Did the Guide ever come with a rubber strap?

[paulb12]

Hey, all. Wondering if anyone knows or has seen any catalogs/ads indicating that Enicar sold the Guide (MK2) with a Tropic as one of the strap options. In some original advertisements, I see the Guide offered with the beads-of-rice bracelet (and I have a few of them with that bracelet) as well as a simple calf-leather black strap (particularly on the 33-jewel-movement variants).

I've certainly seen Guides with rubber straps out in the world, but I've been trying to figure out if they were ever an official option or if that was an after-sales customization. (for example, I've seen 22 mm Tropics with Enicar signed buckles, and I'm assuming that that *could've* been from a Guide - but perhaps it's really for one of the diver offerings).

Any insight into this would be greatly appreciated if anyone knows!

 

[Slim]

In the Haco Time Inc. catalog I found the following picture of a Guide with a Tropic strap.
(Haco was the exclusive importer for Enicar at least in the 1960 for the USA).

 

[paulb12]

Wow very cool. Thanks!

 

[SteveHarris]

They do look great on a Tropic. I'm not a fan of the BoRs personally. Much prefer these or a leather strap.

 

[paulb12]

I completely agree with you, Steve! The Guide on a single-pass leather Nato is absolute perfection. And I really love the leather strap that Enicar paired with some early models. It seems to be a very simple, two-piece, black calf-leather but it really works -- particularly on the MK2 33.

 

[Hugger69]

They do look great on a Tropic. I'm not a fan of the BoRs personally. Much prefer these or a leather strap.

...and I’m the complete opposite!

The original Enicar BoR are so soft and comfy to wear in every temperature plus superior of all other straps when it comes to how fast you can put your vintage watch on, an undoubtedly fact!

But I always love a nice matching strap of leather or rubber!
The new original Tropics are outstandingly soft and smell so good compared to other rubber straps, highly recommend them! They do come in nice color scheme as well, mine is in light grey to march the subs:

 

[Hugger69]

I completely agree with you, Steve! The Guide on a single-pass leather Nato is absolute perfection. And I really love the leather strap that Enicar paired with some early models. It seems to be a very simple, two-piece, black calf-leather but it really works -- particularly on the MK2 33.

Actually I’m just in the process of running my NOS Guide MKIV on different starps to keep the original NOS bracelet from wear and tear and this is my first attempt:
Original bracelet:


Leather strap from Geckota:

 

[paulb12]

Looks great, Steve! Love the brown-leather combo.

 

[Hugger69]

Looks great, Steve! Love the brown-leather combo.

Steve?

 

[paulb12]

Oh my mistake!

I know Steve has/had one of these variants, hence the error

 

[Hugger69]

Oh my mistake!

I know Steve has/had one of these variants, hence the error

New that, just wanted to tease you a little!

 

[paulb12]

Haha. That bracelet is one of the few original ones I like.

I'm still hunting for the one that originally came on the MK3 Super Jet.

 

[jbcollier]

I hated all metal, bracelets until I got my Enicar with a BoR. Wow, comfortable, attractive and convenient. I've now put BoRs on a few of my other watches (Heuer Autavia 02 and a Christopher Ward Trident GMT. Love 'em.