Wristwatches - Why are brown leather straps acceptable with black dials?

PiperTim · Jun 30, 2010

From what I hear, a watch with a black dial and brown leather strap is considered a "classic" look. But I fail to see how this is any different than wearing brown shoes with a black suit or with black pants, which everyone seems to agree should be avoided. Could someone please explain this to me? Why would one be considered acceptable--perhaps even "classy"--and the other frowned upon.

For the record, I agree that one should avoid brown shoes with black clothing.

thenextguy · Jun 30, 2010

Yeah, it's weird. I don't know why. Probably just tradition.

SuitMyself · Jun 30, 2010

The reason is very simple, actually: brown leather will always look richer to the eye than black ever will or can.

Warren G. · Jun 30, 2010

That is a good question. I was trying to explain my friend why I want a nice brown strap for my Speedmaster..but honestly I couldn't explain it.

Franky In T.O. · Jun 30, 2010

Originally Posted by PiperTim

From what I hear, a watch with a black dial and brown leather strap is considered a "classic" look.

I'm not "in the know", but this is news to me. Actually, I remember many years ago buying a watch at a watch and clock place and we exchanged the black leather strap with a particularly ideal brown one that worked really well with the black face of the watch (is "face" and "dial" referred to as the same?). I definitely recall that it went against standard (and therefore hardly a "classic" look) but as with anything if you can pair the exact right shade and quality then there are exceptions to the rule that therefore look outstandingly sharp.

I'm certainly no expert. I've purchased 2 watches in my entire life. That one when I started college and the Esquire one that I've been wearing for the past decade. The Transformers watch I had as a kid doesn't count.

thenextguy · Jun 30, 2010

Originally Posted by SuitMyself

The reason is very simple, actually: brown leather will always look richer to the eye than black ever will or can.

That doesn't really explain it. The question is why brown/black is an acceptable watch combo, whereas brown/black isn't really acceptable with clothes.

kylelovesyou · Jun 30, 2010

I think brown with black is a perfectly acceptable combination. One should exercise caution in choosing what sort of pieces one pairs, but I think it's absurd to say that the combination is forbidden.

Trompe le Monde · Jun 30, 2010

meh to the rules. while i dont do black pants i wear black + brown (e.g. sweater + shoes or vice-versa) all the time.

HEWSINATOR · Jun 30, 2010

I do not have a black suit or or black pants but a black top and brown shoes is ok in my books.

derekzee · Jun 30, 2010

black face less dressy than white. brown strap less dresy than black. black suit and brown shoes do not make sense. but i see a lot of people in black glasses, turtleneck, pants, shoes with a brown/ tan sportcoat which looks pretty good. black and orange look good. also black cars with tan leather seats.

Captain Winky · Jun 30, 2010

I think it depends on the shade of brown on the strap and the shade of black on the dial. Some shades compliment each other really well. Look at the Panerais on cognac straps with black dials. Say what you will about the Panerai look, that combo really pops. The same can be said for brown shoes paired with black slacks.

ScottMan · Jun 30, 2010

I've wondered this myself. My "conclusion" is that the face and strap are two very small items compared to trousers and shoes so they clash less. :shrug:

Sanguis Mortuum · Jun 30, 2010

Originally Posted by thenextguy

That doesn't really explain it. The question is why brown/black is an acceptable watch combo, whereas brown/black isn't really acceptable with clothes.

Brown and black aren't universally unacceptable. In men's clothes they often look odd, but in womens clothing for example they are paired quite frequently, especially when wearing furs or skins which often have both.

Cant kill da Rooster · Jun 30, 2010

What about the third colour? The rim of the watch being either gold or silver is a completely different look than if it was all black against brown. I imagine this is the reason.

men-s-round-gold-chronograph-brown-face-with-brown-leather-strap-watch-12606027.jpeg

sellahi22 · Jun 30, 2010

though WIS's call their straps "shoes", the watch case is more analogous to the shoes and the strap to the trousers. Black face, brown strap looks to me like brown pants + black shoes, which is a great look. I wouldn't wear a black strap with a brown face watch however.

Wristwatches - Why are brown leather straps acceptable with black dials?

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