Great review(s) bud. Sorely tempted to go for a Meraud now!

IG: https://www.instagram.com/theleftwrist/

 

Hehe it's just a few click of a button.

 

Awesome job [emoji122]

Thanks for sharing all of your insights in such an exhaustive way. Now you just need to add the new Tropic Tropic to the bunch [emoji854]

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

Haha probably not, I now have too many and probably will get rid of a number of them with exception of the 3 that have been highlighted. Based on some feedback I got in the new tropic tropic, it is not that shiny and that is one of my preference that is for it to be shiny.

 

You really love your Tropic-style straps! What a comprehensive review.

 

Thank you!!

 

Outstanding review! Thank you for all your effort!

 

Fabulous review!

 

OThis is a brand new BLUE Tropic. I also have new orange, green and yellow Tropics

 

Very well done.

Bet that took some time to put everything together for this post.

 

Yup.. took quite alot of time and it was reviewed for the entire week. But I wore a few of them for months already..

 

Here is my comparison of the Tropic and the Meraud:


These two straps are currently battling it out for number one position among watch enthusiasts! They are both very high quality straps on the top end of the budget for this design. They both look very close to the original design, but where they differ most is in the rubber composition. The Tropic is softer and more pliable, where the Meraud is harder and a little bit stiffer, I personally prefer the softer Tropic rubber that appears to be very durable, at least this is what Tropic promises on their website, they also claim it is the same composition as the ISO straps.

The dimensions are slightly different, and the basket weave texture is slightly different on the Meraud. They both have the similar matt finish on the surface of the strap, but the Meraud’s single keeper seems to be made of a different compound as my example is much more “shiny” than the strap itself. Did I say single keeper, this is another sticking point for me.

The seams along the side of the strap are more evident on the Meraud than the Tropic. The defined seams are a sign of lesser quality moulds, as they appear between the 2 parts of a mould when they are put together and the vulcanized rubber is injected into the cavity between both the upper and the lower mould. The Tropic has “made in Italy” stamped on it, the Meraud has no stamp. I am sure that it didn’t seem relevant to Meraud in this case.

The buckles are very different, the Tropic buckle is brushed, and the Meraud buckle is highly polished. The Meraud strap is offered in regular and large size, the regular I chose may be a little small for my 7 ¼ inch wrist. There is not much strap left to go into the keeper. The Tropic comes only in one size and fits up to an 8 or 9 inch wrist.
One thing I noticed about the Tropic, the holes have what seems to be positioning grooves, and probably those are to help keep the buckle stay flat on the wrist.

The Price:

The Meraud strap is 45.00 Euros ($49.98 USD) and shipping is an additional 20.00 Euros ($22.21 USD)

The Tropic strap is $79.00 USD , with a 10% coupon code, it is $ 71.10 USD and shipping is an additional $10.00 USD.

So they are both are nearly in the same price range.

The Tropic comes in this vintage inspired packaging; the Meraud comes in a cardboard envelope.

On a scale or 1-10, I would give the Meraud a 6 and Tropic a 8, and this is because the softer and more supple rubber of the Tropic and the seams that appear more defined on the Meraud, otherwise, both are great straps, would I buy another, unless it is at least a $500 watch, I wouldn’t spend this kind of money on a strap.

Dimensions:

Tropic
Long side: 127mm
Buckle side: 85.7 minus the buckle
Taper: 20mm to 15mm

Meraud regular
Long side: 112mm
Buckle side: 73mm minus the buckle
Taper: 20mm to 16mm

All photos, Meraud on the right and Tropic on the left:

 

Here is my comparison of the Tropic and the Meraud:

These two straps are currently battling it out for number one position among watch enthusiasts! They are both very high quality straps on the top end of the budget for this design. They both look very close to the original design, but where they differ most is in the rubber composition. The Tropic is softer and more pliable, where the Meraud is harder and a little bit stiffer, I personally prefer the softer Tropic rubber that appears to be very durable, at least this is what Tropic promises on their website, they also claim it is the same composition as the ISO straps.

The dimensions are slightly different, and the basket weave texture is slightly different on the Meraud. They both have the similar matt finish on the surface of the strap, but the Meraud's single keeper seems to be made of a different compound as my example is much more "shiny" than the strap itself. Did I say single keeper, this is another sticking point for me.

