Blacked Out | Gabarro Rally Straps

A NATO strap doesn’t always cut it, and sometimes that brush steel bracelet is just too sporty for the occasion. For all other scenarios there is the humble classic – the leather strap, a mark of understated elegance.

As a consequence of Timex’s successful scrimping efforts achieved by selling you three quarters of a watch (sans steel band) and the demand for more attainable vintage watches (sans factory band), an all around acceptance of non-factory bands materialized.

Breaking the mold today, and our concerted effort to customize our Submariner, we enlisted the support of Gabarro Straps for his fabled leather watch products from Spain. Nick Gabarro is a well respected character in the watch community who readily provides leather bands of fine leathers in a variety of styles.

Reminiscent of the 70s style rally straps popularized by the Tag Heur Monaco (a known Steve McQueen timepiece), we outfitted some Subs with Gabarro Rally straps.

An interesting tidbit is how uncommon the rally strap is on Submariners, as they are most traditionally used on Speedmasters.

The achieved look is one of formality, but one that might still suggest you have a black vintage Porsche cooling off behind the scenes. Less is more, and that is exactly what a black on black combination conveys.

If your looking for a sturdy and well-made leather strap, Gabarro is the way to go. And if you don’t have a vintage Porsche to sport,  a bottle of wine of desirable vintage will do just fine.