[Wednesday]

Hello! I wasn't sure whether to put this in the vintage or affordable forum since this is both, so if I chose incorrectly, please move this post to wherever it needs to be. Thanks!

I bought a watch that appears to be from the 70s or 80s but the band that was on it is clearly not original to the watch as it doesn't fit properly and is also disgustingly dirty. I like the watch and since it was $2.50 and I like the look of it, I figured why not? My question for you good folks is whether you think this is in fact from the 70s/80s and if so, what kind of band should I get as a replacement? I'm obviously not looking to spend a ton of money on this since it's just a cheap old quartz watch, but there are several decent options on ebay at the moment under $30, which would put my total cost at around $35, which I consider quite reasonable for a working watch that I like.

I have pictures of 4 options below. Do these look appropriate for this watch? I think a metal band would be best as the watch has brushed stainless steel and bevels downward at the lugs. I tried to find bands that had brush marks in the same direction as the watch, but obviously I can't know until buying it whether it would be a perfect fit. If any of these are good, which one is best? I'm leaning towards the upper-left because I think the simplicity would not compete with the octagon shape of the watch, but I like the lower-left as well. If you disagree and think a different band type would be better, please let me know.

I also included a photo of the watch with the measurements of the interhorn width (did I use that term correctly?) as well as the measurement of the outsides of the lugs. I did this to show why I chose watch bands with the connecting ends that I did.

The watch looks so much better in person than it does in the photos. The photos really washed it out.

I looked up the name of the watch but I did not see a whole lot that told me anything about this watch. When I put in a new battery, the movement inside said "Gemini W.Germany" which would at least date it to pre-1990 I would think. Aesthetically, it gives me 70s/80s vibes, but I'm no expert so if I'm wrong, please let me know.

Thanks!!

 

[SFwatchGuy]

I am also leaning to the lower left corner especially if the smaller link high-lights are polished. I think all of the choices would work and look appropriate. The upper right would be my second choice.

 

[CometHunter]

First, if the watch isn't made by an obviously well-known company, chances are slim you'll EVER find much info when trying to look it up, so don't waste your energy.
I don't agonize over aesthetics. Frankly, I think all 4 choices look okay, but I know what looks good TO ME and what doesn't. As long as the strap doesn't look like a piece of junk, I can get used to how something looks very quickly. I look at whether the bracelet finish matches the watch: polished gold with polished gold, brushed steel with brushed steel, polished steel with polished steel, etc. Another thing I look for is will the links be easy or difficult to remove? The two bottom bracelets look like the clasps offer very limited opportunity to adjust the length, should the bracelet turn out to not fir properly, I don't know about you, but when I gain 20 pounds, my wrists swell up, and I have to dig out my spring bar tool and start switching over to longer straps and bracelets!

 

[Wednesday]

First, if the watch isn't made by an obviously well-known company, chances are slim you'll EVER find much info when trying to look it up, so don't waste your energy.
I don't agonize over aesthetics. Frankly, I think all 4 choices look okay, but I know what looks good TO ME and what doesn't. As long as the strap doesn't look like a piece of junk, I can get used to how something looks very quickly. I look at whether the bracelet finish matches the watch: polished gold with polished gold, brushed steel with brushed steel, polished steel with polished steel, etc. Another thing I look for is will the links be easy or difficult to remove? The two bottom bracelets look like the clasps offer very limited opportunity to adjust the length, should the bracelet turn out to not fir properly, I don't know about you, but when I gain 20 pounds, my wrists swell up, and I have to dig out my spring bar tool and start switching over to longer straps and bracelets!

That's a good point about adjustability. Since I'm a woman with small wrists and these are men's watch bracelets, I will double check the lengths before buying anything. I believe they were all adjustable but I looked at so many watch bands last night, it is a good idea to make sure the one I buy will fit.

I appreciate your input. Thank you!

 

[Wednesday]

I am also leaning to the lower left corner especially if the smaller link high-lights are polished. I think all of the choices would work and look appropriate. The upper right would be my second choice.

I didn't even think about the smaller links being highlighted. You are right, that would look good. I hope they are!
Thanks for responding and giving me your input!