Sterling Slide Buckles?

[polar-lemon]

Contemplating something along these lines:

http://www.ralphlauren.com/product/i...ductId=1784853

I like the idea of essentially wearing the same belt buckle everyday of your life, and one day passing it on. However, it definitely straddles the line between tasteful throwback to WASPy elitist tradition and garish advertisement of personalization. Thoughts?

I've found examples at Tiffany, BB, and RL above. Ben Silver does a 1.25" inch version, but I think I'd stick with the classic 1". Any other recommended sources?

If you think this is an appallingly bad idea, I'd love to hear your thoughts as well.

 

[Suave]

that particular model, worth $150..eh maybe

 

[Chips]

Not a bad idea. I bought the same one along with the alligator belt that fits it, but returned them both. Personally, I think I'd need to have a 32 inch waist or smaller in order to make it look decent.

When it arrived, I was surprised to see that it was literally the size of a postage stamp.

 

[voxsartoria]

I approve. Don't ever clean the buckle.

- B

 

[brax]

I got one in 1985 as a graduation present and I love it. And yes, I am a size 32 waist.

 

[v0rtex]

I have a couple of vintage ones that I picked up at an estate sale (1930s?). Love them. Had an Etsy seller make a few custom straps for $20-30 each to go with them.

One is monogrammed with my first initial (coincidence, was on it when I bought it), the other is blank.

You can get nice vintage examples for not much $$ from eBay, estate sales, jewelers that are essentially the same design as the BB/Tiffany ones. Think mine were $40-50 each and have a lovely patina. Great quality, will probably outlast me.

 

[chasingred]

This seems like one of those things that will be approved on SF, but universally seen as tacky and garish by any non-SF normal people.

That said, as an SFer, I approve.

 

[v0rtex]

The buckles are small and the natural tarnish just looks like any other chromed buckle... most people won't get close enough to your crotch to read the monogram. I think it's pretty understated.

 

[KObalto]

Originally Posted by v0rtex

most people won't get close enough to your crotch to read the monogram.

You obviously haven't been following MetroStyles' online dating thread.

 

[Wes Bourne]

Originally Posted by Chips

When it arrived, I was surprised to see that it was literally the size of a postage stamp.

True, most slide buckles made for 1'' straps are quite small, but I got used to them pretty quickly though.

Originally Posted by voxsartoria

I approve. Don't ever clean the buckle.

- B

Unless you buy vintage ones... Then clean them once to start your own patina and never clean them again.

Originally Posted by v0rtex

You can get nice vintage examples for not much $$ from eBay

And you can often find some nice ones that differ from the usual engine turned design.

 

[DandySF]

I admire people who forego the predictable initials and engrave something profane or unexpected on the buckle.