Although I've worn this watch exclusively on the Strapcode Hexad bracelet, I've got a number of other strap options for it so let's check them out! Crafter Blue Stock Seiko silicon/rubber strap Navy Ribbed Nato from Cheapestnatostraps
Thanks so much for the vid!! I have been contemplating about some changes to my Seiko dark manta, and I actually ordered a metal band and a blue nato strap for it- so it’s like right out of my mind👌🏻😊. Now I just need to watch a good bands/straps change tutorial vid..
Thanks! Great video, really appreciate you taking the time to show how versatile the watch is with different straps. My only concern with the Crafter Blue straps is thst they come with standard tip spring bars. These are smaller than the tips on the Seiko fat bars ( I believe they are 0.8mm tips versus Seiko 1.1mm tips). That means that the tips wobble around inside the lug holes and can eventually wear the lug hole in your watch larger over time. I try to look for straps/ bracelets that have the ability to take the Seiko 2.5mm fat bars, so I know the tips will be correct. Someone like UncleSeiko makes sure the holes in their rubber straps accommodate the correct spring bars. The Strapcode Hexad can take 2.5mm fat bars, although my experience with their bracelets is that the spring bars provided have smaller tips so I swap them out for genuine Seiko fat bars (same 2.5mm but just fatter tips that fot correctly in the Seiko diver lug holes).
Those are good points and always something to consider with Seiko divers. The larger lug holes allow for a much sturdier fit provided you're using the right spring bars, but also makes it tricky when swapping out different straps! I can't remember, actually, if I swapped out the spring bars that came with the Crafter Blue. I'll need to check on that. One of the positives with that strap though, is that because the curved end fit is so precise and snug, it at least partially alleviates the wobble that you'd get with a spring bar that wasn't as fat as the standard Seiko ones. But certainly, as you say, normal sized spring bars are not idea.
funny thing is the manta ray model year save the ocean was the ONLY model that came with a sapphire crystal for the entire lineup. all the other ones after was only hardlex. and a single watch from before.
thanks, is this model available on silicone strap only? It's a little strange that the brighter blue manta ray version is available on the factory bracelet and this one is not.
Thank you for showing the different straps. I just bought the dark manta ray turtle. Which I love. It comes on that blue rubber band. But I think that blue dark Navy NATO that you showed makes it pop so much nicer. Even better than the original rubber bracelet it came on. Also I find that this rubber band is not as comfortable as I would like. I would think that the NATO band would be even more comfortable. What do you think ?? 🤔 Ray
I do think that the original blue rubber strap it comes on is quite comfortable, but I agree that the navy nato looks amazing. Probably even better. I was not expecting that but am very pleasantly surprised! I bet the turtle is a stunner as well 👍🏻
@@froesei thank you for your reply. Do you like the samurai better than the turtle ?? That navy blue NATO just makes the dial pop. Where the rubber band is more of a muted gray blue. In person did the NATO look better to you than the rubber band?
@@wed265 I really like the blue colour of the included rubber strap. It's a great match for the dial, but definitely not a navy colour like the nato. Can't comment on the Turtle because I've never owned it!
Thanks 🙏 I bought mine with the bracelet but thinking about buying a rubber strap. I really like the watch a better movement at the price would have been nice .
Definitely nice to have the option to throw on the rubber strap sometimes, although I'll be honest I rarely do. Not with this watch, at least. It just seems to suit the bracelet best. As for the movement, I've been surprised how reliable and accurate it is. Longer power reserve would be nice, but beyond that I have no complaints.
I currently have my Dark Manta Samurai on the hexad, but I kindof don't like it. A black rubber band makes the blue look incredible, whereas the hexad steel makes the dark blue look a bit bland. I also have the white waffle Samurai, which I can't help think is perfect for black rubber bands. So I guess I have no other choice but to buy another Samurai which works better with the hexad. Or alternatively I might gold plate the hexad bracelet and a samurai case and build myself something cool.
Hi , can you tell me exactly what the Hexad bracelet is jubilee? Trying to Oder from a uk website and struggling to see which one it is ,many thanks Paul
@@paulmousley2634 Hi there. No, the Hexad bracelet is not Jubilee style. It's closer to an oyster style. Here's the link: www.strapcode.com/products/metal-ss-bcl20-b066
@@froesei hi thanks ,really helpful video for the Seiko part of my collection … hope I can find it in the UK .. not always easy to get it posted to the UK Thanks again great video
@@froesei Thanks for the super helpful advice. I never thought of looking through countless websites selling knockoffs to find one very specific band that he already owns and knows where to purchase. I mean he does run a channel about watches so figured he’d be happy to share so info.
I try to respond to every comment, including yours. My blue silicone strap came with my watch, so I actually don't know where you would buy it separately. But by all means, feel free to continue to behave like a jackass and express your dissatisfaction with this free content that no one is forcing you to watch.
@@froesei I didn’t even realize that you were the same person who ran the channel which is why I called you “he”. I thought you were some random dude but my bad for not noticing that. Good luck with your channel.
Sorry if my response was harsh, and I should have picked up that distinction from the way you worded your message. And I was being sincere with my initial reply, my guess is if you do some searching you'll find an authentic version of the strap. Hope you find what you're looking for.
I put this on my seiko samurai, Islander 22mm Brushed Solid-Link Watch Bracelet for Islander ISL-26, 27, 28 and Seiko Samurai Watches Curved End #BRAC-02 Brand: Islander Product Code: BRAC-02 Average Rating: 123 reviews 1 answered question-Ask a question List Price: $79.95 Island Watch Price: $59.00 Savings: $20.95 $59.00
