Beautiful watch.By the way even if I do say so myself.
Placed orders for the following straps from Nick Mankey Designs for the FXD:
1. Navy blue Chrono-Grip with bead blasted titanium hardware.
2. Navy blue Hook Strap Pro with bead blasted stainless steel hardware.
3. Steel gray Hook Strap Pro with bead blasted stainless steel hardware.
4. Alert red Hook Strap Pro with navy stitching and bead blasted stainless hardware (figured it would match some of my St. Louis Cardinals caps and clothing).
https://nickmankeydesigns.com/
It's a 12-14+ week wait as I previously mentioned, but I'm in the queue. I'll be sure to post photos when the straps arrive. The wait time is at least shorter than some of the repro flight jacket manufacturers that I've placed orders with in the past, which are typically a 1+ year wait. I've been in Good Wear Leather Coat Co.'s queue since last September for an A-2.
Here's what Nick's Hook Strap Pro straps (version for fixed bars) look like...
1. Navy blue Chrono-Grip with bead blasted titanium hardware.
2. Navy blue Hook Strap Pro with bead blasted stainless steel hardware.
3. Steel gray Hook Strap Pro with bead blasted stainless steel hardware.
4. Alert red Hook Strap Pro with navy stitching and bead blasted stainless hardware (figured it would match some of my St. Louis Cardinals caps and clothing).
https://nickmankeydesigns.com/
It's a 12-14+ week wait as I previously mentioned, but I'm in the queue. I'll be sure to post photos when the straps arrive. The wait time is at least shorter than some of the repro flight jacket manufacturers that I've placed orders with in the past, which are typically a 1+ year wait. I've been in Good Wear Leather Coat Co.'s queue since last September for an A-2.
Here's what Nick's Hook Strap Pro straps (version for fixed bars) look like...
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My FXD strap arrived from Erika's Originals today. It was a 21 day turnaround, but I think part of the delay was due to me selecting the vintage webbing option on my order, when that particular webbing is not FXD compatible. Thankfully Erika changed my order to original/ yellow and didn't charge me the extra $10 for the modern webbing. Hardware is engraved M.N. 24 to match the caseback and bead blasted.
I received a couple WOE Glomar Explorer straps for the FXD a couple weeks back. I wanted to wear them for a bit before posting any feedback. So far, I'd rank the Glomar Explorer straps just behind an Erika's Originals strap in terms of wearability. They're not quite as comfortable as an Erika's strap, but I actually prefer them on the FXD since it's such a chore to remove and install an Erika's strap on an FXD (very tight squeeze through fixed bar openings). My only regret is that I purchased the short length. The standard length would have fit fine and would make getting the strap on and off the wrist quite a bit easier. With the shorter length, I have to unthread the strap completely from the buckle in order to put the watch on or take it off. This can't really be done one handed, while standing, and increases the likelihood that you might accidentally drop the watch if you try. Once the standard length is restocked, I'll likely purchase an OD strap and another black strap. I don't know why, but I really like the branding on the buckle.
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Most straps can be found to be the same from vendor to vendor, they all come from same place, C&B sells this as the Heavy Duty NATO, in single layer or two, where the extra layer does nothing for security but does add thickness and more metal with which to scratch things. Being ex-GI, this does all I want, which is to not annoy me, and to keep watch firmly tied to arm, metal nicely rounded to not scratch or snag, and everything sturdy as can be, with no worries as to anything. STRAP, WATCH, BASIC.
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I've had good luck with Rubber b and Everest as silicone bands for different Rolex watches; this is a Rubber b on one of my Wife's watches (Rolex 1803). I recommend both brands.
I prefer leather. What's a good source for leather bands? My Citizen ecodrive is my favorite everyday watch and next is a Jack Mason. Both need new bands.
My favorite source is Veblenist, but each strap is custom made and the turnaround time is typically 3-4 weeks.
Other custom straps makers that I've had good luck with are Delugs, Monstraps, and House of Straps. I know that Adam likes V Green out of Canada as well.
BandR bands has a decent selection of mid-tier leather straps if you want something off the shelf. Their Horween and Badalassi straps are probably their best offerings and are in the same ballpark quality wise, as the $100+ straps from the custom makers noted above. Holbens carries lower tier leather straps like Fluco, Hirsch, and Colareb that are in the $40-$70 range.
Veblenist straps that I own:
House of Straps:
Delugs:
Monstraps:
BandR:
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Just a heads up regarding my previous post about Nick Mankey designs; I placed three orders back on 6/19, 6/20, and 7/13 (five straps total). The stated turnaround time on all three orders was 12-14 weeks. It is now 11/19 and no straps have been shipped. I sent an email inquiring about the status of my orders on 11/17 with no response so far.
I'd probably recommend shopping elsewhere until he addresses his lengthy turnaround times and back log.
I'd probably recommend shopping elsewhere until he addresses his lengthy turnaround times and back log.
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