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«Watch strap ressource» Where to buy good quality leather watch straps

  1. Swizznasty Dec 25, 2018

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    Hello being new to watches I am wondering if my watch measurement is 20.8mm for lug width would it be preferred to purchase a 21mm or 20mm?
    Thanks and Happy Holidays !,
    Ross
     
  2. Ssunnylee24 Dec 25, 2018

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    Ross, I would get 21mm.
    I have put a few 20mm straps on 19mm speedmaster FOIS and works fine.
     
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  3. haqq777 Dec 25, 2018

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    I too have used 20mm straps in 19mm lug width FOIS. It does get tricky to take the strap off but no problem otherwise and it looks good! I would recommend going for 21mm in your case. Should fit very easily. I personally don't like spring bar showing so I would opt for one size up anyway.
     
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  4. Swizznasty Dec 25, 2018

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    I appreciate the quick replies, thanks so much !
    Ross
     
  5. Syrte MWR Tech Support Dept Dec 26, 2018

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    Another vote for 21mm, not just for aesthetics but also safety. The strap might snap the springbars off it if it’s 1mm short of the lug width. I once took the chance despite contrary advice from a watchmaker— never again. Thankfully I was at home in a carpeted room when my watch fell off.
     
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  6. Watchgurl Dec 26, 2018

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    Completely agree. I had a very similar incident with my Longines not too long ago. I was told by watchmaker that one of the straps I wanted (generic one, very unorthodox as it was slim at lugs and then wide towards buckle) would be okay fit. The watch took 15mm strap and this was 14mm at lugs. It just tugged on springbar at an odd angle and my new(ish) watch was on carpet of my mom and dads house within a few hours of strap installation. So glad it all happened infront of me. Will always go for right size straps/bracelets from now on.
     
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  7. DW5 Dec 27, 2018

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    I bought a strap from Two Stitch Straps last year and have been extremely impressed. It’s pretty beefy compared to my other straps, but I know it will last a very long time. For 59 euros it is definitely a good buy. it takes a few weeks for it it be made though. 55060FF0-FEC3-4688-A632-AAAC1A4BBD1E.jpeg
     
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  8. Gbhulk Dec 28, 2018

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    Aditstrapfreak did an UNREAL leather band for my aqua terra, I’ve ordered other for for PAM , etc, but this guy does an amamzing job
     
  9. marco Dec 31, 2018

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    https://www.ebay.com/str/lsitalianaccessories

    I have found these straps to be of excellent quality and very competitively priced. I have an inbetween wrist size that needs a 180mm -185 mm strap.
    Luigi will have no problem accommodating your request for a non standard size.
    Quick communication, thoroughly recommended . They have become my "go to " for straps.
    For those that "picked " the Rolex buckle it is by Yukiwatch.
     
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    Edited Jan 11, 2019
    The Father and OHS like this.
  10. VintageWatchIta Jan 2, 2019

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    nttisch23, Gbhulk and OHS like this.
  11. wouter van wijk Jan 10, 2019

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    may I recommend my own straps? our is that against the rules? :unsure:
     
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  12. marco Jan 11, 2019

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  13. waking-crickets Jan 12, 2019

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    For especially cherished watches or odd needs (e.g., the 18/15 I needed for my King Seiko 4502 with original pin buckle), Jean-Rousseau has been a first stop for me. Their leathers are extremely soft and there is really something next level about a custom length watch strap.
     
  14. dputydwg1 Jan 14, 2019

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  15. Professor Jan 14, 2019

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    Picked up one of these low cost straps from Ebay and found it to be much nicer than I'd hoped.
    s-l1600 (50).jpg

    Material seems to be real Calf leather and with a very nice finish and body to it.
    I put it on my Pobeda. The dark brown sets it off very nicely. s-l1600 (4).jpg

    Not a high end strap but a decent economical alternative at less than $5 USD with free shipping.
    https://www.ebay.com/itm/2Pcs-Pins-...var=502462202353&_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649Purchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network

    I'm thinking of replacing the threads with very thin copper wire salvaged from a small electric fan motor.

    PS
    Not for a very large wrist. Perfect for my gimpy left wrist.
     
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  16. hungdangnguyen23 Jan 14, 2019

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    Ahh finally, there's a way for me to contribute to this great forum!

    If you are looking for exotic leather (gator/croc, ostrich, stingray, chicken leg, "regular" leather like calf, etc) I highly recommend Hoang who owns HoangDidDatStraps - http://tuantom.com.

    His FaceBook is a much better way to peruse his work and see what he's capable of (warning: this is a time-suck, he has tons of pictures for you to ogle at):
    https://www.facebook.com/pg/vietnamhandcraftedleather/photos/?ref=page_internal
    https://www.facebook.com/pg/vietnamhandcraftedleather/photos/?tab=album&album_id=2434524673353482

    Very high quality straps for the price, highly customizable for odd lug sizes and length etc, and the customer experience is second to none. He's a very easy guy to order from and super responsive (just send him a FB message), I changed up my order several times because I made a mistake on the lug width of an incoming watch and he's very flexible (this was my fault so of course, try to get it right the first time). Probably the biggest downside is the wait-time because he has a wait list (he's popular) and he's located in Vietnam - you're not going to get the straps the next day so there's an element of patience that's required.

    Here's the incredible variety in just Ostrich leather alone that Hoang has, pretty much every color under the rainbow! Another downside to this - deciding what you want to buy!

    48366916_209899726554481_5769798115565502464_n.jpg 48365871_2113888178650592_4472538024453865472_n.jpg 48957944_231624831096136_7663661384936194048_n.jpg 48398743_903834130005674_8116064287522291712_n.jpg
     
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  17. hungdangnguyen23 Jan 14, 2019

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    ^by the way, I realize that my enthusiasm can come off like an advertisement or paid promotion but I have zero affiliation with this business other than being a paying customer myself.

    I had a super positive experience and I think talented craftsmen like Hoang should be talked about amongst us watch fanatics and rewarded!
     
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  18. Lbreak Jan 19, 2019

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    Just received 2 straps from Bulang & Sons, I have to say these are among the nicest straps I have ever worn! The finish is just clean, detailed, and overall comfortable.

    Pretty good deal for people outside EU, you get to avoid the tax, and 10% off on the first buy.
     
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  19. Mac5 Jan 26, 2019

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    Watch Strap 2.jpg Watch Strap.jpg
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  20. Albe100 Jan 26, 2019

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    durri70 likes this.