Reddit mentions of Hadley-Roma Men's MSM881RB-180 18 mm Brown Oil-Tan Leather Watch Strap

There are so many great options under $500! As you noted, Swiss Made is pretty much out of the question at this price point, but that's okay. The brands that you are mainly going to be looking at here are the Japanese brands: Seiko and Orient. Here are my favorites from cheapest to most expensive, including links to where you can buy them.

1. In my opinion, the absolute best automatic watch to start out with -- especially if you're not sure if you'll be collecting watches long term -- is a Seiko 5 ($55). With its solid automatic movement and exhibition caseback, it's an incredible value for the price. Swap in a brown leather strap and you have a very attractive watch for under $80 total.
   
   
2. Of course you already know that the Orient Bambino V2 is another great option -- very similar to the Seiko 5 but a bit less casual and more high end in appearance. Retail on this one is $300, but it can usually be had for below $200. Long Island Watch had it on sale for $117 very recently but unfortunately it is now sold out.
   
   
3. If you want a tool watch, something a little bit more rugged, definitely go for an Orient Ray II ($185) or a Seiko SKX007 ($199 - bracelet version linked but also available on a black rubber strap). I personally own both of those watches and they are both awesome.
   
   Hope this helped. I would also recommend checking out some watch reviews on Worn and Wound. They specialize in affordable mechanical watches so there are plenty of pieces on there under $500. I could have mentioned some but there are too many good ones to name really. Take a look, maybe something might catch your eye!

Hadley-Roma Men's MSM881RB-180 18mm Brown Oil-Tan Leather Watch Strap https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B001F0PTNW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_.PJFAbG36831Y this is a link to the Canadian amazon. Not sure the American but this might help!

Here's the US link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001F0PTNW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_jPKFAbZ9KYPXX

I'm quite happy with the [$20 Hadley-Roma] (https://www.amazon.com/Hadley-Roma-MSM881RB-180-Brown-Oil-Tan-Leather/dp/B001F0PTNW) on my SNK805.

Here you go

Congrats!

I just got mine yesterday. I bought this leather strap with it Hadley-Roma 18-mm Brown Oil-Tan Leather Watch Strap | $17.96 Prime + Free returns | Amazon I love the combination of the two. Hope you enjoy it!

Looks like http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001F0PTNW

Throw it on this oil tanned leather Hadley Roma strap and you'll have one sharp combo.

https://www.amazon.com/Hadley-Roma-MSM881RB-180-Brown-Oil-Tan-Leather/dp/B001F0PTNW/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1496143258&sr=8-3&keywords=18mm+hadley+roma

I would get a regular leather strap first, like:

http://www.amazon.com/Hadley-Roma-MSM881RB-180-Brown-Oil-Tan-Leather/dp/B001F0PTNW/

http://www.amazon.com/Hadley-Roma-MSM881RA-180-18-mm-Oil-Tan-Leather/dp/B001F0PTKK/

Then later, if you want a sporty nylon strap, would I add perhaps:

http://www.cheapestnatostraps.com/collections/nato/products/nato-strap-regimental-black-and-gray-james-bond-18-20-22mm

http://www.cheapestnatostraps.com/collections/nato/products/nato-strap-black-18-20-22-mm

I highly recommend this strap.

Hadley-Roma Men's MSM881RB-180 18 mm Brown Oil-Tan Leather Watch Strap https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001F0PTNW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_Ol1BybTYHMYYS

Yes, the band is separate. The one on Amazon comes with the metal band which does look good, but I think the leather makes it look classier. Here's a link to the strap
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001F0PTNW/ref=ya_aw_oh_pit

Thanks! And it's a Hadley Roma that I picked up on Amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/Hadley-Roma-MSM881RB-180-18-mm-Oil-Tan-Leather/dp/B001F0PTNW/ref=sr_1_3?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1452780468&sr=1-3&nodeID=7141123011&refinements=p_4%3AHadley+Roma

http://www.amazon.ca/Hadley-Roma-MSM881RB-180-Brown-Oil-Tan-Leather/dp/B001F0PTNW/ref=pd_sim_sbs_w_7?ie=UTF8&refRID=0ZH649YHS4FPX1G6A84E

My fossil band doesn't fit...

Can you confirm you got this one...
http://www.amazon.com/Hadley-Roma-MSM881RB-180-18-mm-Oil-Tan-Leather/dp/B001F0PTNW/ref=sr_1_5?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1409942805&sr=1-5

Ad says; Band width: 17 millimeters

Thanks

EDIT: 17mm
http://www.amazon.com/Hadley-Roma-MSM881RB-170-17-mm-Oil-Tan-Leather/dp/B001F0PTNM/ref=sr_1_2?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1409942953&sr=1-2&keywords=leather+watch+strap+17mm