Should you say "a Speedy" or "the Speedy"? I regularly hear both! What is certain is that a Speedy can take a multitude of straps that suit it beautifully. Surprising for a chronograph with 3 sub-dials that sometimes develops very varied patinas, but that's the conclusion we reach every time we discover a new, innovative and very successful combo.
In this article we won't review vintage Omega steel bracelets; there is already plenty of literature on the subject. Our aim is to show you the combinations that work with Avel and Men leather and canvas straps.
As you can see on our Instagram page, I have a passion for vintage watches, so keep in mind that Omega Speedmasters can vary a great deal. Applied logo or not, step dial or not, index patina leaning toward vanilla or toward a grayish green: all these details will influence the pairing with the strap.
So let's start with the least risky combinations!
The Hyères strap takes the prize for the classic choice, even though it is highly innovative: made of carbon sailcloth, you might think its world, racing, is far removed from that of space exploration. That would be forgetting the close ties between these worlds, both of which demand the best materials, often for stiffness and strength. Admittedly, the Hyères strap is better suited to a Speedy without too much patina, such as a 145 022 from the '80s.
Of course, you very quickly want to pair a Tampa strap with a Speedy. Canvas straps are very well suited to this watch and give it a casual sporty look that matches its design perfectly. But which colors? On a recent Speedy, go for the black Tampa strap. Made in France, our Tampa straps sport the colors of our country. Fitting a Tampa black on a RAID Speedmaster would be a must! Tampa black on a Speedy: a very classic combination that can be worn summer and winter alike!
The second Tampa that comes to mind is the sand : it is clearly a summer strap, or a winter strap for anyone missing Quiberon Bay while stuck in traffic at Porte Maillot. Although classic, its color creates a contrast that makes for a very striking combination. I'll let you admire the photos taken late on a summer evening on the Morbihan coast with a 105 012. The Tampa sand on a Speedy?! Try it and you'll adopt it.
The Tampa khaki is an original alternative. I must admit that before trying it, I was afraid of creating a kitschy combination with clashing colors, especially given the very pronounced patina of the watch used. But this khaki shade works miracles, instantly giving it the look of an adventurer with plenty of flight hours under its belt… However, I would avoid this strap with all the limited editions, such as the RAID mentioned above, Snoopy… The colors of the hands or sub-dials could make the overall look too busy.
A navy canvas for the Speedy ? It would be tempting to test this pairing: the black / navy combination is back in the spotlight and can give a very contemporary result. All the more so with vintage pieces: some bezels tend to develop a highly desirable petrol-blue patina…
Avel and Men leathers with the Speedmaster.
The Douarnenez leather strap is a perfect fit for the Speedy: raw edges, thick grained leather, it gives an elegant look while keeping the sporty, casual style of the watch. Several colors can work: navy, already mentioned above for the Tampa, which will look great; cognac and burgundy. My preference goes to cognac: a timeless color that guarantees a risk-free combo that will go with every shirt you wear. Worried about creating a pairing that's a bit too classic, even boring? The blue-white-red bar tack livens everything up, and in any case, wearing a Speedy, even on a classic strap, is anything but boring!
Still in the realm of leather, the Hamilton Island alligator strap is a must for the Speedy. Hamilton Island is an island off the east coast of Australia, not far from the Great Barrier Reef. It's a magical place to race in warm water, and the island hosts many prestigious regattas. The Hamilton Island strap changes the Speedy's look: from casual, it moves to a luxurious pairing. Worn with a vintage step-dial Speedy, you clearly feel like you have a refined and rare piece of fine watchmaking on your wrist…
The risky combo? The La Rochelle sailcloth strap, once again!
The La Rochelle Kevlar sailcloth strap is very divisive: you either love it or hate it. As mentioned in the article on the Yema Superman, the colors and geometric shapes of the sailcloth can make pairings tricky. So it was a lovely surprise when a customer sent me a photo of his magnificent Speedmaster with the La Rochelle strap. The patina of the indexes matched the strap perfectly, and the owner was proud of this absolutely unique pairing.
I'm delighted to share a few photos of Speedmasters with our straps. Note that for Speedys with a 19mm lug width, all the straps mentioned are available in that size.
We remain at your disposal for any questions and look forward to receiving photos of your combos.
