Trying The Straum Jan Mayen On Different Straps With The New Strap Adapters
Sometimes, watches seem predestined to be worn on either a bracelet or a specific strap. It’s almost a no-brainer, especially for sports watches with integrated bracelets. Straum’s Jan Mayen is one of those watches. The Norwegian brand’s popular modern sports watch is often praised for its brilliant design. A big part of that design is how the case effortlessly flows into the brilliant bracelet. But what if you want to mix things up and wear the watch on a rubber or leather strap? You can now do so with the introduction of Straum’s new strap adapters. I had a chance to try them out.
We love the Straum Jan Mayen here at Fratello. As some of you will know, we collaborated with the Norwegian independent brand on the Fratello × Straum Jan Mayen Limited Edition. The red-lava-dial version turned out to be a Fratelli favorite as orders kept coming in during the week that you could reserve one. Ever since the Jan Mayen reached its owners, it has often been praised for its original design and excellent quality. While I passed on the opportunity to buy our Fratello version of the watch — the red simply wasn’t for me — I’ve always stated that I would love to add the white-dial version to my slowly growing collection of watches.
Offering versatility for the Straum Jan Mayen
With the introduction of the new strap adapters, I had a chance to try my preferred white-dial Jan Mayen. But the best thing is that I was able to try it on the bracelet and a variety of different straps. Dave explained in his introduction article that the new strap adapters were engineered to fit regular 20mm watch straps without compromising the watch’s integrated look.
I can already say that they made me love the Jan Mayen even more. While I love the look of the watch on the integrated bracelet, seeing these adapters offer great versatility was awesome. Various straps give the watch a completely different look. While it might be designed to feature a bracelet, it is surprisingly multifaceted.
Fitting a rubber or leather strap to a Straum Jan Mayen might seem odd. The integrated bracelet’s brilliant design and engineering made it stand out. However, as the legendary watches in the same genre have shown, they are more versatile than people think. Consider Audemars Piguet’s Royal Oak, Vacheron Constantin’s Overseas, or Patek Philippe’s Nautilus.
Those are all watches that became famous, in part, for their integrated bracelets. But all of them are also available on leather and rubber straps. It’s a great opportunity to change the look of your watch, and during hot summer days, straps also add comfort. Additionally, you will have a chance to customize your Jan Mayen with a strap of your choice.
The details of the Straum Jan Mayen
As a reminder, the watch has a 39mm case that is 11.3mm thick. It’s a perfectly sized case for my wrist, and it flows elegantly into the integrated bracelet. It’s really impressive to see the combination of sharp angles and elegant, curvy lines that characterize the Straum Jan Mayen. It has a wrist presence that feels exciting because it’s different yet familiar, and it makes perfect sense.
As Dave explained in the introduction article for the Fratello limited edition, Lasse and Øystein from Straum put tremendous effort into creating a watch that stands out, and they succeeded in that perfectly. I have experienced the Jan Mayen on multiple occasions and was super impressed every time. It got even better with the opportunity to wear the version with my preferred white dial. It truly is a special watch.
Inside the case, you will find the La Joux-Perret G101. This automatic movement operates at 28,800vph and offers 70 hours of power reserve. Its tungsten rotor is held in place with a three-screw setup. Additionally, the caliber features better finishing than most of its competitors, including exposed, skeletonized wheels and a nicely beveled outer edge. It’s the perfect movement for the Jan Mayen.
The strap adapters show a great eye for design
Immediately after receiving the strap adapters, I noticed how well they were designed. It shows the dedication and attention to detail that the guys at Straum have. The adapters match the watch’s design flawlessly, and the brushed finish is in line with the finish of the case.
I first wore the watch on the bracelet to get used to the look and feel of the white-dial version of the Jan Mayen. I have to say that I was super impressed. The size, the design of the case and bracelet, the quality, and the crisp white dial with its snow-like texture make for an impressive timepiece.
But after a couple of days of wearing the watch on the bracelet, it was time to mix things up. To install the adapters, all you need is a spring-bar tool. Well, you also need some patience because the adapters are designed to sit flush against the case. With the tight tolerances, you need a steady hand, and then you’ll be able to install them easily. But don’t try to do it if you are in a hurry, which goes for all strap changes. If you do, you’ll walk out a frustrated watch owner with a potentially damaged timepiece.
You can fit a variety of different straps with surprising results
All jokes aside, once the strap adapters are in place, you can fit any 20mm strap you choose. The great thing is that the adapters make the straps look integrated, no matter what style strap you prefer. As you can see in the pictures, we tried several different straps, from a Tropic-style rubber strap to a leather racing strap to several NATOs. The surprising thing is that almost all of them look fantastic on the Jan Mayen.
Once you have the strap adapters and spring bars installed, NATO straps are easy to change. Visually, if you make the NATO strap’s color work with the dial, you are pretty much set to go. NATO straps suit the design of the Straum Jan Mayen quite well. There is no clashing of styles, and as we all know, a good NATO strap is super comfortable.
After that, we fitted the watch with a blue rubber Tropic-style strap. Because straps like this are thicker, they are directed downwards once you put them on the strap adapters. That makes it very easy to put the strap on your wrist. On top of that, a Tropic strap turned out to be one of the surprisingly good fits for the Jan Mayen. I didn’t expect such a distinct rubber strap to suit the watch, but it didn’t feel out of place at all.
Final thoughts on the Straum Jan Mayen strap adapters
Lastly, we also tried the watch on a series of leather and suede straps. Those included a black perforated racing strap and brown and light blue suede straps. Obviously, whether the straps suit the watch or not is a matter of taste. With every strap that we tried, opinions in the office varied. But what everybody agreed on is how much more versatile the Straum Jan Mayen is than you would think at first. It’s a watch that we praise for its design, for which the integrated bracelet plays a pivotal role.
As it turns out, though, you don’t need that brilliant bracelet to make the watch stand out, and that’s wonderful. It has only made me love the white-dial version of the Jan Mayen even more. I was already a fan of the watch, but after trying this specific version on the bracelet and the different straps, I can truly say that I was even more impressed with it. At €1,600 (excluding taxes), the Straum Jan Mayen is a brilliant pick under €2K.
The design and the quality of the Jan Mayen are right up there and, I believe, the absolute best at this price point. And I would most definitely add the strap adapters for €99 to mix things up. I would wear the watch on a rubber strap during the summer days and gladly strap a suede or nubuck strap to the case to combine it with a stylish outfit. These new strap adapters are a brilliant addition to the growing line of Straum accessories. They perfectly show why the Jan Mayen is such a beloved watch.
You can pre-order the new Jan Mayen strap adaptors on Straum’s website right now. Deliveries are expected to start this November. In the comments, let us know what you think of the Straum Jan Mayen on a strap, and tell us your favorite strap option.
This is a preferred-position post. Learn more.
