Synthetic Watch Bands/Straps?

[Lunal_Tic]

I thought I had seen a post on synthetic watch bands that don't look like they belong on a dive watch but I can't find it. I'm looking for a strap that looks more "dressy" for lack of a better word. I'd also like to stay away from nylon webbing straps.

My new watch has a 21mm leather band and I've just looked around at the shop where I bought it and most bands they had were 20mm or 22mm. Is 21mm an odd size? I figure if it is I can just sand down a 22mm to make it fit.

Any suggestions? Links will be a big help.

TIA,
-LT

P.S. Here's a photo of the watch. Casio Oceanus OCW-M800

 

[ChopperCFI]

Timex Expedition series replacement bands are a water resistant leather that looks dressy. While I don't use mine diving, it is frequently wet in other salt and fresh water sports. I think it lasted three years before needing to be replaced again. However, it only comes in 20mm and smaller. 21mm does seem to be an unusual size.

 

[Sub_Umbra]

I've been using Velcro watch bands exclusively for over thirty years. IMO they are the most comfortable of all -- even to the point of feeling dry when soaking wet. I've only started buying them made by others in the last two years. Physically, the only weakness I've ever found in them is that if you habitually strap them up too tightly they will stretch. That may be easily avoided.

As far as being dressy goes they look pretty good until they start to get old.

I don't have a link to any cool ones for purchase but here's one of the bands that I've made over the years. Most Velcro bands are engineered so poorly that they fail to utilize Velcro's great properties to the fullest potential. Sad.

 

[Lunal_Tic]

Anybody ever use these guys? International Watchman

-LT

 

[cave dave]

i've bought a couple bands from:

http://www.globalwatchband.com/group/50/

21mm is a weird size though.

 

[Lee1959]

You might like braided Natos also. They come in various sizes, 20MM being the one I ended up using for my 22MM diver strap. The weave spreads out and fills the lugs nicely. They are the most comfortable dive strap I have found. They have infinite adjustablity, no holes or velcro strips to worry about. You simply fit the tongue through the weave anywhere. This makes using them for wet sticky skin, over wet suits or dry skin easyly adjusted for comfort.

I get mine from Squinky on Ebay.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Black-20mm-brai...ZWD1VQQ_trksidZp1638.m118.l1247QQcmdZViewItem

International watchman Silicone rubber deployment strap, nice also but harder to adjust for wet and dry use. And not as secure, pop a pin and the watch is gone like any strap.

 

[Lunal_Tic]

Thanks for the suggestions. I'm not going to dive with this watch but I ususally don't ever take it off. That means that after all these years I tend to forget about my watch when I get in the shower and it gets wet; also when I'm washing dishes or a number of other things. In fact I did it to this watch just last night. The band is no worse for wear though.

I was thinking that I could get a 22mm and see how it fit and if too big just sand down the edges till it does fit.

-LT