The seams along the side of the strap are more evident on the Meraud than the Tropic. The defined seams are a sign of lesser quality moulds, as they appear between the 2 parts of a mould when they are put together and the vulcanized rubber is injected into the cavity between both the upper and the lower mould. The Tropic has "made in Italy" stamped on it, the Meraud has no stamp. I am sure that it didn't seem relevant to Meraud in this case.

The buckles are very different, the Tropic buckle is brushed, and the Meraud buckle is highly polished. The Meraud strap is offered in regular and large size, the regular I chose may be a little small for my 7 ¼ inch wrist. There is not much strap left to go into the keeper. The Tropic comes only in one size and fits up to an 8 or 9 inch wrist.
One thing I noticed about the Tropic, the holes have what seems to be positioning grooves, and probably those are to help keep the buckle stay flat on the wrist.

The Price:

The Meraud strap is 45.00 Euros ($49.98 USD) and shipping is an additional 20.00 Euros ($22.21 USD)

The Tropic strap is $79.00 USD , with a 10% coupon code, it is $ 71.10 USD and shipping is an additional $10.00 USD.

So they are both are nearly in the same price range.

The Tropic comes in this vintage inspired packaging; the Meraud comes in a cardboard envelope.

On a scale or 1-10, I would give the Meraud a 6 and Tropic a 9, and this is because the softer and more supple rubber of the Tropic and the seams that appear more defined on the Meraud, otherwise, both are great straps, would I buy another, unless it is at least a $500 watch, I wouldn't spend this kind of money on a strap.

Dimensions:

Tropic
Long side: 127mm
Buckle side: 85.7 minus the buckle
Taper: 20mm to 15mm

Meraud regular
Long side: 112mm
Buckle side: 73mm minus the buckle
Taper: 20mm to 16mm

All photos, Meraud on the right and Tropic on the left:

Thank you for the comparison. Looks like the patterns are slightly different, since I don't have the tropics and tropics I can't agree or agree with your ratings as well. Maybe in the future when I do get a copy of it.. or when someone loans it to me I would do some comparison from my angle, as different person have different review of it.

 

Here's a photo of the Meraud strap in blue!

 

Here's a photo of the Meraud strap in blue!
View attachment 14394179

Thanks a lot for taking your time to review, the awesome pics and the great write up!

 

Great reviews and a lot of time and effort spent. I'm after a tropic strap and the number of available models is extensive! I think the regular Meraud will suit my small wrist well!

Thanks again.

 

Awesome review, thank you for your time and effort !

 

Great review and comparison. I've only had the Uncle Seiko out of the new ones and like that it's a little thicker and makes a modern size watch feel secure on the wrist.
If you're in the UK I could have sent you my original mod dep tropic to compare against, although it is 18mm.
What's your IG name? I'm tunokies.

Sent from my ONEPLUS A3003 using Tapatalk

 

I have a couple of NOS curved end, Swiss tropic 22505, 20mm, 112x70 plus buckle
As soon as I can ge the pics to upload, I'll update my advert.

 

liquidtension, thank you for the very detailed and well written review. This post should have it's own sticky for everyone to see, as it can provide a great deal of help or those searching for a new tropic.

 

Thanks for the review @liquidtension, good to see. Too bad you weren't able to compare the so called tropic to the Meraud. With all those in hand it would have been the ultimate review.

From what I read my vote would go towards the meraud.

 

Thanks guys! Still unfortunate to not have the tropics and the swiss made vintage ones. I do have some vintage "re-issue" otw, that are made after the original company closed down and are made from HK. I don't think those are authentic authentic as the buckle says "Hong Kong". But we'll see when it arrives.

 

WARNING: PHOTO HEAVY POST.

Recently, I have been collecting and basically searching for the best modern interpretation of the vintage tropic straps made famous in the 1960's. And so far I have 9 that's available in the market.

Note that the following two straps I wanted to review is not here, first is the original Swiss Tropic Strap that has the following prints on it "Swiss Made" with "MOD" DEP" at the buckle end," Tropic" at the lug end and either ACIER or INOX engraved at the buckle underside .

