tom austin
If you have a small collection and want more variety, there’s an easy way to play around with wearing your watch on different straps. With that in mind, some watches may work better with more straps than others. As watch geeks tend to do, we nicknamed our best watches the Strap Monster. A quick summary of what the Strap Monster is: It’s a watch that not only looks great with a variety of strap and bracelet options, but is also easy to modify, so the integrated bracelet and 21.5 mm lugs are I can’t find it. -Here is the width piece. Thankfully, they are not far apart and there is little difference, but which one is the best?
hamilton khaki field quartz
We start with an amazing release from Hamilton, the Khaki Field Quartz, and that’s no surprise. It’s a way to make one of the brand’s most popular and affordable watches even more affordable, and the sub-$400 price point was a stunning success. This is easy as there are several dial options available and both 33mm and 38mm variants with standard lug widths (18mm and 20mm respectively). You could actually choose a watch from the Khaki Field series to go with here, but the clean aesthetic of the quartz appeals to me. Price: US$395, available from T+T Shop
Seiko Prospex SPB143
You can choose any number of anthracite/black dial Seiko divers from the brand’s current collection. But among the Willers and Turtles, the SPB143 and its 62MAS-inspired line always stood out as a winner for me. Exhibit A above – Andrew’s personal watch, gleaming with a green cloth (not quite NATO) strap. This case has ideal proportions for a Seiko diver, and although it looks a bit large on paper at 40.5mm x 47.6mm, it fits perfectly on almost any wrist. The lugs are 20mm wide and perforated, making it very easy to change the strap, even if you are reverting to the factory bracelet. With a 70-hour power reserve powered by a 6R35 movement, the SPB143 is one of the best all-around watches. Price: $1,200
Jin 556A
Sometimes simplicity is important, and Sinn delivers with the 556A. Essentially a pilot’s watch, it has a distinctive dial that highlights the features of the cockpit, yet works in almost any situation. At 38.5 mm, it’s a good size for most wrist sizes, and at 11 mm thick, it easily fits under shirt sleeves. It also fits over the elastic cuffs of a G-suit if needed. But back down to Earth, when paired with either a black leather strap, silicone sports strap, nylon NATO, or suede buckle up, it’s suitable for any occasion, and the drilled lugs that make changing straps make changing straps a breeze, all made with amazing ease. I will. The automatic Sellita SW200-1 continues to tick away through the sapphire exhibition caseback. Price: $1,500
tudor black bay 58
Let me just say right now that this list does not include the Rolex Submariner. How is that possible? Now, after the Sub officially increased in size to 41mm, the lug width also became 21mm. Sure, it’s easier to get odd-sized straps now, but they still don’t go over 20mm. Thankfully, Tudor has the answer. It’s the Black Bay 58, one of the most popular luxury watches since its release. It’s easy to see why. With a diameter of a comfortable 39 mm and a height of no more than 12 mm, it has all the vintage tasteful elements with the safety of a modern Kenissi movement. If the 58 is too small for you, choose the excellent new Black Bay “Monochrome” (but you’ll have to contend with the 22mm lugs). Or, if you prefer the smaller, less colorful Black Bay 54, you can use everything as is. The critical lug width is 20mm. Price: $3,850
Grand Seiko Heritage Collection SBGA467 “Deep Black”
Grand Seiko and its vibrant nature-inspired dials don’t always pair particularly well with multiple straps. Fortunately, the brand is not a one-trick pony and has versatility very well. The SBGA467 is one such example, with a jet black lacquered dial and simple silver hands and indexes. Heritage cases unusually have lug holes, but this feature begins to disappear as retail prices increase. This Deep Black Spring Drive piece is also a bit of a bargain if you ask me. Because you can get Grand Seiko’s exclusive movement technology and all the premium Zaratsu polished surfaces for less than $5,000. That seems like a pretty sweet deal to me. Price: $4,800
Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch
The Godzilla of strap monsters, the Omega Speedmaster Professional is the epitome of versatility. Available in a wide range of finishes from stainless steel to gold and even ceramic, the trusty 42mm Speedy is the perfect choice for replacing your strap. When purchasing, many people choose stainless steel bracelets and then continue to pair them with different styles, each with its own classic appeal. For example, the black Velcro nylon style is suitable for spaceflight missions. You can also trace its heritage even further back with a leather rally strap. There are many limited and non-limited models, each with its own nuances. We only recommend choosing a professional case model with 20 mm lugs, as opposed to Caliber 321’s 19 mm. From USD 6,600
Rolex GMT-Master II “Bruce Wayne”
We conclude this list of black dial sports watches with another black dial sports watch. The Rolex GMT-Master II is one of the world’s most famous watches and needs little introduction, but the novelty of this year’s monochromatic GMT-Master gives it a versatility not found in the colorful Pepsi or Batman. Masu. Sure, the green GMT hand is eye-catching, but I’m not sure anyone would want to try out different straps. Rather, the bigger hurdle is the excellent Oyster and Jubilee bracelet options offered from the factory that you may not want to replace. Price: $10,700 (Oyster), $10,900 (Jubilee)
