Two Broke Watch Snobs
Comparing 3 Elastic Watch Straps: Budget Choices or Budget Be Damned?
Detailed comparison of Elastic Watch Straps from Erika's Originals, The Watch Steward, and Nick Mankey Designs - is it worth spending the extra money?
Results for Tropic Strap
596 articles · 4 videos found · page 9 of 20
Two Broke Watch Snobs
Time+Tide
Erika’s Originals straps - hands down, some of the best on the market right now
Editor’s note: I ran into the lovely Erika a few times back at Baselworld, and it was clear she was having a good time. Her watches were flying off the shelves, and she had a collab with Bell & Ross that looked great. Her elastic parachute material straps offer a superb mix of comfort, style … ContinuedThe post Erika’s Originals straps – hands down, some of the best on the market right now appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Time+Tide
LIST: Quick! Change! 5 of the best hot-swappable straps on the market right now
It took Apple, and their eponymous watch, to really hammer home the point that the traditional fine watch industry was stuck in the past. No, not with regards to the watch itself - I’m still plenty fine with gears and wheels - no, the real revelation was that it doesn’t have to be so hard to … ContinuedThe post LIST: Quick! Change! 5 of the best hot-swappable straps on the market right now appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Two Broke Watch Snobs
Ep. #103 Watch Straps and Purging the Collection… kinda
Mike and Kaz talk about various watch straps and swapping them out seasonally. The discussion gets slightly derailed (classic TBWS fashion) and the guys revisit the idea of consolidating, cutting down on collections, and being happier with less.
Deployant
Throwback Sunday: Six Dressy Watches for the Tropics, from Our Archives
In this week's Throwback Sunday, we take a look at dressy watches that are suitable for the tropics. Find out what are some of the watches that we have chosen in this week's article!
Time+Tide
ANNOUNCING: The Time+Tide Shop, launching with the Ltd Edn Seiko Presage SPB069 ‘Moonlit Night’, premium straps and more
We’re very proud to announce that the Time+Tide shop is officially open for business. The decision to launch a shop isn’t one we made lightly, or quickly. But it was made, and today we launch with a capsule collection of handmade straps and premium accessories, as well as the frankly stunning Seiko Presage SPB069 Moonlit Night. The … ContinuedThe post ANNOUNCING: The Time+Tide Shop, launching with the Ltd Edn Seiko Presage SPB069 ‘Moonlit Night’, premium straps and more appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Two Broke Watch Snobs
Ep. #34 - Talking Watch Straps and Teasing the 2K Follower Giveaway
This week Mike and Kaz have the first (of most likely many) discussions about the oddly polarizing topic of watch straps in horology. Some folks love swapping out straps/bracelets and some others think it's a sin - what's your stance?
Quill & Pad
Hong Kong: Watch-World’s Other Hub
You can surf the web all you want, but there is nothing like actually seeing a watch in the metal, feeling its weight on your wrist, the firm yet gentle grip of the strap, and gazing into the depth of its dial and realizing: "This is The One." And a fair is one of the best places to find a match.
WatchAdvice
Is The Piaget Polo Signature Date Exactly What The Brand Needed? (Hands-On)
Piaget’s released a new iteration of their Polo Signature Date, but does it truly embody the brand’s modern creative vision? Let’s find out! What We Love: Shapely, wearable case More distinct dial & identity The rubber strap – still comfortable! What We Don’t: Crown feels slightly small Dead zone when changing times Is it finally recognisable? Overall Rating: 9.25/10 Value for Money: 9/10 Wearability: 9.5/10 Design: 10/10 Build Quality: 8.5/10 For as much as I love watches for their design, technology, or daring in either field, recognition must be recognised as one of the most important elements of a watch brand’s arsenal. When a watch brand goes ‘mainstream’ within the enthusiast community, it brings with it a significant amount of power within the watch world. But it’s usually easier said than done; scant few brands have managed to capture the attention of both hardcore enthusiasts and luxury lovers at the same time. Piaget is a brand that has perennially clung to the fringes of that audience. In the past, they hadn’t been able to tap into the enthusiast crowd with the same level of magnitude as some of their peers in Richemont. While one can easily point the finger towards characteristics like ultra-luxury and exclusivity, it hasn’t stopped other brands of a similar calibre from breaking through. So if not that, then what? Perhaps it’s due to a lack of distinctive visual identity, which in recent years has begun to change. While fans of the ...