The other is the brand's reincarnation, as posted by wornandwound.com as well as a few other threads in the WUS. As most of the straps in this comparison are by my own cost, I do not want to spend additional money on purchasing that at 75USD.

The following straps are being compared

From L - R
Meraud, Baltic, Dagaz, Cheapest Nato Strap (TPU), Squale, Watch Gecko, Spinnaker, Cheapest Nato Strap (Silicon) and Uncle Seiko. There's a bonus comparison from NTH as well, which the picture is not here as it is a loaned strap from a member of BSHT.

One thing to note that the strap from Meraud is sent by them as they noticed that I was comparing the straps and wanted my input on it. There is no influence to my review as I am reviewing them based on my own views and experience.

I have posted these in my IG in the course of 1 week and these are just copies of the reviews + some additional edits thrown here and there.

Ok let's get along the comparison.

Part 1
Meraud Tropic Strap (Long)
The Meraud Tropic Strap was made after many many months of prototyping. Soft, pliable and shiny! Taper is awesome as it tapers right from the lug end by 4mm. I was pretty shock when I first open the packaging because it... So pliable. I do not have the Oris Tropic Strap, but from memory (trying it at the store), I think this could easily beat it. It's thinner, have more shine. The one that was sent by Meraud, is slightly longer for my 6.5inch wrist, but they have w small/regular version! Single keeper for longer strap may cause the strap to have that gap from the picture. Lug end is square but rounded corners. Lug hole gaps are not far apart and fits snugged for my 6.5inch wrist. I have a more in depth review of the Meraud for the shorter variant below.
Length: 85/125mm
Price: € 40

Part 2
Squale Tropic Strap
Probably the only tropic strap in the list that looks different from the rest. Made for their 1521 and 1545 range with 20mm. Squale or Gnonom didn't mentioned what type of rubber it is made apart from Type II (?). I am assuming it is some sort of synthetic rubber. I actually had to return this back because in order to achieve some shine, it is wrap with a thin sheen of plastic. In my 2nd use it started to peel. Apart from that you can see very obvious in the pictures that it is a dust and lint magnet. I wipe it down a few times a day cause of this.
The buckle stands for this as it have a very nice engraving with the Von Buren logo. The end of the long side of the strap have a plastic buckle that you can push it into the strap holes which makes it have clean look when being worn. The only issue with this is that putting that part of the strap through the keepers is a bit cumbersome. The strap tapers nicely by 4mm and have gives a aesthetic when pairing it with milsub.
Length: 115/75mm
Price: 72 USD

Part 3
Baltic Tropic Strap.
As big fan the Baltic Aquascaphe, when they first announced that their Tropic Strap are being sold separately and wanting a good one I ordered one.
When I first took it out from the packaging, which came with its own spring bars, which has medium thickness the strap lug holds fits its perfectly however it does not come with double shoulder and seems to not fit any of my NTH. This is similar with the vintage tropic strap, it comes with shoulder-less spring bars and slightly thicker than usual. Lucky I have extra spring bars. The softness of the rubber is somewhere in between being soft and stiff at the same time. Seems to break in after a few wears which is awesome as I have tried some that requires hot water or long wear to confront to the wrist. I quite like how the lug ends have a slight curve so it have a cleaner, modern look to it, as compared to the vintage. It has shine, but no where close to Meraud tropics.

A few things to note is it is a single keeper, which pattern only is only outward facing, the sides and back of the keeper does not have any pattern. The perforated holes here are NOT diamond and is round instead. I'm not sure if this is a conscious decision or not. It doesn't bother me much. There is also a noticeable pop at the buckle, it keeps popping out no matter how many times I push it in. This could be due that the the buckle is flat and doesn't curve.
Tapers down from 20mm to 16mm at the buckle.
Length: 80/120mm
Price: 34 USD

Part 4
Uncle Seiko
Probably the one that most people have because it was one of the first that did a reinvention of the Tropic Strap, this is longest ownership of a Tropic Strap but probably also used for less than 10 times.
When I first got it, I tried it and realized it's too stiff to strap it. Having a BC strap, I used that instead, however after a while I realized that I probably need to do the hot water/ice treatment of it. If you are not aware of this "method", it is by placing the strap in a coffee cup, then pouring steaming hot water and letting it be for 5 mins, then draining it and putting in ice water. I had to do it for 3 rounds to finally get it behave. This is my personal preference, the thickness may not be for everyone as the lug end measures about 3.3mm, the tapper of strap is not my favourite part of the strap because it starts at the mid end of the strap and only tapers by 2mm. I love a good taper and softness.
The buckle had a make over and I quite like it, a simple diver type buckle however there's a pop to it and may stick out a bit but not as bad as Baltic.

