Omega’s Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional is available with a stainless steel bracelet as well OEM options such as textile, rubber, and leather straps.
A factory Omega bracelet is certainly the way to go if you want a metal bracelet. With straps (leather, rubber, textile), factory-made choices are not always the best option.
A textile strap, like seen on the Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional, will cost at least $300 (based on a quote from my local Omega AD), and it comes with an Omega-signed deployant clasp, which is more costly than a pin buckle-equipped strap.
It’s worth noting that the black textile factory Speedmaster Moonwatch strap measures 20 mm at the lugs and tapers down to 16 mm, whereas the Avel & Men textile straps (shown) taper from 20 mm down to 18 mm. The difference is minimal but is visually apparent and I prefer the 18 mm taper (perhaps the 16 mm taper is better for smaller wrists than mine).
The Avel straps are made in France, with a premium microfiber backing and even though I have no data on how long the straps will last, or how durable they are, it’s obvious they’re well made and not the type of cheap strap you might find on eBay.
If you’re fine with a pin buckle, or better yet, if you prefer a pin buckle, then the Avel & Men canvas straps presented here represent an excellent premium option, which retail for approximately $145, or less than half the price of a factory Omega textile strap.
As someone who always prefers factory wheels on a car, and typically favors factory straps on a watch as well — this is one of those times where I believe an exception should be made. Especially if you prefer an 18 mm taper, or don’t think $300 for a textile strap is a reasonable price.
The bottom line is when you’re dealing with leather or textile straps in particular, they won’t last forever the way some rubber and most metal bracelets tend to. So if you’re replacing the straps periodically, that’s even more reason not to overpay. Omega OEM straps are nicely made, however, for the money ($300) — you’re probably better off going with a third-party strap like what I’ve shown you today ($145). These Avel & Men canvas straps — I prefer black which makes the watch look stock — truly look and feel fantastic on the Speedmaster.
Learn more at Avel & Men.
