[Axel66]

Hi guys,

I recently won a nice, almost like new Orient Deep CEM65005DV, I believe it's known as the blue Mako here.
Where as we (my wife and and myself) are blown away by the appearance of the watch itself, we do not like the original rubber strap. First this dolphin emblem looks childish on a strap, secondly, I don't like that it's "recessed" and last, it wears too big with its "bends".

I'm now looking for alternatives.
First I thought about a mesh - too expensive in the required thickness for a 50 EUR watch.
Secondly I thought about a blue Nato - well not sure if I will get really friend with that idea.

What would you recommend?


Thanks,

Axel

 

[sdoocms]

A nice blue stripped NATO would look really good.

 

[MikeyT]

Axel, I agree with your assessment of the OEM strap. It's not very comfortable, or very attractive.



I've tried a couple of other straps. Maratac Elite, for one, and a striped Zulu. I prefer the Zulu.





I also tried a grey Nato, but I didn't care for that one much at all.

 

[UpstandingCitizen]

I think the OEM bracelet would likely cost more than you are willing to spend, and fitting an aftermarket one would be a major pain in the ass.

For this watch, you'd probably be best off with something that tapers to at least 20mm at the buckle, as the watch case itself is too small for anything bigger than that.

I'd be tempted to try out this silicone dive strap with blue stitching, but maybe that's just me.

 

[TakesALickin]

[size=1.35em]What would you recommend?


Thanks,

Axel

Since the dial of the Mako so closely resembles the contemporary Blancpain Fifty Fathoms, I consider the watch to be my one true "dress diver". I usually keep it on a carbon fiber strap with black stitching. I don't have a picture of that, but here's a pic of the watch on a vintage Tropic, also a good look.

 

[Axel66]

Thanks for all the suggestions!
I'll let you know, when I wear it in new shoes!

Cheers,

Axel

 

[normdiaz]

Don't know about matching, but these Banda straps, IMHO, are among the more comfortable ones. (image the vendor's)

 

[mrteatime]

you really dont need to spend to much money to get a semi decent mesh...i got one from a seller on the bay of evil, and for $20 its a pretty decent piece of kit, and it really looks pretty good imho

 

[Axel66]

Thanks! I'll try to get one of those cheaper meshs (will see later, if I use it on the Mako or on a different watch).

Cheers,

Axel

@ Norman: Thanks a lot as well, but I think, I will not like the contrast stitching on that one.

 

[Axel66]

Update:
I got some of the waffle straps Jake is selling.
It wears really comfortable and looks much better than the original strap:

Cheers,

Axel