CHRONICLE – How to customise your watch

Panerai lovers are known to change the strap of their watch. But is wearing a watch with different straps only a Paneristi addiction?

30 July 2009

Frank Geelen - www.monochrome.nl

Let me give you some examples of the possibilities.

Monaco met python strap © Frank Geelen / Monochrome.nl

When I saw an aftermarket 22 mm Panerai strap for sale at a Dutch watch forum, I just couldn't resist. The idea was actually based upon the TAG Heuer Monaco with brown dial and python strap. This combination looks awesome on a sunny day, wearing a white shirt and jeans!

Besides this aftermarket strap, I also have three original equipment manufacturer – OEM - TAG Heuer straps for the Monaco. Originally it came on a black calf strap with folding buckle and later I bought the brown calf strap and the black alligator strap. This last combination is currently my favourite.

© Frank Geelen / Monochrome.nl

Having started with changing straps, there was no stopping... Especially when I saw a photo of an IWC Pilot Chronograph on Big Pilot strap. A strap maker from Singapore and Bangkok named Aaron Tan (he's known on the forums as HKTan) made beautiful Big Pilot style straps. And this strap also suits my IWC Pilot Chronograph very well. Now it’s one of my favourite combinations!

© Frank Geelen / Monochrome.nl

I used to wear my IWC Pilot Chronograph on the OEM black alligator strap, which I still consider an excellent combination. After seeing an older IWC ‘Doppel Chrono’ on a black alligator strap with thick white stitching, I felt the urge for another strap again. The strap makers of Inspire Workshop offer tailor made service. I emailed the measurements and a few weeks later this beautiful and soft alligator strap arrived.

© Frank Geelen / Monochrome.nl

Another option is to use an OEM strap of a different brand. I’ve always loved the Jaeger LeCoultre Master Compressor series and the tan calf strap with double rows of stitching are just awesome. And guess what… the fit perfectly on my Pilot Chronograph!

© Frank Geelen / Monochrome.nl

During vacations my Citizen Diver's Automatic, my leisure watch, gets strapped on my wrist on different NATO straps, the kind of straps used by military forces. Because I like to spend my holidays in warm places where I can dive, I needed a strap that feels good in those conditions. And although the NATO straps are not the most comfortable straps for normal daily wear, they are excellent for this purpose.

© Frank Geelen / Monochrome.nl

I'm curious if more people change the strap of their watches. Of course changing to some sort of aftermarket strap is an option, but OEM straps are also available in different colors and styles. The world's first online AD from ACE Juwelers offers a webstore where you can order OEM straps and bracelets for Breitling and IWC.

Inspire Workshop - www.inspire-workshop.com/index.do - has a very easy to use webshop, where you can order your straps in different sizes or email customs wishes.

Finally, HKTan does not have a webshop. You can mail him and he will give you access to his photobucket account. Direct email: aarontanhk(at)hotmail.com