The Holiday Conundrum solved. One watch, several stunning straps from RSM.

As a self proclaimed watch weirdo, the very idea of only taking one watch on holiday is not only absurd, but impossible, and I’m not about to spread some yarn that that’s what I did during my 5 week holiday in Sicily…I know I’m insufferable and I’m even writing this article from a sandy beach *pause for eyeroll*. BUT I did make it my goal to wear one watch as much as possible using the fabulous new strap collection from RSM.

As a cheerleader for the brand I had been waiting anxiously to see their novelties, which to my delight coincided with all my Italian travels. This will become clearer why this is important later on. And upon inspection of said new collection it became clear that the watch for the job of road testing these marvellous straps was the most ‘summer’ watch in my current collection. Aka my Studio Underd0g Watermel0n. Until now I have been playing it very safe with the strap combos and was shocked to see how well the RSM straps paired with this fruity piece. Thus proving how even a brightly coloured watch can pull off many different strap combinations, which change the vibe of the watch completely.

But before I get into my shenanigans with the Watermel0n, let’s talk about these fabulous straps. RSM never ceases to amaze me with their high quality and finishing versus price ratio (read my previous strap review if interested) and these are no exception. The star of the show is their brand spanking new innovation, which comes in your choice of blue and green. The woven silk on leather strap can be purchased for the princely sum of 206CHF.

Why innovative and why this price? Well have you ever come across a woven silk and leather watch strap with a spring deployant clasp?

Not only is its nature inspired leaf print divine on the wrist, but the finishing is simply impeccable. The closer you inspect the strap the more appreciation you have for the design and the workmanship that went into it. When you think of silk you may think of shiny fine fabric, but woven in the right way of describing this, made with jacquard loom in this case, as silk is an incredibly durable material, which lasts a lifetime (just look back in fashion history to see the silk outfits which have resisted the test of time for hundreds of years). This luxurious material woven in this way evokes time honoured craftsmanship and artisan knowledge combined with traditional leather craft and a dash of the modern touch incorporating the spring deployment clasp, which means there is no stress put on the strap at all. Built to last in its purest sense. Something I think all mechanical watch lovers can appreciate and resonate with.

Next up an array of deliciously earthy and naturally dyed Venetian Epsom leather straps priced at a fabulously fair 71CHF. Why did RSM choose this particular part of the world to source their leather? As the song goes they are ‘simply the best’. Italian leather and particularly leather from the Veneto region is highly regarded due to the meticulous standards and the leather itself. This is a result of the traditional tanning processes, and the craftsmanship passed down through generations of Italian artisans. The leather's ability to age beautifully, developing a rich patina, further enhances its desirability.

The straps come in a choice of five colours, Navy, Beige, Orange,Yellow and White and I’ve been lucky enough to get my hands on four of these colours. The straps boast a beautiful cross grain texture, which creates a two tone effect as the lighter veins contrast against the darker surface. This is particularly apparent in the yellow and orange colour ways and it really does add a depth to those rich summer tones. Each strap has the RSM signature buckle with the keeper incorporated, for a sleek finish on the wrist.The underside of the strap uses Zermatt leather, which is a popular choice amongst luxury strap makers due to its natural ability to repel perspiration, keeping the skin dry and protecting the strap in the process.

I want to make a special mention to the navy strap, because although it’s not a shade I would pair with my Watermel0n, it is an absolutely irresistible shade of navy blue, that works so well with my Direnzo DRZ07 Universo as it looks like it was made for the watch. Blue has such a broad spectrum of colour and it’s hard to find such a rich and decadent tone of navy and combined with the lighter shade of the grain is just a chef's kiss moment for me.

Styling the Watermel0n

Well as any Studio Underd0g aficionados know the OEM strap is a brilliant and robust black Italian Epsom leather from the Strap Tailor. The black brings out the details in the watch brilliantly, but in my humble opinion it also makes it feel more somber and less summer fun when wearing it. Cue the fabulous straps from RSM to work their magic and create in my eyes the perfect frame for this absolutely stunningly fun watch.

The silk and leather strap creates the effect of leaves surrounding the melon in such a beautiful and elegant way, it’s the kind of strap, which works all year round. Quietly confident on the wrist it purrs in a gentle whisper ‘luxury’. The closer you look, the more you appreciate it and there is no doubt in my mind that it elevates the Watermel0n to a dress watch with a juicy twist. Opting to mimic the pattern in my dress to the pattern on the strap, but this strap would not look out of place with a beautiful linen shirt and trousers for an effortlessly chic look.

The Epsom leather straps are an instant win for me, no break in time, beautiful colours and in that creamy white, gives me Duran Duran ‘Rio’ music video level of summer elegance (if you are unfortunate enough not to know what I’m talking about, look it up and thank me later). It just works with everything and exudes confidence. To the point where I even came third in a karaoke contest wearing this combo (coincidence, I think not). Jokes aside, it just feels like a breath of fresh air and would make any watch feel summer ready. Hot tip for white strap wearing. A brightly coloured dial and outfit, make the strap pop!

Next up we have the Orange, which has a slightly earthy undertone. RSM really nailed the colour palette of this range, in creating cheerful yet elegant hues that work with every skin tone. I roamed the streets of Sicily feeling rather smug with this unusual yet beautiful combo. I wouldn’t have thought Orange would work with the Watermel0n, but it really did. It felt joyful. In fact I recommend everyone have an Orange leather strap in their collection, as they just work so well. Orange and white are a time tested combo, so a white top, dark blue jeans and the Orange strap would be a casual look I highly recommend, if multicoloured outfits aren’t your jam.

Last but not least the mustard yellow Epsom strap was the biggest surprise of all in terms of wearability. It complimented the Watermel0n so well, and I definitely will wear this look through every season. Mustard yellow would also look fantastic with teal, aubergine and salmon pink for a standout and unusual combo.

Thanks to these brilliant straps from RSM the Watermel0n was by far the watch I wore most when on dry land this summer. The straps are beautifully made and I know they will look great on many of my other watches in the collection, but it’s clear the smart way to travel is with one watch and an array of fabulous straps. You can have so much fun changing the look and feel of your watch and if you’re anything like me, match with your outfit too! Huge bonus is not worrying about the watch rotation when travelling too, which is a headache for every watch enthusiast on the go.

If you’re looking for a luxury leather strap at a fair price, or something exquisite, unique

and innovative. I highly recommend you give RSM a try. They come in various sizing so no no matter your wrist size they will fit like a glove. 10/10.