WristBuzz
Longines Conquest Heritage Central Power Reserve gets a light blue dial
Longines refreshes one of its most quietly interesting re-editions with a light blue opaline dial. Still 38mm, still the central power-reserve rotating disc, still the silicon-hairspring L896.5. €3,950 on strap, €4,050 on bracelet.
Fratello
Budget-Friendly With Vintage Charm: The Updated Wolbrook Skindiver 38 Automatic
It’s always nice when you run into an old acquaintance. A few years ago, I spent quite a bit of time on the Wolbrook website, as I really liked the brand’s Tropic-style rubber straps. To me, they were the perfect combination in terms of material and looks. During those visits, the brand’s watches caught my […] Visit Budget-Friendly With Vintage Charm: The Updated Wolbrook Skindiver 38 Automatic to read the full article.
Fratello
They Grow Up So Fast! Meet The Casio Edifice Automatic EFK-200
Fast-track evolution. In just one year, Casio launched its first automatic mechanical watch, the Edifice EFK-100, and rapidly improved it. Now, the third generation of the Casio Edifice automatic is here. The EFK-200, a sporty-chic yet affordable watch with an integrated bracelet/strap, comes in five variations and looks to be a very mature watch. There […] Visit They Grow Up So Fast! Meet The Casio Edifice Automatic EFK-200 to read the full article.
WatchRider
We needed The Orange! TAG Heuer Formula 1 Solargraph Limited Edition for Zandvoort’s Finale
TAG Heuer is sending the Dutch Grand Prix off with a pair of bright orange Formula 1 Solargraph limited editions. The rubber-strap reference WBY111H.FT8128 and steel-bracelet reference WBY111L.BA0042 share the same compact case, solar movement and colour scheme, but they offer two very different ways to remember Zandvoort. The timing is important. The 2026 Dutch Grand Prix will be the last Formula 1 race at Circuit Zandvoort under the current agreement. TAG Heuer has therefore created a farewell watch that looks straight into the orange grandstands rather than simply placing a race logo on an existing model. The last Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort The Dutch Grand Prix returned in 2021 after being absent from the calendar since 1985. The narrow circuit between the dunes quickly became one of the most recognisable weekends on the calendar, helped by steeply banked corners and grandstands filled with Dutch fans wearing orange. The final race weekend runs from 21 to 23 August 2026. It will also include the first Formula 1 Sprint held at Zandvoort. Tickets for the weekend are already sold out, which says plenty about the event even as it prepares to leave the calendar. TAG Heuer returned as Formula 1’s official timekeeper in 2025. A special watch for the last Zandvoort race therefore makes sense, especially when the Formula 1 collection already has a long history of bold colours and racing references. The new orange Solargraph follows a colourful Formula 1 design story that be...
WatchAdvice
Hands-On: The New TAG Heuer Monaco Returns To Its 1969 Roots
I take the new TAG Heuer Monaco Chronographs in blue and green for a hands-on review to see how this watchmaking icon has evolved for a new generation! What We Love: Improved ergonomics for slimmer wrists Distinctive dial colours with different personalities Substantially upgraded TH20-11 movement What We Don’t: Limited strap options Square case still wears large 13.9mm thickness remains noticeable Overall Rating: 8.7/10 Value for Money: 8.8/10 Wearability: 8.5/10 Design: 8.7/10 Build Quality: 8.7/10 Few watches in the world of horology are as instantly recognisable as the TAG Heuer Monaco. Even more than five decades after its introduction, the iconic timepiece’s square silhouette remains one of its most distinctive features. If you aren’t familiar with the story of the Monaco, it was first introduced in 1969—and it has quite the story behind it. The Monaco arrived during one of watchmaking’s most defining technical contests: the development of the first automatic chronograph. The birth of the Monaco was closely linked to the Calibre 11 movement, which was developed through a collaborative effort between Heuer, Breitling, Hamilton-Büren and chronograph specialist Dubois-Dépraz. The Calibre 11 was essentially part of a movement “race” against Zenith’s El Primero Calibre 3019 PHC and Seiko’s Calibre 6139. The new generation of TAG Heuer Monaco Chronographs presented in blue and green dials. Jack Heuer, who was one of the driving forces behind the Cal...
