Leather on divers? We love it.

Steel End Link Leather Strap for Rolex Submariner in Alligator

One of our favorite combinations is pairing a burly sport watch like a Submariner with an alligator leather strap. Brown or black it’s one of the most unlikely pairings that really works. As we head into fall it’s time for a more layered looks and our team simply likes to combine more formal looks with casual pieces. 

Consider rocking an alligator strap with jeans, T-shirt, a bomber jacket and some Air Max 270s. Since we are watch guys, we like our watch to be the one nice accessory that classes up the rest of our look. Mixing high and low is the key to an understated classy look. Make sure everything fits well and that your alligator strap is high quality.

Image courtesy of Worn & Wound

We don’t like to adhere to the “rules” of watch strap pairings. Leather on diver is not only OK, it’s an exceptional look that acknowledges that most people who own dive watches can show their PADI certification. We’re willing to bet most Submariners and Sea-Dwellers have never been below 10-feet deep.

The original Italian military divers wore their Panerai watches on leather straps and they simply dried off once they emerged from the water, so even functionally it wasn’t that big of a deal. The tradition continues on land and today’s Paneristi embrace leather straps on their big divers.

Curved End Leather Strap for Rolex GMT Master II

What’s even more reassuring is that high-quality manufacturers like Tudor and Omega are shipping their dive watches on OEM leather straps. One of the most memorable pairings was the original ETA Black Bay burgundy being offered on a pre-distressed brown leather strap. The red hues combined with the worn-in looking strap provided that vintage charm that has since defined the ultra-successful Black Bay line.

Photo by Samsom Watches

Photo by Millenary Watches

The scaled-down Black Bay 58 also is available with a leather strap, and the gilt accents help make this a killer combination and would look great with a variety of fall-inspired outfits that include olive jackets, denim or a flannel shirt.

Photo by Hodinkee

Oris also offers its Diver 65 on a vintage leather strap, which, again, truly fits with the vintage esthetic. The domed crystal combined with its slim case profile really allow this watch to work well with a leather strap. It’s quite common to see vintage Submariners on leather as many are not likely to be safe for swimming anyway.

Photo by Fratello Watches

The Omega Seamaster 300 Bronze also ships on a brown vintage-style strap and the color combination, to us, is simply sublime. In addition, Omega’s take on bronze offers a significant portion of precious metals in the mix, lending the case added durability. 

Omega describes it as “a one-of-a-kind alloy enriched with noble elements such as 37.5% gold, hallmarked as 9K, as well as palladium and silver. As well as featuring a soft pink hue, it offers incomparable corrosion resistance without verdigris-oxidation, and will therefore age slowly and retain its natural and beautiful patina over a longer period of time.”

Rolex Submariner on Curved End Leather Strap in Alligator

So embrace the leather on diver look. It’s here to stay. And, as always, wear what you like.

To shop our line of leather straps, visit the Everest store.