It goes without saying the watches of the quality of Grand Seiko come with exceptionally crafted straps and bracelets. Nevertheless, it's always fun to ring the changes and when you're dealing with high end products it's that much more of a challenge to find straps that really complement the watch.
Of course the great thing about a search like this is that when you do find a strap that looks fantastic on the watch head it's a really good feeling, especially if it fundamentally changes the appearance of the watch. With this in mind we decided to do a strap showcase for the two Grand Seikos we recently had in for review.
Now of course with very expensive watches you do have to be careful taking out spring bars. I know this sounds like we're stating the obvious but as long as you have the right tools for the job and you are careful there is absolutely no reason why you cannot remove spring bars without so much as a hairline scratch on the inside of the lugs. It just takes practise and patience.
Here is our alternate strap selection for the Grand Seiko Spring Time GMT reference SBGE 253G.
ZULUDIVER Endurance Extreme Rubber Watch Strap – Discovery - £58
ZULUDIVER Endurance Extreme On Grand Seiko Spring Time GMT - Credit WatchGecko
Combining our two toughest strap designs into one bullet-proof design, introducing the Endurance Extreme Rubber Watch Strap. Our current Endurance strap gave us the perfect platform, allowing us to expand the range to include a sailcloth version. Tried and tested by our team, we are confident that the Endurance Extreme is an ideal strap to withstand the extreme elements of the great outdoors. Maybe not exactly where you would take your Grand Seiko but it does look fantastic on it.
ZULUDIVER Endurance Extreme On Grand Seiko Spring Time GMT - Credit WatchGecko
Vintage Highley Genuine Leather Watch Strap – Black - £68
The Vintage Highley is very much a staple in the WatchGecko range of leather straps. It’s proven to be incredibly popular among customers and continues to be a top seller. It is a generous strap in every way. Thickly padded (6mm thick at the lug end) and made from the very best Italian vegetable-tanned, full-grain leather, this striking strap is worthy of the GS and will age with grace, picking up patina as it’s worn.
Vintage Highley Genuine Leather On Grand Seiko Spring Time GMT - Credit WatchGecko
The Highley incorporates quick-release spring bars for easy strap changes and utilises certified vegetable-tanned, full-grain Italian leather produced by a member of the Consorzio Vera Pelle Italiana Conciata Al Vegetale. This consortium of tanneries in Tuscany exclusively uses natural plant-derived tannins and centuries-old techniques to create quality controlled sustainable leathers. As a result, this strap will continue to develop patina and only get better as it wears in and begins to age.
And here are our choices for the Grand Seiko Suwa Lake reference SLGA021G.
ZULUDIVER Maverick (MK II) Sailcloth Waterproof Watch Strap - Black / Grey - £48
Who would have imagined sailcloth on a Grand Seiko – but it really works! Our popular ZULUDIVER quick-release sailcloth watch strap is made from premium PVC rubber and outperforms cheaper alternative sailcloth materials.
With this new MKII (August 2022) improved version of one of our most popular selling sailcloth watch straps, we have taken customer feedback and made a few upgrades.
ZULUDIVER Maverick MKII Sailcloth on Grand Seiko Suwa Lake - Credit WatchGecko
There is new ZULUDIVER branding to the lining of the strap, for reassurance that it is a genuine product. The buckle has been upgraded to our popular Sub-Aquatic, which is made from saltwater resistant 316L stainless steel, professional dual finishing, solid machined tongue and drilled holes for easy fitting or removal. And finally, this watch strap features medium padding for added comfort but remains lightweight and flexible.
We have fitted quick-release spring bars to make it easy to fit the watch straps to your watch. The strap is finished with a remborde edge to ensure the perfect look.
WatchGecko V-Stitch Distressed Leather Watch Strap – Brown - £68
Our V-Stitch Distressed Leather Watch Strap offers timeless simplicity, making it a popular choice for anyone after a quality leather strap. With a 4mm to 3.5mm tapering thickness the Italian leather can stand up to a great deal of wear, whilst still being pliable from the outset and it conforms well to the wrist. The high end leather look really compliments the superior manufacture of the Suwa Lake.
WatchGecko V-Stitch Distressed Leather on Grand Seiko Suwa Lake - Credit WatchGecko
The simple double stitching makes this a very versatile strap with little superfluous detail to detract from the quality of the leather and of course the watch itself. The strap also comes equipped with quick-release spring bars for easy strap changes, and a stainless steel buckle etched with the WatchGecko logo for reassurance of a genuine quality product.
