Article: Omega Speedmaster Professional: A Strap's Perspective
Omega Speedmaster Professional: A Strap's Perspective
Leather Strap Compatibility on the Omega Speedmaster Professional — A Guide by Strapestry
The Omega Speedmaster Professional, famously known as the "Moonwatch," is one of the most iconic timepieces in horological history. With its timeless design, rich heritage, and versatile aesthetic, it’s a watch that begs for personalization — and one of the easiest and most impactful ways to do that is by swapping out the strap.
A watch steeped in history, somehow became known as the 'Strap-Monster' along the way, and it stuck. The monotone dial with arguably perfect proportions made it a superstar among all sorts of collectors even at 42mm, which one would think is a large watch even by modern standards, but the lug-to-lug is concise enough to make it a comfortable wear even on petit wrists. It also helps that a 20mm lug width is one of the most commonly used with the widest selection of straps being carried by any brand.
It's no secret that the Speedmaster is one of the most versatile watches to wear with almost any attire, it's also the easiest to pair with almost any leather or colour. If we wanted to, we would've included every strap we have in stock in this article, but that would be too easy. So, if you’re considering upgrading your Omega Speedmaster Professional with a leather strap, here are a few inspirational pairings which we think would look exceptional.
At Strapestry, we know that the right strap doesn’t just secure your watch — it makes it personal.
The black togo grain would be our first pick as it's as obvious a pairing as the sky is blue. It's a versatile strap that is paired with one of the most versatile watches when it comes to straps. The grain adds dimensionality to an otherwise monotone affair, while also giving it that classy dressed-up feel. The cleanliness of the matching stitch makes sure it doesn't break that beautiful togo pattern or distract from the contrast in the dial. It's a classic pairing, in our opinion.
Another togo strap in the lineup, another home-run of a pairing. Taupe has had a sort of renaissance in the past decade or two, be it in home decor or accessories and is a great neutral colour with warm tones that just makes it easy on the eyes, and all of us love a bit of easy on the eyes. We see this colour paired with vintage watches quite frequently, leading us to associate a vintage appeal to it.
Explore our Sunset Beige Nubuck Strap
A finish that's soft to the touch like suede, but quite a bit smoother with no visible fibres. Nubuck straps are a good way to achieve that smart-casual look you might be after. The warm beige colour sets the tone for this strap, giving it an autumnal look that will complement a waxed cotton jacket or a tweed sports blazer perfectly. Whatever the look you're going for, a Speedmaster paired with this is a must in your arsenal.
Explore our on Blue Saffiano Strap
Our blue saffiano strap is such a classy affair. Presented in a minimalist no-stitch look, it's perfect to dress up your Speedmaster for a more formal event in your life. The midnight shade doesn't subdue the beautiful crosshatch pattern of this grain, giving it that subtle intrigue without shouting.
Explore our Yellow Saffiano Strap
This is where things get a bit more exciting. One of the boldest colours in our catalogue, the yellow saffiano gets your heart racing (see what I did there?) and, on paper, its a strap that shouldn't work on more classically styled watches. But, it looks phenomenal on the Speedmaster (and most of the watches we put it on!). I have personally worn this strap on almost any watch I have and gotten loads of compliments on how striking it is and how they're surprised it looks so good on a particular watch. I would gladly pair this with almost any watch, especially during the summer months, and you should too.
A tan strap is just perfect to add a bit of colour to a black dial without sacrificing sophistication. The warm biscuity hue should be a staple in everyone's collection as it looks good in every season for any occasion. It's simple, yet elegant. What more can be said about it?
Explore our Green Pueblo Strap
The green pueblo with its subtle grain and khaki shade really turns this pairing into a whole other genre. It transforms the Speedmaster into a military style watch as the boxed stitch ties it all together into a utilitarian package. Padding adds a slight heft to your wrist and make the watch appear even more rugged. It is definitely one of our favourite choices for the Speedmaster Professional.
All in all, it's quite obvious that the Speedmaster is considered a versatile icon. It pairs with any strap for almost any occasion you throw at it and it does it with grace. The legend of the Speedmaster distinguishes it from other watches and we're all grateful that it exists (whether we fancy one or not).
This article gave me an excuse to photograph the watch showcasing its multiple personalities, which hopefully is as pleasurable for you as it was for me. Before you go though, there are some considerations before choosing your strap for the Speedmaster, which we've listed below.
1. Know Your Speedmaster’s Lug Width
First things first: the Omega Speedmaster Professional typically comes with a 20mm lug width. This measurement refers to the internal width between the lugs, where the strap attaches to the case.
When shopping for a leather strap, you’ll want to look for 20mm wide straps to ensure a snug, secure fit. While some straps labeled 19mm or 21mm may seem close, they can result in poor fitment, visible gaps, or even premature wear on the leather or watch lugs.
2. Spring Bars: Standard or Quick-Release?
The Speedmaster uses standard spring bars, but many modern leather straps, including those in the Strapestry catalogue, come with quick-release spring bars for tool-free installation. This makes swapping straps at home effortless and reduces the risk of scratching your watch’s lugs.
If you prefer using the original Omega spring bars, make sure the strap you choose can accommodate them — most quality leather straps, including ours, are designed with this in mind.
3. Strap Thickness Matters
The Speedmaster Professional has a fairly slim case profile (about 13–14mm thick), which pairs beautifully with leather straps in the 3–4mm thickness range. Thicker straps designed for dive watches or oversized tool watches may overpower the Speedmaster’s classic lines, while ultra-thin dress straps may feel too delicate.
At Strapestry, we craft leather straps with the ideal balance of substance and flexibility, ensuring they complement your Speedmaster without compromising comfort.
Final Thoughts
The Omega Speedmaster Professional is more than just a watch — it’s a canvas for self-expression. With a high-quality leather strap from Strapestry, you can transform the look and feel of your Moonwatch to match your mood, occasion, or personal style.
Browse our latest collection of handcrafted leather straps designed to fit the Speedmaster Professional perfectly. Whether you want to embrace the vintage vibe, sport a modern edge, or just refresh your favourite watch, Strapestry has you covered.
Ready to upgrade your Speedmaster? Explore our leather strap collection today and bring a new dimension to your wrist game.