If I wanted to throw a leather band on my Rolex Air King, who would I buy the band from? I don't think I can bring myself to spend more than $60-80 on a band though...is that even reasonable? Could I find something USA made for that price?

Maybe something like this?

I love strap watches. I love straps. The strap makes the watch and accounts for a significant portion of a good fit and feel, and most of a good look. A bad strap can make a good watch look and feel terrible. I have lots of sources and could recommend a few that would look great on that watch, but they'd be on average $100 over your price cap. And at that many would use U.S. material, but be crafted overseas.

Surf over here for a bit.

https://bulangandsons.com/prod...-straight-bcroc-02/#

Damn. That's halfway to another Sebenza for some leather...sigh.

How does the Sigforum Brain Trust(tm) feel about Crown & Buckle? http://www.crownandbuckle.com/...d/american-made.html

An Air King on a strap is a great choice.

I think an Air King justifies spending a few bucks, but they do look good on a NATO strap, if you want to have a very casual look.

This guy's straps look good, and they aren't priced too high. http://www.steveostraps.com/

Okay, I'll let suggestions roll in for a little bit. Seems like this isn't going to be a 1-afternoon-of-research-in-between-emails decision.

quote:

Originally posted by jhe888:
An Air King on a strap is a great choice.

I think an Air King justifies spending a few bucks, but they do look good on a NATO strap, if you want to have a very casual look.

Isn't that like buying a $3000 1911 and stuffing it in a $10 gun show nylon holster.... Sigh...

There's also

http://shop.wornandwound.com

Great quality. There's a pic a few pages back of my Tag on a leather NATO strap from them.

Here's a couple more:

www.panatime.com www.natostrapco.com

I've bought chromexcel NATOs from Crown & buckle before. They were very nice.

I would not do a NATO on that. I'd do a 2 piece Horween with a contrast stitch.

quote:

Originally posted by Aeteocles:
If I wanted to throw a leather band on my Rolex Air King, who would I buy the band from? I don't think I can bring myself to spend more than $60-80 on a band though...is that even reasonable? Could I find something USA made for that price?

Maybe something like this?

I've had custom straps, fancier than what you seem to want, made by forum members over at the watch nerd forums for around $100 each (one made from a WWII Swedish ammo satchel).

quote:

Originally posted by Aeteocles:
How does the Sigforum Brain Trust(tm) feel about Crown & Buckle? http://www.crownandbuckle.com/...d/american-made.html

Crown and Buckle is an excellent choice.

My Blancpain Aqualung Hundred Hours. Sorry for the crappy picture.



The Blancpain is probably my favorite possession. It was a graduation gift (Airborne school) from my very generous mother. It's wonderfully thin and has absolutely the nicest bracelet I've ever seen on a watch. As an added bonus, I've never seen another - they only made 1999 pieces.

I really like the looks of the Air King. IMO, it is simple and understated.

quote:

Originally posted by Killer Instincts:
My Blancpain Aqualung Hundred Hours. Sorry for the crappy picture.

That's a serious watch. I love BP. I've been close to pulling a trigger on a Flyback Chrono pre-owned more than once. Love the sword hands and the case and bracelet are excellent.

quote:

Originally posted by r0gue:

quote:

Originally posted by Killer Instincts:
My Blancpain Aqualung Hundred Hours. Sorry for the crappy picture.

That's a serious watch. I love BP. I've been close to pulling a trigger on a Flyback Chrono pre-owned more than once. Love the sword hands and the case and bracelet are excellent.

I am a huge fan as well. I'd like to have a Fifty Fathoms, but I think an older Sea Dweller will probably be the next watch purchase. I have a Baume et Mercier that I'll probably sacrifice to that end since I kind of hate it anyway.

quote:

Originally posted by Killer Instincts:
since I kind of hate it anyway.

Be glad you hate it. I keep wanting something different, but cannot seem to part with any of the few that I have. I have a one in one out rule.

Heck... I may be done!

quote:

Originally posted by r0gue:

quote:

Originally posted by Killer Instincts:
since I kind of hate it anyway.

Be glad you hate it. I keep wanting something different, but cannot seem to part with any of the few that I have. I have a one in one out rule.

Heck... I may be done!

That seems like a flawed rule. One cannot have enough watches or firearms.

quote:

Originally posted by Killer Instincts:
That seems like a flawed rule. One cannot have enough watches or firearms.

See my sig line.

quote:

Originally posted by r0gue:

quote:

Originally posted by Killer Instincts:
That seems like a flawed rule. One cannot have enough watches or firearms.

See my sig line.

Only if you let it!