Hodinkee
Hands-On: Two Wild Dials From Ming, With The "Peepshow" and J.N. Shapiro Collaboration "Lightning"
You could easily argue that Ming is a materials and manufacturing incubator masquerading as a watch company. Lume that glows white. The lightest ever mechanical watch. The world's first 3D-printed titanium bracelet-strap hybrid. All of these are associated with pretty incredible products, but, to some extent, I think it's fair to say the watches themselves are vehicles for showcasing cool innovation. That's not to say the watches are anything but great. But on occasion they're solutions looking for a problem. I kind of love the brand for it. That kind of innovation also extends to dial making, where Ming has recently released two really interesting dial-making exercises in their collaboration with J.N. Shapiro for the 37.06 "Lightning" and standalone 29.06 "Peepshow." I recently had the chance to go hands-on with a few novelties from Ming. The brand, of course, had a great coup when the 37.09 "Bluefin" beat Tudor and a few others for the best sports watch at GPHG in 2024. They followed up with the 37.09 Uni, which I would say is their most practical release of late. The 56.00 "Starfield" is pretty wild but not to my taste, so I gravitated toward covering the two more dial-focused releases of this year (and their LW01 lightweight watch, which will get a future story on its own). It seemed fitting to start with the Ming x J.N. Shapiro 37.06 "Lightning," since I was actually photographing Shapiro's most recent release the same day. And boy, is the watch stunning in person. Th...
Fratello
A Touch Of Watch Heaven: Patek Philippe 6105G-001 Celestial Sunrise And Sunset
An oversized white-gold case inspired by space modules, paired with a seamlessly integrated X-patterned composite strap and a dial depicting the sky as seen from Geneva on a sapphire-crystal dial. The Patek Philippe 6105G-001 Celestial Sunrise and Sunset is a contemporary take on the eternal celestial theme. Inside the oversized case beats the caliber 240 […] Visit A Touch Of Watch Heaven: Patek Philippe 6105G-001 Celestial Sunrise And Sunset to read the full article.
WatchRider
Seiko Gives the Honda Motocompo Its Own 5 Sports Limited Edition - HDB010
Seiko has turned one of Honda’s strangest ideas into a watch. The new Seiko 5 Sports Honda Motocompo Limited Edition HDB010 takes the colours and small details of the folding 1980s scooter then places them inside a compact automatic field watch. This is more than a yellow dial with two famous logos. The crown copies a label from the scooter’s fuel control, the strap borrows its loading instructions and the box looks like the carton used to ship the Motocompo. Even the caseback has been turned into a bright red display for the 4R36 movement. A 45-year-old scooter becomes a watch Honda introduced the Motocompo in 1981 alongside the first Honda City. It was a 49cc two-stroke motorcycle created to fit inside the City’s luggage area. The handlebars and footrests folded into its rectangular body, while special systems helped prevent fuel, oil or battery fluid from leaking inside the car. Honda described the idea as a new six-wheel lifestyle, combining a small car with a motorcycle that could be carried in its trunk. The scooter weighed 42kg dry, produced 2.5 horsepower and measured only 1.185 metres long. Its small wheels and box-like panels made it instantly recognisable. Production lasted from 1981 until 1983, yet the Motocompo continued to gain fans long after it disappeared from showrooms. The HDB010 arrives for its 45th anniversary and uses the yellow version of the scooter as its main source of inspiration. A compact Field Series case in Motocompo colours The HDB010 ...
Monochrome
News - XBAND, the health tracker to wear with your own watch
Are you wearing a health-tracking device like a Woop, a Hume band, or an Oura ring? I am, and I’m not too happy with that strap with a health tracker on my right-hand wrist; hence, I chose a ring. However, XBAND has a solution with a health tracker tucked into the clasp of a rubber […]
WatchRider
Casio Edifice EFB-730: The Best Affordable Panda Chronograph? Owner Review
In my opinion, panda watches are probably the most beautiful and classic watch designs ever made, which explains why I own around ten of them. In this article, we are looking at two models from Casio that I own: the Edifice EFB-730D-7AV on a stainless steel bracelet, that has a clean silver dial with black subdials, and the Edifice EFB-730L-7AV on a brown leather strap, but with a more vintage off-white dial and orange accents. And to make this even more interesting I will compare them with my Tudor Black Bay Chrono Panda M79360N-0002. In the following sections, I will cover what I like, what I do not like, or rather what I would like to see in future versions, whether these watches feel premium, and two questions you probably have in mind: why I own both and whether I am going to sell them. Panda Design, Case Size and Comfort The panda dial is clearly the main attraction, but what makes these Casio models stand out from the many affordable panda chronographs is the shape of the case. Instead of using the familiar round design seen on watches such as the Tudor Black Bay Chrono, the EFB-730 has a tonneau shape that immediately reminded me of the legendary Zenith El Primero A384. Introduced in 1969, the A384 combined a distinctive tonneau-shaped case (often referred to as a barrel shape) with a white dial, three black chronograph counters and a date window positioned between four and five o’clock. The modern A384 Revival faithfully recreates that design with a 37 mm tonnea...
