Simple Living

Seiko 5 Model SNKK33.  The Seiko 5 line of watches are great and a good value as they are very inexpensive to purchase.  New you can find many for $70-80 and used ones for even less.  They have basic Automatic Movements so they are not the same as a higher end ETA 2824 or 2892, but they are excellent for basic watches and to get into the hobby.  You won't cry if you break this $50 watch, but you might with a $5000 Rolex. Hirsch Liberty on Seiko 5 The SNKK33 come standard with a stainless steel bracelet that honestly is crap and very tinny and has a cheap feel.  I chucked it for a leather band.  I gave it a go and was very pleased at how it looked on the Hirsch Liberty Band.  It'll accept a 20mm band (although there are many models of Seiko 5 and they can range in what size bands they will take.  SKX007 take 22mm and some Seiko 5 can take 18 mm).  Overall, I love this watch and am comfortable wearing it in rotation with my Rolex or Omega.  The three things I would want is

Sweet.  The Hirsch Liberty Strap arrived! Tried it on the Rolex, but it was way too thick and was rubbing against the case.  I'll stick to the black leather strap. And so it went on the Omega and wow...I love it.  Idk how to describe it, but the blue and brown exudes a vibe that feels like this combo was from a bygone classic maritime era. Very happy with the Hirsch.  The Omega looks better on brown strap.  Must warn you...the Hirsch Liberty is very thick at 4mm.  It's twice the thickness of any of my other leather straps. Gave it another go and got it to fit on the Explorer.  It's a really tight fit, but it looks ok.  Color wise black dial and brown strap looks good, but it is a little thick.  I'll try it for a while and see if it grows on me.  Comfort wise, it's nice.

Sourced a 20mm rubber Bonetto Cinturini 285 strap from an old Casio watch and tried it on the Omega Seamaster 2531.80.  It actually looks pretty good and gives it a more sporty feel.  I've been trying a variety of watch bands to see what works and while it looked okay on a black leather band, it feels better on the rubber strap. I also plan on trying a Hirsch Liberty Brown Leather band and later a Hadley Roma PU Ballistic Band in Black w/ Orange Stitching.  I'm banking on the Hadley Roma to make this Omega truly sing for me.  I spend most of my time on a computer and the stainless steel band is getting scuffed up. Also, my arm tends to expand during the hot summer months and I'm tired of changing links.  The Omega is not the friendliest in adjusting sizes on the metal band.  There is nothing like a simple watch band change to help make an old watch look more appealing.  I'm loving the Seamaster again. Update 5/19/14 Dang...even though it's tearing,