Single keeper and like the Baltic the pattern is only on the outer facing part. I have a hard time strapping it up because if the keeper is closer to buckle the fins gets stuck pulling in through and I have to make the the keeper is slide back to be further from the buckle. Lug ends are rounded edges which gives bit more cleaner look, it is similar to Baltic. .
The strap holes are slightly further apart than I would prefer that it suffers from the too tight or loose conundrum. I have decided to wear it looser instead, but my preference is to be snugged.

All in all, it looks great on a Seiko Diver or any bigger case watches. There's is some shine on it similar to Baltic, but not as shiny as Meraud.
Length: 78/128mm
Price: 39 UD

Part 5
Cheapest Nato Strap (TPU)
As to the name of the tropic suggest, this is the TPU version. It was recently released from their v.2 version. This is kinda of a dark horse for me, as TPU is not really known to be a very pliable rubber. Knowing what to expect from the start, I gave it a good hot water treatment, which curved the rubber nicely to confront to the wrist. The stiffness never bothered me after that.
A big plus point for this for me is the much bigger perforated holes, which gives a sportier look. Also with a double keeper that has a vintage touch, it helps to keep the slack from the longer part in place. Also note that the lug size is not 20mm, it is probably about 19.7mm, this feels like a conscious decision cause the strap is quite stiff it is quite difficult if to remove without a small gap especially if the case does not have drilled lugs. Dust and lint free!
The fins on the side are also bigger and more prominent than the others that I reviewed. Buckle is simple and doesn't pop, which is a good point for me. .
Shine is similar between Baltic and Uncle Seiko with Meraud being the shiniest.
Length: 74/187mm
Price:15.95 USD

Part 6
Spinnaker Oahu Tropic Strap

I got a recommendation from one of the fellow followers on IG about this strap.Having own the Watch Gecko Zuludiver version of the tropic strap, it came to my surprise that both of these straps are similar, down to the buckle. Made out on Nitrile Rubber(NBR) no doubt gives a very very soft and pliability feel. This comes with a sacrifice of not having any shine making it looking a bit dull. Tapering at only 2mm, I can say that it is not trying to replicate a vintage tropic, but having its own version of it.

A plus point is that it has two keepers for those that prefers this but no pattern are on it, just plain jane keepers. Comes with a slightly bigger perforation holes, because of the slightly dull finishing it doesn't give a very prominent diamond pattern. Buckle is excellent albeit being a bit big, but no pop is evident. Holes does not line up to the pattern.
Length: 75/120 mm
Price: 50 USD
Unless you're a fan of the brand. Watch Gecko is retailing at 34 USD for about the same thing.

Part 7

Meraud Tropic (Regular)
In part 1, I spoke about the longer variant (measuring at 125/85mm), the regular version is measured at 112/73mm which is more suitable for wrist sizes from 6 - 7 inches. My wrist measures about 6.5 inches.

There is a slight variant between the regular and large versions. It seems that the regular length has the holes aligned with the diamond pattern perfectly, as you can see in the pictures. The large variant aligns towards the end of the strap only. None of the re-issues, re-invented tropic straps does this right. not even Oris.

As Meraud informed in WUS, and to me that due to the mold used for the regular version it have influence on how the shine appears, hence the regular variant have a slightly muted shine as compared to the large variant, as the large for a 6.5" is not too long and still wearable. I have included additional pictures, that the buckle have the "ACIER INOX" engraving at the underside of the buckle. This is a small detail, but in the vintage piece this is also engraved, but it's either ACIER or INOX; or even ITALY STAINLESS STEEL.

I have asked on what was used to made the strap, as it's a custom mixture of rubber compound used, it is not made known what is the exact mixture to obtain the shine and softness it gives. Buckle has no pop, and engraving is above average. Perforated holes are slightly further to each other than the large version.

