I personally prefer steel but to each his own. I think it is about quality also I have a couple from Astonjenks with some very high end straps (I would not pay what AJ does for a strap) that are a joy to wear. Forget the rep straps in most cases crap but even low to mid range ones I've bought I'd rather the steel. Now if I spent 200 plus there are leathers I'd wear happily, this particular watch no but that is just me, as I said to each his own.
PS crystal looks stunning mate!