odd width at 21mm but as usual, Delugs to the rescue!
Strap Guide written by @watchillaax.
When I got the Tudor Black Bay 36 I had fewer watches and needed a versatile piece, that I could wear with different outfits from a dressy night out in a suit to a casual situation. I have to say it never disappointed. In my opinion this is one of the most versatile pieces in the watch history and if you ask me, a future classic. I gave it almost 2 years of wear without even taking off the bracelet, because it just kept the watch neutral and easy to pair with anything no matter what I was wearing. But why would you keep such a beautiful dial neutral when you could elevate it and make it stand out with a great strap? I hope the following shots will inspire you to DARE and take off that bracelet on your Black Bay 36 to make it look even more interesting.
Strap Guide written by @watchestolove.
I think the Reverso Tribute Burgundy is probably the boldest watch in my collection. I never thought I would ever own a watch with a red dial, as I always deemed it to be somewhat feminine, until I saw it in person. My jaw dropped to the floor and was blown away by the richness of the red dial. Sometimes it’s near black, sometimes it’s burgundy, and when under the sun it’s blood red.
I also didn’t think it would match clothes that well, but it does. Then there’s the rectangular case, it just feels perfect on the wrist, the crown never digs in the skin thanks to the smaller surface area. The flipping mechanism is also incredibly addicting to play with and I play with it subconsciously far more than I would like to admit. The Reverso is just one of those versatile watches that is right at home with either a formal or casual look.
Huge thanks to Delugs for this strap guide opportunity, allowing me to share the different strap possibilities with this beautiful watch.
Strap Guide written by @wonger.bonger.
The Speedmaster Broad Arrow reference 3594.50 is a very under the radar kind of Speedmaster. From afar, it certainly has strong Speedmaster vibes. Yet it doesn’t scream the moon landing history or its NASA certification background in your face. It’s a Speedmaster that takes it back to its roots, the watch that was made for gentlemen racers of the 50s. Even though this was the first ever Speedmaster to pay tribute to the original Speedmaster back in 1957, it’s a watch that can be considered a failure in marketing. Nicknamed the “Replica” by Omega themselves, no one wanted to touch this watch with a 10-foot pole. I guess the word “Reissue” was not in the marketing dictionary yet back in the 90s.
However, like any great watch, if you pay attention to the details, you’ll find that this is no replica at all. Tons of unique and quirky vintage touches are added to this special release. The applied vintage Omega logo, the original Speedmaster font on the dial, the elongated hour markers WITHOUT fauxtina lume, and the ever so subtly grey dial. These details all add up to a Speedmaster that’s truly wonderful to own and enjoy in a sea of Speedmaster limited editions.
With this strap guide, I hope to highlight the unique and wonderful wearing experience of this forgotten reference.
Strap Guide written by @thetravelingtimepiece.
Hey everyone! This is Jorge G aka @thetravelingtimepiece When Ken asked me if I would be interested in doing a Strap Guide for my Pam111, I did not hesitate to say yes. The Panerai Luminor Marina Pam111 was for a long time in my list of watches I really wanted in my collection. To be honest, I really wanted a Panerai with a Sandwich dial, no date -as I dislike the way the cyclops looks on Panerai- and an open case back, even though I don’t usually look at it. The watch came to me via my brother, who is also a watch collector, and I couldn’t be happier.
Delugs has a lot of great options for Panerai watches, and it was not easy to choose only five of them for this Strap Guide but I ended up choosing the Cognac Crazy Horse Strap, the Orange Buttero Chunky Strap, and the Navy Minerva Box Chunky strap; I also requested my wife’s help to choose two other straps, as I am colorblind and I tend to go for the same colors all the time, and I am so glad she got to choose. She chose the Moss Green Babele Chunky Strap and the Natural Babele Chunky Strap.
Strap Guide written by @rob_hayes92.
The Zenith A384 Revival, a watch that to the seasoned collector need no introduction. But a watch that very much deserves an introduction anyway. Back in 1969, Zenith, a then little known watchmaker from Le Locle unveiled an integrated chronograph beating at 36,000vph – the El Primero. The watch that was first to wear this ground-breaking movement was the Zenith A384. We could have almost lost the El Primero altogether in the 1970’s had it not been for Charles Vermont – and I’m sure we’re all grateful history turned out like it did!