Also something may other may have overlooked, the strap is not flat on the top side, there's a curve to it similar to a calf leather strap. This small details makes a difference in giving shine due to not having it flat.

Still one or the best "modern re-issue" of Tropic Straps. This is my own feedback and not influence in anyway as my feedback are based on my use of the straps and how I feel.

Length: 73/112mm
Price: € 40

Part 8

Dagaz Tropic Strap

I was on the fence of reviewing this, maybe because it was too stiff to strap on. Probably the stiffest of the bunch - hence there is only one way to get it to behave. Which is with the hot-water cup treatment. I went on doing it twice on it 5 mins hot, 5 mins iced. And as expected, it was curved. The next question is - probably not so good in a watch sleeve. .
Having the same shine as Baltic, Uncle Seiko, and CNS (TPU), the lug holes are separated nicely to be worn on my 6.5 inch wrist that does not fit too tight or too loose.

Perforated holes are slightly bigger similar with the CNS (TPU), and somehow aligns nicely to the diamond/waffle/weave pattern. Lug holes are able to take in fat spring bars. No lint of dust evident on this tropic. Tapers at only 2mm.

Two keepers is a nice choice since the strap is slightly longer measuring at 80/130mm. However, keeper have pattern on the outer side of the it only, looks like many manufacturers does it this way with the exception of Meraud having the pattern around the keeper.

A positive side is the buckle; as it is a remake of a vintage Seiko buckle made in the 60's (ref ZLM01 buckle). A slight pop is evident due to the size of the buckle, but it does not concern me. This is currently retailing at 29.99 USD.

Length: 80/130mm
Price: 29.99 USD

Part 9
Watch Gecko Vintage Tropic Strap
This is a shorter review because it is similar to the Spinnaker version, so I will state the differences.

I have ordered this when they the reviews started to come out, wearing it off and on for the last few months. Very similar to the Spinnaker Tropic Strap I reviewed in Part 6. Most that have been said, is similar to the Watch Gecko, down to the feel and buckle with the exception of the below.

A few differences is the buckle engraving, length of the 20mm is at 70/120mm vs Spinnaker at 75/120mm, thickness is slightly thicker at 4mm - 2.4mm vs Spinnaker at 3.5mm - 2.5mm and the price, as Watch Gecko is retailing at 34USD vs 50USD by Spinnaker. I would assume this is due to the volume or other reasons related to BC that might cause the big variance in price. Watch Gecko also has a slightly tropical pineapple scent, not many enjoy this but I quite like it. Reminds me of the beach.

Length: 70/120mm
Price: 34 USD

Part 10
Cheapest Nato Strap (V2-Silicon)
Apart from all that was reviewed, there must be at least one silicon tropics for those are wondering. As silicon comes; any sort of silicon based rubber used in straps is known to be a dust and lint magnet. This is no surprised for this strap.

Being only at 9.95USD, and currently on discount for only 3.95USD, as CNS have decided to revamp the entire tropic line up to be remade into TPU since it's more successful than silicon. In terms of styling it is the same as as my Part 5 review as it is using the same mold with the exceptions of the material. Which is also have the a matte finishing due to it being silicon.

If you're looking for a strap for trashing or want something comfy to swim and don't care about dust and lint on it; you should think about this

Length: 70/117mm
Price: 3.95 USD!!!!

Part 11 - BONUS!!!
NTH Tropic Strap
This is a bonus review as I managed to get hold of an NTH Tropic Strap. This is currently not on sale, as it was sold together with the release of the NTH Azores back in 2016. Maybe Doc will re-make this? I don't know. A fellow #BSHT member loaned this to me for this review, and I will returning it back.

What comes as no surprise knowing how well Doc executes his watches, is that this tropic strap feels like a real rubber compound, without it being any sort of lint and dust magnet.
Without much shine to it as compared to Meraud, it wears very comfortable as the rubber is slightly more stretchy, the prorated holes does not line up and comes with two keepers without any pattern.

The buckle finishing is above average as it's brushed with a nice deep engraving of the NTH logo on top. No pop is evident and well executed buckle. Tappers 2mm from lug end to the buckle, I would say that this is slightly better than the ones being offered by Watch Gecko and Spinnaker simply because it is a bit more comfortable. There's probably NBR as part of the compound.

