In this insightful post, holdemchamp1225 seeks community advice on custom strap choices for his Jaeger-LeCoultre Duomètre Chronograph. His detailed exploration of nubuck alligator options and stitching variations highlights the nuanced decisions collectors face when personalizing a high-horology timepiece. This discussion underscores how subtle strap choices can dramatically alter a watch's aesthetic and perceived formality.
Before having a great lunch with Nico and Mahesh in Paris yesterday, I stopped by ABP to pick up and order some custom straps for several watches for me and my wife. Unfortunately, they mixed up my initial order so had to redo it.
I was pretty sure of what I wanted initially but after seeing further options I became a bit confused and now would like some impartial advice and views to help with a couple decisions.
The dilemma involves my black dial Duometre Chronograph. I originally chose a BLACK NUBUCK alligator with a multi-tonal colorway and texture.
Then, yesterday I saw an amazing smoke dark grey multi-tonal NUBUCK alligator which seemed to contrast well with the dial as it has some elements of silver/grey which matches well with the white gold hands.
So on to the stitching. I chose 2 different stitches to match the hands, metal silver stitch and a copper/rose gold stitch.
Now, which one to use? I could also go with a double stitch as I have a custom strap for a Parmigiani with a double stitch and I think it looks great.
So please see the photos below and let me know your thoughts.
1. Grey NUBUCK multi-tonal alligator with rose gold stitch
2. Grey NUBUCK multi-tonal alligator with silver metallic stitch
3. Same strap with double stitch (rose gold and silver metallic)
This strap was made for another watch but shows how the gold stitch would look even though this stitch color is more yellowish.
And lastly, a spare strap from my Omega Apollo 8 in a racing style. I think it looks cool but my wife says it does not match this type of watch 🤦♂️