WatchRider
Bell & Ross BR-05 GMT Green Steel Adds a Sage Dial to Its Urban Travel Watch
Bell & Ross has introduced the BR-05 GMT Green Steel, bringing a layered sage-green dial to its square travel watch. Announced on 29 July 2026, the new model keeps the familiar 41mm steel case, automatic GMT movement and choice of integrated bracelet or rubber strap. The colour and dial finishing are the real news. This is not a limited edition. It joins the regular BR-05 GMT range and is identified by the reference BR05G-GN-ST, with the usual SST and SRB endings used for the steel-bracelet and rubber-strap versions. All images are courtesy of Bell & Ross. A new green for the BR-05 GMT Bell & Ross introduced the BR-05 collection in 2019 as the Urban branch of its range. It kept the brand’s well-known “circle within a square” design but softened the case and connected it directly to an integrated bracelet. The GMT model followed in 2021, adding a second time zone without changing the basic shape. The BR-05 GMT Green Steel on its matching green rubber strap. Image: Bell & Ross. The 2026 Green Steel is the first BR-05 GMT to use this sage colour. It is not a simple layer of green paint. Bell & Ross starts with a metal dial plate, gives it a sunray-brushed finish, applies a tinted green varnish and then adds a clear glossy varnish. The final layer protects the surface and adds depth. The result changes noticeably with the light. Some angles produce a brighter green, while others reveal softer grey and silver tones. It is more restrained than a bright emerald dial and wor...
Hodinkee
Introducing: Article Prep
What We Know TK What We Think Something someone said someone. TK The Basics Brand: Model: Reference Number: Diameter: Thickness: Case Material: Dial Color: Indexes: Lume: Water Resistance: Strap/Bracelet: The Movement Caliber: Functions: Diameter: Thickness: Power Reserve: Winding: Frequency: Jewels: Chronometer Certified: Additional Details: Pricing & Availability Price: Availability: Limited Edition: For more, click here.
Deployant
New: Bell & Ross BR-05 GMT Green Steel
Bell & Ross extends the BR-05 collection with a new model in a sage green dial. Available in their now iconic steel bracelet or a rubber strap.
WatchAdvice
Hands-On With The Zenith Defy Extreme Ultraviolet
The Zenith Defy Extreme Ultraviolet is bold, unapologetically big, and has major wrist presence. And we love it! What We Love The look of the microblasted titanium case with the purple dial and strap The lightweight construction makes it easy to wear The 1/100th second chronograph is a fun complication to play with What We Don’t It is a larger watch that will not fit all wrists The style is not for everyone or everyday wear due to the size, design, and colour The power reserve could be stretched a little more to 60 hours if I’m being picky Overall Rating: 9 / 10 Value For Money: 8.5/10 Design: 9/10 Wearability: 9/10 Build Quality: 9.5/10 The Zenith DEFY Extreme is a cool watch, no matter how you look at it. This is the third DEFY Extreme I’ve been able to wear, and every time I put one on my wrist, it just feels right. Yes, it’s not exactly a technical analysis to start a watch review with, but there’s something about these watches that makes me smile. Last year, when I reviewed the DEFY Extreme Diver Shadow, I found it to be a surprisingly easy-wearing watch thanks to the titanium construction and the way Zenith has crafted the case design and bracelet. It wore exceptionally well on the wrist, although slightly smaller at 42.5mm. The Zenith DEFY Extreme models I went hands-on with last year However, I did then spend some time with the DEFY Extreme Lapis Lazuli with the high-polish two-tone case, which would be the Ultraviolet’s more flamboyant cousin. Agai...
Fratello
Sintered And Scintillating: The New Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF Sport Chronograph Ultra-Cermet Mineral Blue
The Tonda PF Sport Chronograph Ultra-Cermet is not new to Parmigiani Fleurier’s catalog, but this Mineral Blue execution is. The watch takes the existing 42.5mm Ultra-Cermet sports chronograph and shifts the tone with a Blackor and Mineral Blue dial, a matching Mineral Blue rubber strap, and the same full Ultra-Cermet case. The star of the […] Visit Sintered And Scintillating: The New Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF Sport Chronograph Ultra-Cermet Mineral Blue to read the full article.
