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

Posts
3,242
Likes
21,322
Just received some new straps from B and R Bands: two natos and a leather ralley strap. Overall, the natos seem great for the price ($12 each) and the ralley is ok. I thought the ralley color would be a bit lighter / grayer from the photos online, but maybe it will fade a little with time?



But, most importantly I get to annoy my wife all day by claiming that I need to wear two watches at once to help break in the straps:

 
Posts
966
Likes
1,316
I can say that Strapsco.com is a great resource. Nice quality leather straps at very cheap prices. I expected it to be junk due to the price, but took a flier on it anyway. It really is a nice one.
 
Posts
84
Likes
45
I haven't read through all 17 pages of posts here, but I have a question: I see folks talking about swapping out their straps, but what is involved in that? How would I get the steel bracelet off my Seamaster, and install the strap? Are there specific tools for this job? Thanks!
 
Posts
119
Likes
195
There is! All you need is a spring bar tool; Bergeon makes several high quality ones (with both forked, straight, and exchangeable tips). Use the forked in to compress the spring bar, remove the bracelet or strap, then reverse that to reinstall. There's plenty of videos online showing how to do this too 👍
 
Posts
47
Likes
37
There are many youtube videos that show you step by step how to remove all kinds of straps and even the different kind of bracelets. Some bracelets are a little tricky but even I (not handy) can do it with less then $15 in tools.

Its a great way to stave off buying a new watch every week, just change a strap to a different color or style and you practically have a new watch.
 
Posts
47
Likes
37
It really depends on the type of straps you'd like. There's a big market out there for the 22 or 24mm Panerai-ish straps, but the market for 18mm straps for dress watches is smaller.

I've had good experiences with Watchbandcenter, with Martu straps, with Colareb & Kelaran on ebay, and with Hirsch. The best experiences I've had are with bespoke straps though - Casa Fagliano, Camille Fournet, and 2 local Singapore craftsmen who are very good (but with corresponding prices to match). Overall, I've found Hirsch to be pretty good bang for the buck, plus they have short straps too, which is a plus.
I'm waiting on three short straps from Hirsh for my vintage watches and will post pictures and review once I try them. I chose them partially for the short strap option (small wrist) and because they didn't charge shipping to Canada with a minimum order.
 
Posts
822
Likes
8,206
Here’s my latest from Finwatchstraps.com ; Their vintage suede “Crazy Cow on a Fortress chrono with the ubiquitous Landeron 48 cal...
.. I think this makes about ten straps in the last year. They are really great sturdy straps overall. I also like the customization available too. Viktoria has been wonderful to deal with. Custom Handmade straps from Finland straight to NJ is less than two weeks.
 
Posts
336
Likes
448
+1 on Finatchstraps too!!
Nice craftmaship.
Pic is out of focus as I was focusing in something else but I love this strap 😀 Wearing daily with my cheap Seiko
 
Posts
3
Likes
1
Here’s a little October fun w my vintage Croton. FinW again.
I've collected many fine bands.I have some Union brand from holland that date to the'50s.I havea display of 20.Excellent bands of leather that have great stitching and most important in old bands the glue.Nothing worst than watching a very expensive timepeice heading towards the floor because the glue gave out.I am extremely careful putting awatch on a timebomb! I have also,some beautiful divers bands made in 60's that are white from switzerland.Pack of 8.never seen anything close to these.I have one on my bulova 666. Great look w/ the contrasting colors.
 
Posts
463
Likes
715
ABP Paris ( Atelier du Bracelet Parisien - https://fr.abpconcept.paris/ ) is a great option when looking for an original strap as they have a made to measure online tool on which you can create your own strap, from leather to stitch and several other options. I especially use it for some tool watch with long lugs on witch I wanted to avoid the gap between the end of the strap and the case. Indeed an option add extra leather to fill or at least reduce the gap
 
Posts
274
Likes
180
Roverhaven.com is the website for Myron Erickson who makes fine straps from Horween leather. His website has extensive galleries of his products. Prices and, most importantly, customer service are exceptionally good.
 
Posts
302
Likes
303
Just got two from www.twostitch.com and can only recommend them. Very high quality and good prices. Plus you can customize them just the way you like them!
 
Posts
452
Likes
1,387
Just got two from www.twostitch.com and can only recommend them. Very high quality and good prices. Plus you can customize them just the way you like them!

I second twostitch straps. I went through a couple of other strap makers and attempted to get that perfect strap for my cosmic moonphase. Ivan at twostitch nailed it on the first try. Highly recommended.