Leather Band on Vintage 1625?

[23109VC]

I have a 18k gold 1625 Thunderbird that my late grandfather left to me. It is all 18k gold case and jubilee bracelet. The original band is quite stretched, and I have thought about sending it off to be repaired - I have contacted the fellow overseas…. It will cost me about $2000 to get it fixed.

Another thought I had was until I get around to dropping $2k to fix the bracelet, is to get a nice leather band to put on it. The all gold bracelet is quite “loud”… and putting a leather band might give the watch a more casual look…. It woudl still look nice but less blingy.

I found a place online that sells curved bands called Everestbands.com… they appear to have a band that may fit my vintage rolex… i have seen many other options out there.

I’m curious what the general consensus is about putting a leather band onto a vintage watch like mine. Do you think it would look good? Tacky? If I did go leather band - at least until I fix the jubilee - is there a specific source I shoudl focus on that is better quality / better fit / etc?

Any one with photos of what it might look like? I think on a solid gold case like mine, black might look too much contract, something like a dark brown or merlot might look nice.

I’m open to suggestions. Thanks i advance.