Timeless Elegant Appeal of the Beads of Rice Watch Strap BOR
How do we pick a watch? Ask a hundred people that question, and you'll most likely get 100 at least slightly different answers. This comes naturally since we all have personal preferences. If you were to do such a survey a couple of decades ago, the strap that comes in the original packaging would surely be at the top of the priorities list.
The Goma BOR Watch Strap, made of brushed Stainless Steel and featuring a Polished Center Link and V Diver Clasp, is a fitting match for almost every version of the Seiko Divers and Orient Kamasu.
Why's that the case? In the not-so-distant past, replacing an original strap with at least a similar-quality one was a very costly operation, which gave further importance to the one that came in the box. Nowadays, given that there are so many replacement straps available, some watchmakers seem to pay less attention to the quality of the original strap, probably thinking that it can easily and affordably be replaced when its quality deteriorates.
The black dial of Longines Heritage Military 1938 Chronograph and its glossy case are perfectly complemented by a 20mm 316L Stainless Steel Goma BOR Q.R. Watch Strap with a Straight End, Brushed and Polished V-Clasp
One of the most sought-after watch straps since its release has been the infamous Beads of Rice, aka BOR. Here's a little something about the history of this unique watch strap, its importance over the years, its current status, and a unique GOMA embodiment designed and cooked in our watch strap kitchen.
Goma BOR Q.R. Watch Band Straight End, 316L Stainless Steel Brushed and Polished V-Clasp is equally at home with vintage watches, such as the Seiko Vintage 6105-8110 Automatic 150m Diver.
The origins of the beads of rice watch strap
The history of this timeless horology accessory dates back to 1940s, where else than Switzerland, the epicenter of watchmaking at the time. A family-operated Gay Frères concern was a go-to place for almost big watchmakers, and it's where the idea of the beads of rice watch strap was born and implemented.
The New Citizen Kuroshio ’64 NK0001-84A, in white and dark green dial versions, is given an extra layer of elegance when paired with a Straight-End, 316L Stainless steel Goma BOR Q.R. Watch Strap.
It was pretty technologically advanced for the time, universally elegant, and comfortable to wear. Thanks to those features, it quickly became a highly sought-after addition to classic, casual, and sports watches alike. As a result, beads of rice strap became a primary choice for select Patek and Longines watches, as well as Citizen, Orient, and Seiko models. Some of those memorable pairings are featured in the photos here.
Being soft and bendable, GAMA fits any wrist perfectly. Here, a comfy match of Orient Kamasu Mako III Diver and a 22mm Goma Stainless Steel BOR Watch Strap
Nowadays, it comes in many variants, is made of different materials, and has various design alterations. Its popularity naturally varied over almost a century of existence. However, BOR will always have its place among those timeless elegant straps regardless of the current fashion. That's why we decided to honor its long history and enrich the BOR catalog with our own version.
22mm Goma 316L Stainless Steel BOR Watch Strap with a Diamond-like Carbon (DLC coating), Straight End, and V-Clasp also comes in a black variant to perfectly match the Seiko Prospex 200M Solar Divers Tuna Black Gold SNE498P1
GOMA, Beads of Rice Watchband from Strapcode
GOMA, our variant of the BOR watch strap, honors the traditional elegant appearance and was designed with all those who favor classic elegant looks matched by superior craftsmanship and quality in mind. The name originates from the Japanese pronunciation of rice, and the strap is a modern version of a BOR with significant improvements.
22mm Goma Stainless Steel BOR Watch Strap featuring Straight End and Brushed and Polished V-Clasp is easy on the wrist as a natural extension of a Vintage Seiko Divers Turtle 6309-7040.
Goma consists of seven rows. The outer ones are chains of oval-shaped brushed cuboids measuring 7.5mm x 4.5mm. The two outer raws shelter five interior rows of polished beads measuring 7.5mm x 2mm for supreme elegant appeal and superior comfort. Additionally, they are assembled with screw-in adjustable details instead of pressure pins, guaranteeing increased durability and ease of length adjustment.
Easy to fit and customize, the 22mm Stainless Steel Goma BOR Strap with Polished Center Links and V Diver Clasp is a great match for Orient Kamasu Mako III Diver RA-AA0001B19B.
The beads are ideally bendable because they are of perfect thickness (3.5mm, not too thin or thick). This ensures that GOMA will fit ankles of any size perfectly and guarantees comfortable, prolonged wearability. GOMAs also come with either fitted end links custom-made for selected Orient and Seiko models or straight-end link versions that can be used universally.
Up close view of how the 22mm Goma BOR Stainless Steel Watch Strap fits naturally on the Seiko SKX009 Diver.
When should you opt for a BOR Watch Strap?
BOR is a great choice if you are looking for an authentically designed stainless steel strap. If you rarely or never take your watch off, BOR is again a wise choice since its breathable design guarantees both continual and enjoyable wearing.
22mm Goma BOR Watch Strap, Stainless Steel - Brushed, Polished Center Links, V Diver Clasp flowing off the edge of a Seiko King Turtle Save the Ocean SRPF77 like a gentle, slow-paced waterfall.
Are you a fan of Diver watches? Again, BOR is a great option since its aesthetics naturally fit the masculine appeal of diver watches, and its stainless steel construction guarantees constancy throughout regular underwater usage.
There's something both magical and classy about pairing the Seiko 5 Sports SRPD71K2 Blue Suits Style with the 22mm Stainless Steel—brushed, Polished Center Links, V diver clasp Goma BOR Watch strap.
Finally, if you're looking for a customizable strap for one of the watches that require fitted end links, GOMA BOR will generously provide. BOR strap is an excellent fit for watches in all price ranges. It radiates an elegant, classy, and comfortable spirit regardless of whether it is paired with a sporty or luxurious watch.
Written by S.K., images by Toni
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