Groovy New-Old Vintage Watch, Part II

PROJECT UPGRADE: It was my decision, amidst a cluster of 100 degree days, that such a hot time of the year with humidity thick enough to both cut through and choke on, that my groovy new-old vintage Zodiac Spacetronic needed a Summer facelift. In the spirit of the "trad" movement, and with a desire to wear something "lighter", I applied the ribbon band that you see here.

This simple nylon band adds a colorful aesthetic to one's overall ensemble, fits like a second skin around the wrist, and breathes, keeping the wrist cooler than a thicker, more insulating leather strap. Cool huh?

Various colors and patterns are available, but I'd say keep it simple. For a brief time last year, DayGlo colors were popular, a throwback from the 1980's... yeah... remember when Pizza Hut carried the "Back II The Future" sunglasses? That's what I'm referring to. I find the DayGlo movement to be nothing more than a passing trend, just as it was a fad when it first started. Stick to classic colors and avoid lime green, electric yellow, and neon pink.

Lifestyle brand J. Crew sells these ribbon watch bands for around $20 a piece. That's a lot for a piece of nylon. Check out this ebay seller; his bands are $4, with a $2.41 charge for shipping. That's more like it!

One can always go with the ribbon-band "old trusty"... the NATO strap as worn by James Bond with his Rolex Submariner in Dr. No (pictured at left). Be prepared to pay more than $4... I think there's an ebay seller who carries these for around $13.50... I'll let you research that one. Just remember... even though James Bond's Submariner had 20mm lugs, he wore an 18mm band... a little tip for those of us concerned with authentcity.

Until next time,

Cheers!

-Paul