Custom molded strap or not - what is your preference?

Straps, straps, straps, and bracelets!
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gillmanjr
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Custom molded strap or not - what is your preference?

Post by gillmanjr »

I realized recently that I highly prefer a non fitted strap on my watches. I'm not sure what it is but I just don't like the look of straps that fit up flush against the case, nor do I like the way they wear. I've had experience with this with both my CW C40 and my newly purchased Dievas Focal. I changed out the OEM leather CW strap on the C40 for a Hirsch Grand Duke and I think the entire watch looks and wears better as a result, what do you think and which do you prefer from your own experience...?

Stock "Molded" Strap...

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Hirsch Grand Duke...

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Re: Custom molded strap or not - what is your preference?

Post by Amor Vincit Omnia »

I agree - I like a little daylight between the watch case and a leather strap. The Hirsch looks good on your C40
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Re: Custom molded strap or not - what is your preference?

Post by ianblyth »

I prefer the moulded strap.
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Re: Custom molded strap or not - what is your preference?

Post by downer »

I also prefer the moulded/fitted strap. I like that it creates a natural curve away from the watch head, particularly on the C40.
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Re: Custom molded strap or not - what is your preference?

Post by Loddonite »

I have no particular opinion on straps being curved or straight, both of these look good to me.
(I think bracelets generally look better if they fit to the case though)
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Re: Custom molded strap or not - what is your preference?

Post by nathanclarinet »

Agree with daddy leonard, it does depend on the watch. I can't imagine the C70 (dbr1 for example) with a non moulded strap. The grand duke does look good on the C40 but if the moulded strap had similar bright red stitching, I think it would look better IMHO mainly die to the size of the case.
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Re: Custom molded strap or not - what is your preference?

Post by gillmanjr »

nathanclarinet wrote:Agree with daddy leonard, it does depend on the watch. I can't imagine the C70 (dbr1 for example) with a non moulded strap. The grand duke does look good on the C40 but if the moulded strap had similar bright red stitching, I think it would look better IMHO mainly die to the size of the case.
The OEM C40 molded strap does have bright red stitching, it just starts further down on the strap.
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Re: Custom molded strap or not - what is your preference?

Post by christre »

Im with you on this. I prefer my straps to be straight and not molded. As soon as i got my Speedhawk the strap came off and this went on
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Sometimes this from Crown and Buckle is put on for a change.
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Re: Custom molded strap or not - what is your preference?

Post by Kip »

Although if given a choice I would choose the molded strap because I think it provides a bit more finished appearance...I am so used to the straight ends on watches I really don't think it makes that much difference to me.
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Re: Custom molded strap or not - what is your preference?

Post by bigmoochi »

I like the curved ends. I think it gives a nice finished look!
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Re: Custom molded strap or not - what is your preference?

Post by Leo David »

I think a lot depends on the thickness of the case. A moulded strap helps to reduce the visual impact of a thick case while a straight edge seems to accentuate it. I'm not a fan of thick cases (mainly because I can't get them under my shirt cuff or I end up bashing the watch on something) but notwithstanding my prejudice towards thick cased watches given a straight choice on a big watch like the C40 I would opt for the curved fitted strap, which looks better in my view.
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Re: Custom molded strap or not - what is your preference?

Post by bighenry07 »

Leo David wrote:I think a lot depends on the thickness of the case. A moulded strap helps to reduce the visual impact of a thick case while a straight edge seems to accentuate it. I'm not a fan of thick cases (mainly because I can't get them under my shirt cuff or I end up bashing the watch on something) but notwithstanding my prejudice towards thick cased watches given a straight choice on a big watch like the C40 I would opt for the curved fitted strap, which looks better in my view.

Good points. I never really thought about that before. Personally, I tend to lean towards molded straps, but I can definitely see how straight ends would be better for some watch shapes/sizes.
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Re: Custom molded strap or not - what is your preference?

Post by ironmarshal »

I'm the complete opposite. I abhore straight straps. I've always gone with molded straps and have never had a problem with the fit. In particular the Omega Planet Ocean strap is supremely comfortable and looks great on the watch.
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Re: Custom molded strap or not - what is your preference?

Post by DCP »

I typically prefer a moulded strap, but sometimes not. Your Duke looks good on this one.
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Re: Custom molded strap or not - what is your preference?

Post by davidg »

I like molded rubber on divers but prefer straight-edge on leather.
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