Vintage Bracelets - Do You Wear 'Em?

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Submitted by Elgin Doug on May 28, 2011 - 1:59pm

I recently picked up a 1937 American Clipper, with a period-correct but not original bracelet.

It's definitely a man's bracelet - it fits my 7" wrist easily.  But it looks decidedly unmasculine on my wrist...

My wife said, "Too Girly!", and I'm inclined to agree.  It's funny how the aesthetic changes in 70 years.  Looking at the old ads, it looks like this style of bracelet didn't survive WWII.

So, for the other guys out there - do you ever wear a pre-WWII watch with its original bracelet?

simpletreasures
Posted May 28, 2011 - 7:59pm

Yup! Prefer them original. I've got a lot of comments, none of which were "Girly" especially after I've told them the history behind the watch! People still love the history!

timerestoration
Posted May 28, 2011 - 2:23pm

 Nope... leather strap for me! I have a lot of original bracelets, but they have mostly been sized down over the years to fit a woman's wrist, or are too worn to wear anyway!

Wayne Hanley
Posted May 28, 2011 - 3:57pm

Dough

The watch & bracelet that you are modeling  looks to be a bit small, hence, the sqeezed look is not very masculine or feminine. I have bracelets on Bulova Envoy, Sky King, Richard, Jump Hour, Lone Eagle III and would be proud to wear them anywhere. However, for the sake of presservation, I havn't worn them. I would love to have original bracelets on all of my watches that were advertized with them, from a collectors standpoint for display.

 

Elgin Doug
Posted May 28, 2011 - 7:05pm

It's actually a pretty good fit, physically.  The clasp gives it about 1/2" of adjustment, and I can't wear it at it's largest - the watch flops around too much.  The way you see it there it's just tight enough not to move.

FifthAvenueRes…
Posted May 28, 2011 - 4:45pm

leather strap, shoes are easier to match.

: D

Watches on orig Bracelets ( don't have many) are tucked away.

Elgin Doug
Posted May 28, 2011 - 7:06pm

If you look at the ads, the original bracelet that came with the American Clipper was even skinner!

geezer_D
Posted May 28, 2011 - 8:37pm

 Times and styles change, but it was a man's watch when made and so remains.  I won't wear a vintage watch without the period bracelet.  Nor would I wear one of those new 18 size pocket watch size wrist watches, understated elegance never goes out of style.  That band does not look "girly."  Girly would have rhinestones and charms hanging from it 8-).

 

Elgin Doug
Posted May 28, 2011 - 9:02pm

You're a better man than I am, Gunga Din...er, I mean, Geezer D. ;-)

I'm also not one for big watches.  The biggest I have is about 35mm - small by today's standards.

Of course, a tan pigskin strap is perfectly authentic for the American Clipper, and less likely to incite comment. 

 

mybulova_admin
Posted May 29, 2011 - 5:50am

I once tried it, but after the first....'That looks so gay' comment I changed it back to a leather strap.

Geoff Baker
Posted May 29, 2011 - 12:15pm

 I wear them proudly if I find 'em original. I have 15-20 with original and am blessed with a < 7" wrist so many of them fit nicely.

Send 'em all my way boys and girls, ALWAYS looking for the old style! Just got a '30 LE II back from my 'maker that has the ORIGINAL bracelet and it is simply SMASHING. Wait until I post this baby, it is sweet!!

-gb

FifthAvenueRes…
Posted May 29, 2011 - 12:34pm

1931 or '32 - original on original that lives in a box, possibly My best.

 

mybulova_admin
Posted May 29, 2011 - 7:32pm

1932. The 1931 version had the radium painted numbers and matching cathederal hands, whilst the later 32 model had the raised gold numbers and hands.

FifthAvenueRes…
Posted May 29, 2011 - 7:38pm

1932, Thank You admin.

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