Length: Unknown - Lazy to measure.
Price: Unknown (Last WTS was at 40USD)

Conclusion and Winners!
The verdict is out. I have out this here for those that are not aware of WUS, or just for the sake of completeness. Note that these are my own conclusion and my own personal view. All of the Tropic straps are purchased with my own cost, with the exception of Meraud (& NTH) as it was sent to me for the comparison with the bold statement that "it is the best available in the market". It have no influence to my review as I am reviewing based on my own views and experience with them.

The best affordable Tropics is won by the Cheapest Nato Strap TPU variant of their V2 Tropic Strap. Although stiff from out the box, hot water treatment helps with the strap, and since it's thin to begin with, it helps with the pliability. It becomes one of my favorite strap to wear out and about.

The best P2P (Price to Performance) is won by Baltic. It comes no surprise, at about double the price of CNS it held well in being not too stiff, yet held up being shiny at the same time. As I prefer it to be shiny and with a 4mm taper, it won over the Watch Gecko.

And the Overall best is Meraud (Long). Being soft and super pliable out of the box, great attention to detail and the shiniest of them all it is in my own opinion the best "modern" Tropic strap you can buy today. There are of cause some improvements could be done to the strap and I have shared them to Meraud directly. As to my own opinion the positive of the strap out-weights the negative making it a favourite of them all!

Congrats Stijn of Meraud for making such Tropic Strap available for us.

-Disclaimer: These are my own views, and may not be the same for everyone. I am this review for my own satisfaction to know what is out there for us watch lovers, as not much strap review has been done in terms of comparison, I'm trying to see if this is a suitable approach albeit being very long winded. I may not have covered everything, but if you have a specific question regarding the straps above, let me know and I'll try to see if I can help.

Thank you

Legendary post! Thank you so much for doing this... a Baltic and Meraud are definitely on my radar. [emoji41]
Great photos as well.

watch addict in recovery

 

[Legendary post! Thank you so much for doing this... a Baltic and Meraud are definitely on my radar. [emoji41]
Great photos as well.

watch addict in recovery

Thanks man! A lot of work, but quite fun as well. Hope it'll help with people's choices as well. You'll won't go wrong with both or any of the top 3 I've listed. Depending on what you are looking at and as well as price.

 

Out of all the tropic straps I've purchased Méraud tropic feels super comfy and soft.[emoji16][emoji2937]looks great too..

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

Congrats! I love it!

 

I can now also confirm the Méraud tropic is excellent. Like a second skin.

Be warned though, if you visit their site you may end up with more than a strap.

In for a penny...

 

I can now also confirm the Méraud tropic is excellent. Like a second skin.

Be warned though, if you visit their site you may end up with more than a strap.
View attachment 14407091
In for a penny...

lol dude.. how's the piece? heard good case finishing on this.

 

I second (or third?) the excellence of the Meraud strap.

 

Holy shmackaroony!
Awesome review.

I never knew I needed or wanted a Tropic... thinking, "Meh, just another rubber strap stamped with diamonds on em."
And now? Must get one toot sweet!! ;-!

 

you'll never know what you need until you see what you need.....

 

Quick postscript: if anyone needs a decent buckle for their tropic of choice with the right design to stay flush with the strap...I recommend this.

Watch Addict In Recovery

 

Coming soon, the tropic comparison between the two kings.

 

This must be getting an expensive hobby for Liquidtension but I do appreciate the evaluation!

 

Both straps are sent by individual company for my comparison and review.

 

Well done, I have the CNS, some original Tropics and an Uncle Seiko - I tend to agree with your overall conclusions (though I know nothing about the Meraud), the CNS is very hard to beat $$ wise, and if you break one you won’t be too upset.

I wonder has anyone had a chance to wear/review the new 'Tropic' branded strap that has recently come onto the market?

 

Well done, I have the CNS, some original Tropics and an Uncle Seiko - I tens to agree with your overall conclusions (though I know nothinhg about the Meraud), the CNS is very hard to beat and if you break it you wont be too upset.

I wonder has anyone had a chance to wear/review the new 'Tropic' branded strap that has recently come onto the market?

See OP's post #39. Coming soon. I have both the Meraud & the new Tropic & find them to be comparable, but I'm not an expert on tropic straps (or rubber straps in general).