Tropical Strap for a 60's sub?

[WatchEater666]

Hey all, just bought a 1966 submariner from Tropical Watch/Jacek.

I am looking for a tropic strap to stick on it. Any recommendations? Was thinking black or dark grey!

It's a 5513 from '66.

[Dan S]

Are you asking about modern reproductions, or original vintage Tropics? As you probably know, Tropicstrap has started making them again, but there are many other good Tropic-style versions being made. You can also track down a period correct strap, they often hold up remarkably well, and I have many vintage Tropic straps on my vintage dive watches. Not only the classic style, but also Tropic Sport and Star.

[JimSnyder]

A Tropic and a Sub

[WatchEater666]

Originally Posted by Dan S

Are you asking about modern reproductions, or original vintage Tropics? As you probably know, Tropicstrap has started making them again, but there are many other good Tropic-style versions being made. You can also track down a period correct strap, they often hold up remarkably well, and I have many vintage Tropic straps on my vintage dive watches. Not only the classic style, but also Tropic Sport and Star.

How hard are they to source? Did you find one on ebay or?

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by WatchEater666

How hard are they to source? Did you find one on ebay or?

Are you asking about vintage Tropic straps? If so, yes I have found them on eBay and various other places. You have to look carefully to distinguish the authentic ones from the copycats. Sometimes a cheap watch on eBay will have an authentic Tropic strap because the seller doesn't realize it. If it's not worth your time to pore through listing after listing, Squinky always has them at a premium price.

[LateLearner]

Originally Posted by WatchEater666

Hey all, just bought a 1966 submariner from Tropical Watch/Jacek.

I am looking for a tropic strap to stick on it. Any recommendations? Was thinking black or dark grey!

It's a 5513 from '66.

Would love to see a pic of that glossy dial!


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[TuRo]

Back in the 60s they were fitted for £1.50 (30 shillings) and most common and classic was the 22522 - I sold an unused one for £250 a while back.

Here's an original on it's correct Acier for £173 on eBay. Very reasonable imho.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/334702835...mis&media=COPY

[swish77]

Would love to see some photos of these straps mounted. I've always liked the look of the Tropic strap with the bigger holes. Not sure if those are also authentic or the model number. Very cool straps.

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by swish77

Would love to see some photos of these straps mounted. I've always liked the look of the Tropic strap with the bigger holes. Not sure if those are also authentic or the model number. Very cool straps.

If this is what you're referring to, the straps with the large holes are called Tropic Sport #23320. I have a new 5513 coming later today and I'm going to remove the bracelet for cleaning, so I can mount this strap and share a photo. Interestingly, this strap has a plastic buckle, which I haven't seen often. Not sure if it has been replaced.

[swish77]

Originally Posted by Dan S

If this is what you're referring to, the straps with the large holes are called Tropic Sport #23320. I have a new 5513 coming later today and I'm going to remove the bracelet for cleaning, so I can mount this strap and share a photo. Interestingly, this strap has a plastic buckle, which I haven't seen often. Not sure if it has been replaced.

Yes! Would love to see that. So 1960s-'70s. As the kids say, that's dope! Thanks.

[offrdmania]

I mean, how authentic do you want?

Here is a full vintage salesmans set from the late 60s or early 70s

https://www.ebay.com/itm/13247862463...Bk9SR_Cb-Le5YQ

Or an original NOS Swiss flared set

https://www.ebay.com/itm/23484724200...Bk9SR9LBk7i5YQ

Or heres ventilated

https://www.ebay.com/itm/37446074004...3ABFBMjOyiuLlh

Blue Tropic big hole

https://www.ebay.com/itm/40292467314...Bk9SR7Tstri5YQ

Or Black

https://www.ebay.com/itm/20410914740...Bk9SR7bstri5YQ

[Dan S]

Here are some photos on the Tropic Sport, Aaron.

[Andjwhite]

Looks pretty cool!


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[Styles Bitchley]

Damn cool, is right!

[Dan S]

For completeness, a more obscure variant is the Tropic Star #23220 (for 20mm width) with small holes and a pebbled finish.

[Dan S]

And last but not least, the conventional diamond-weave pattern style, #22520.

[Old Expat Beast]

I've been using a Tropic style strap for years on my 5513. Very supple, great for daily wear. Like the US$58 model as seen on this page: https://www.watchgecko.com/collections/tropical-style

[swish77]

Originally Posted by Dan S

Here are some photos on the Tropic Sport, Aaron.

That looks great, Dan. Thanks for sharing. I love how the thickness of the band fills up the space between the lugs. Not a big gap at all. Gotta get me one of these.