Some people might hate it, but some will love it too! If you don't care about original Samsung watch straps and would like to get out of paying $59, there is a loophole that you can use.
PS: It's only worth it for people looking to utilise the $150/$250 credit when buying the new s23 series.
If you are looking to buy the watch5 for cash, there are other deals listed, the watch itself is for $340 there with straps.
Steps:
Add Phone and 'normal' watch 5 to the cart. At the bottom, you will see the Frequently Bought Together section. Keep refreshing until you see one of the watches with no straps (screenshots attached). Add this watch and remove the one with straps.
Credit to @rski An easier way, one you add the watch to your cart you will see it shown with the band as a separate item. You can just click on the watch in your cart and it will take you a page of just the watch. Add that one to your cart and remove the old watch/band product. Can confirm this works in the gov EPP store.
Example:
I wanted a Watch5 44cm Bluetooth - I added the one for $399, and found the one without straps for $340.
Received a $250 credit, so eventually only paid $90 for the watch.
Can confirm it has already been delivered, and there were no straps in it.
https://files.ozbargain.com.au/upload/293321/101583/watch_2.…
I haven't done the sums - but just as an FYI the watch is free if ordering from Telstra