Fast-forward 50 years to 2019, and Zenith faithfully recreated a modern version of this iconic watch. The A384 Revival took everything that made the original so special – the El Primero calibre, the Panda dial, the 37mm tonneau case. But augmented this with tweaks to suit the 21st century, swapping the plexi crystal for a sapphire domed one, and a sapphire crystal on the case back to expose the beauty of the El Primero beating away inside.
About the Watch & Wrist
Today’s guide is featured on a 6.1” (15.5cm) wrist. As a smaller wristed fellow, I thank Zenith for their decision not to scale up the watch to fit larger modern tastes. While on paper, 37mm sounds like it would be small, the tonneau case helps to elongate the case across the wrist, and make wear closer to a 39mm circular watch. The combined dial and tachymeter is an ingenious piece of design, increasing the visual presence of the watch on the wrist, while keeping the dial size compact. This also has the added benefit of removing the need for bezels, and allow for an elegant domed sapphire crystal, which seamlessly transitions into the complexly curved, faceted, and chamfered case – giving the watch a 3-dimensional depth and visual display on the wrist that cannot be truly captured in photos. It is a watch to see in person to get the true experience!
The watch has a 19mm lug width, which is proportionally balanced for the smaller case and short 46.6mm lug-to-lug.
On my wrist, the small (105/65) straps are a perfect fit with the lug-to-lug. Placing the buckle right in the middle. I, time and again, return to Delugs for my straps for this reason. I have tried many straps over the years but often find it is difficult to get off-the-shelf straps that fit when you have small wrists, with the majority being too long!
Strap Guide
Many of us find ourselves returning to some normality after a difficult couple of years, with more opportunities to dress up, be it for work or for fun. For today’s strap guide, I wanted to capture some of this positive energy with a selection of straps that bring out the character of the Zenith A384. The A384 is a bit of a blank canvas and can easily go from smart casual to really making a show just with a simple strap change. Straps are our ability to accessorise our watch, add flare to our outfit, and really capture and embody our personality.
Strap Guide written by @lifeof_a_wis.
There are a few timepieces that one can immediately notice from a distance. A case shape that draws attention especially to the WIS-minded person like me. PANERAI is one of them. With its military roots, one cannot deny how robust and innovative their designs are. From the patented Radiomir, to the Luminor, down to the iconic “love-hate” crown protecting device which is a recognizable element of the brand.
Strap Guide written by @bwatched.
We watch collectors all have our own holy grails. Watches that we lusted after for quite some time. For me a complicated Patek Philippe was a grail watch since I was a young adult.
The mystery surrounding Patek Philippe combined with the techniques and craftsmanship is something that captivate the minds of watch collectors.
For me the Annual Calendar Chronograph is the most appealing Patek Philippe Complication. This model has an Annual Calendar combined with a Flyback Chronograph. It’s also the very first in-house automatic Chronograph ever made by Patek Philipp, an iconic watch for sure and a future classic.
This model has a white gold case combined with a blue textured dial. This combination gives the watch a very casual (and almost sporty) look.
The casual look, combined with very functional complications makes the perfect everyday watch!
Strap Guide written by @psqwatches.
Hi, I am Pasquale, on the web I am known as PSQ Watches, an Italian page where I tell my passion for the world of watches. Those who know me know how much I love the world of straps and I want to thank Delugs from the start for this fantastic opportunity to make a Strap Guide, a series that I love to read.
Today we are going to talk about what are the right pairings for a watch that, in my opinion, is fantastic: the IWC Pilot Chronograph 41mm with blue dial.
IWC with this watch completely shifted the perception of their idea of the pilot, of the watch as a tool. And it's all thanks to the blue they have managed to create, to the dimensionality you can achieve with this large and deep dial.
But while blue is a hypnotic and fantastic color to wear, it remains one of the most difficult colors to match with the various straps. Which is why you will see simple and versatile straps today, despite the fact that Delugs' catalog is truly exotic and distinctive.
My idea when looking for the right strap is always this: you don't have to exalt the strap, you have to exalt the watch. You have to understand that it's important to find the perfect match to make the watch stand out in its entirety and never look extreme or out of place.