Two Broke Watch Snobs
The Citizen Nighthawk CA0897-04H Is The Brand’s Stealthiest Version Yet
Citizen's Nighthawk CA0897-04H goes grey-on-grey on a nylon strap. A look at the Eco-Drive pilot chrono, its specs, and more.
Worn & Wound
Hands-On: the Slomo Glance
First impressions leave a lasting mark, which is why packaging can matter so much. I don’t typically start a hands-on article by discussing packaging, but with the Slomo Glance, it really got things off to a good start. The box is a simple, natural-colored craft paper-wrapped card/heavy stock with a simple black print, which I love. So much, in fact, that the strap boxes for our Model 2s have been made this same way for several years. Regardless, the box, which is several inches long, a few inches wide, and just a hair over one inch thick, features the brand’s logo in large print spanning most of the box’s length, with the central, extended O split down the middle. Though there are no instructions on the box, the design is intuitive and clearly opens by sliding these apparent covers off to expose the inside. As you begin to slide the covers off, you are treated to a pleasant graphic surprise: the inner box has lines that align with the O, creating the illusion that it is being stretched as you pull the covers. Additionally, text appears saying “hurry up and slow down.” It’s fun and clever, making you excited for what you’ll find. With the outer covers off, a new cover is revealed and lifted by a black ribbon, finally exposing the watch within. I’ll get to the rest in a bit… It doesn’t happen that often anymore, but sometimes I just see a new watch by a new brand, think it’s cool, and say, “Hey, can you send one over?” Something about the watch jus...
Fratello
Fratello’s Top 5 Summer Watches Of 2026
Another Friday, another list. Summer is just around the corner, so it’s time to start thinking about your watch for the season. While we understand that a simple strap change can do the trick, it is always nice to look at recent releases that could make great companions for the long summer days. That’s why […] Visit Fratello’s Top 5 Summer Watches Of 2026 to read the full article.
![The New Ulysse Nardin Freak [x] is smaller, thinner, and easier to live with than ever](https://monochrome-watches.com/app/uploads/2026/07/2026-Ulysse-Nardin-Blast-Moonstruck-Rose-Gold-Edition-1.jpg)
WristBuzz
The New Ulysse Nardin Freak [x] is smaller, thinner, and easier to live with than ever
The second-generation Freak [X] gets a new micro-rotor movement, a 41 mm case, and an interchangeable strap system, making Ludwig Oechslin's wild idea more wearable than it's ever been
SJX Watches
Ulysse Nardin Debuts Freak X Second Generation
The second-generation Ulysse Nardin (UN) Freak X proves that good things can come in small(er) packages, with an all-new micro-rotor calibre powering the Freak’s signature ‘flying carousel’ architecture. The new movement debuts in a smaller 41 mm steel case with an interchangeable strap system. Initial thoughts There’s a lot to like about the updated Freak X. It retains the wandering tourbillon-style architecture that UN describes as a flying carousel, powered by an all-new micro-rotor calibre that’s been upgraded with the brand’s DiamonSil escapement package. It’s also noticeably smaller than the outgoing model, while boasting superior water resistance thanks in part to the collection’s first screw-down crown. Strap options have been expanded thanks to an interchangeable strap system that includes a stainless steel bracelet. These upgrades come with a modest increase to retail pricing, which starts at US$41,200 — essentially the same price as one of the special edition versions of the first-generation Freak X. Some will mourn the ‘downgrade’ from titanium to steel, but that’s a relatively minor issue given the reduced case size, and furthermore the release of titanium options in the future seems all but guaranteed. Smaller but better When the Freak debuted 25 years ago, it shocked the industry with its novel construction, which integrated the entire going train and escapement into an enormous minutes hand. The Freak X keeps the overall look mostly ...
Deployant
New: Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Tech
Blancpain releases the new Fifty Fathoms Tech (Ref. 5019A 12B30 94A), featuring the world-first 3-hour bezel complication now in a non-limited production model. It adds a date function and new tool-free interchangeable strap system to the patented 3-hour bezel first introduced on the 2023 Gombessa limited edition, powered by the in-house Calibre 13P5A with 120-hourRead More