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?
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.
In reply to Dough The watch & bracelet by Wayne Hanley
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-).
In reply to Times and styles change, but by geezer_D
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.
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
In reply to 1931 or '32 - original on by FifthAvenueRes…