Three and a half years ago I made a blog post on strap options which turned out to be one of your favorites. So I guess a second iteration with different strap choices and different watches may also find your interest. Like in 2021 we will take a look at original Blancpain straps and one independent strap maker.

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I don’t want to repeat myself on the general aspects, but let me again emphasize the significant impact of a strap on the overall aesthetic appeal of a timepiece. I’m talking not only about the style and color of a given strap but also the quality impression and detail execution.

Some OEM options

Let’s take a look at the discontinued but still cherished Leman series first. Besides the typical alligator straps those timepieces regularly came with calf leather straps (formerly known as Barennia straps). Unfortunately the available variety of those is limited these days, you can still get them in black or dark brown only, with the lining no longer being rubber but leather.

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The original rubber straps that came with the Leman Aqua Lung models has also been replaced with a new version, which actually is a lot more beautiful due to its nice texture in my humble opinion.

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When we talk about the Fifty Fathoms line the OEM offerings are predominantly Sailcloth or Nato straps. Both are available in many different colors for 20 and 23mm lug width. All photos in the next slide show are credit Blancpain.

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This color variety offers an opportunity to change the appearance of a timepiece significantly. Here’s the example of the Bathyscaphe Sedna Gold on a green original Nato strap paired with the Sedna keepers:

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For the new 42.3mm Fifty Fathoms there are no options other than the original black or blue sailcloth, Tropic or Nato straps, yet (?). One option I tried on the FF 5010 are the 23mm Jacquard Nato straps: although they are nominally 1.5mm too wide they still work since the straps are less stiff than the uni colored Natos.

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I also tried the 22/20 distressed calf leather strap of the Air Command AC01. It is not a perfect fit at the clasp, but it suits the titanium FF 5010 very well.

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Independent strap maker: DeLugs

I have tried many non-OEM strap options over the years. Some were okay, some were subpar, and a few stood out very positively. One of those strapmakers who stood out is Singapore based DeLugs.

My first encounter with DeLugs have been their Baranil (former Barenia) straps. Their standard 20/16 or 22/18 sizes are a perfect fit for the Leman series, available in a nice variety of colors (which I wished would be extended, though).

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The above shown blue and grey Baranil straps were custom made with the contrast white stitching. Another option I tried is the smooth rubberized leather strap for my Leman Flyback Split Second A‘Toute Vitesse, and I found it to be the perfect choice.

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The nice thing is that with DeLugs you are not limited to the standard straps: you can order bespoke and create your individual strap by defining each aspect of it within the existing color palette. You can decide on the thickness at the lugs, the thickness in the hole area (to accommodate certain deployant clasps, the diameter of the holes, the lining and the stitching.

I used that service for a Baranil strap to exactly fit my Fifty Fathoms 70th Anniversary Act 1 21.5mm lug width and an 18mm old style Blancpain single deployant clasp. The result is excellent:

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Recently DeLugs also created a line of sailcloth straps in a rather broad color variety. The straps are smooth, very well made and aesthetically fit the Fifty Fathoms nicely. Here’s a standard 22/18 sailcloth strap on my FF 5010 to give you an idea.

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I am currently in dialogue with DeLugs about a Blancpain FF/Bathyscaphe specific standard collection of sailcloth straps, so hopefully you don’t have to go bespoke to make those straps a perfect fit for your Fifty Fathoms or Bathyscaphe.

Also, DeLugs have kindly offered a one time discount code for my readers on their first order through their website. You will find this code here in the blog.

I hope you enjoy playing with different straps to personalize your Blancpain as much as I do and therefore find this second strap options post helpful. If you wish to explore the previous iteration with a focus on custom Nato straps you find it here in the blog.

Cheers 

Henrik