It's interesting, I remember the first time I saw one of these bracelets. It was on Royal Street in New Orleans, Louisiana. I saw a Tudor "Snowflake" on a strange non-Rolex/Tudor issued bracelet and I asked the saleswoman to have a look. She took the visibly aged piece from the case and said it belonged to a Soldier in the Philippines.
After reading a bit, I gather many Soldiers took time off in a city named "Olongapo". This is where many Vietnam soldiers would go for "Rest and Recuperation". While, in the city many had custom metal straps made for their timepieces. Remember many watches of this era were on rubber,nylon and leather straps and with the climate deteriorated at an accelerated rate. These custom made stainless steel "Olongapo Bracelets" had personalized/custom logos and insignias on them. I have been told these straps are seen on all sorts of watches military issued and not(some are retrofitted etc.)
Here are a few "Custom" pieces being offered by a Philipino company for a modest sum.They can be found available on VRF etc.
Work by: Jaffy Jurado
(Tudor belonged to actual Vietnam UDT/Seal. Photo belongs to a forum member, Tim(PMWF))
To Order Visit HERE.
-JKS
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