Great suggestions here, many of which I've used B and R Bands (US) Twostitch straps (UK) Finwatchstraps (Finnland)--their exotic work is especially interesting. I would add Difues, especially for those interested in NATO/ZULU bands and adaptations of them, which is his sole speciality (there's a beauty in focus). He also pays _extraordinary_ attention to where he sources his leather and to the hardware, which is a lovely blend of classical and modern. In terms of strap _philosophy_, as the saying goes, taste is not debatable (de gustibus non disputandum est). But my approach is threefold: 1.) Unless it's a beater (of which I have 3), I won't buy from the big strap-makers (Hadley-Roma, Hirsch, etc.). Their stuff is very high quality and good value, but I figure that if I am wearing a timepiece made by hand, then I should attach it to something also made by hand. If consistency is the hobgoblin of small minds, I guess that makes me an homonculus. It's not as if the cost is that much different. 2.) Short of a custom-made band, of which I have only three, I won't pay more than £40 for a strap. I'm not saying that you don't get finer stitching, a more refined finish, better hardware, etc. if you rock out £75+ on a strap, and if you have that to spend, go for it! But from my perspective, this is still just a 7" piece of leather, and when it gets into the price range where, for two straps, I could conceivably buy another (albeit modest) vintage watch, or a service on one of my existing pieces, well . . . straps come and go, but watches remain, no? 3.) I'm wary of the prestige attached to Cordovan, Horween, etc. A mate of mine works for Prada, and he's made me thoroughly cynical about it with his argument that Cordovan has made a name for themselves and secured a monopoly, and they are now leveraging that to full effect when there are lots of other excellent leathers out there that match or exceed it in character, aesthetic appeal, and durability. Again, opinions may differ on this one. All of which is to say, go ahead and strap one on, and don't let anyone tell you it's wrong!
So I was in the search of a 24 mm single pass canvas strap for my vintage Longines Czech Pilot. Not a big fan of NATOs myself, I finally ordered one from UK based Haveston strap makers. Arrived today and fits the watch quite nicely. Good quality, fair price and fast shipping. Highly recommended. Nice packaging too:
For me there was no better solution to the problem of the (leather) straps than to find a craftsman who works fixing shoes or working any item in leather and asking him to design leather straps for me. It is the most economical and agile way to get good straps guaranteed
I know you said leather, but Horus straps are great! Definitely different and after you get a leather one, you can switch out to a Horus when you get bored of it
Just circling back on this with a photo. I have a few of their straps and really like them. But I think their pass-through straps are a lot better (broken-in feeling) than their two-piece straps.
i'm strap maker from Viet Nam, I can make your customize leather goods as you want the whole process is made by me and no machines are involved, This product made from high quality leather. Hand stitching makes it more durable. i just sell on facebook fanpage and instagram https://www.instagram.com/chu.ly.quang/ https://www.facebook.com/CLQ.Leather please feel free to contact me for custom order
Another shout out to Ivan at Two Stitch Straps. I’ve gone through a few strapmakers at this time, but Ivan nails it consistently. Great custom work.
Here are some of my favourite strap resources Of course, our own @jankoxxx ..also, https://www.jurgensgermany.com/shop/index.php/1/watch-straps If you can track down Aaron at HKtan.. Discovered this maker on eBay. Fantastic product ....thehouseofstraps
18 pages, and no mention of NOSTime straps? I have been through most of the recommendations here of my own accord. Twostitchstraps were one of the first...they were made very cheaply and came with unattached strapkeepers which I lost several times. Hard pass for me. Maybe they have upped their game since I last tried them out. I tried a lot of the big websites (ie watch-gecko etc etc) but found their stuff ‘meh’...and then found their same inventory on one of those Chinese web shops for a penny to the pound...so stopped. Then I got onto Bandrbands, and thought I was ‘home’. They make quality straps. While I find their quality superb, their range extensive and their shipping quick, it was not until I discovered nostime that I realized what fine craftsmanship is all about, and how coarse and thick all other straps were especially on fine vintage watches. I now have more than a dozen NOSTime straps (I find myself ignoring the others and coming back to them), and I simply love the fine soft fit, the leather quality, the fact that they are not THICK and coarse (one could argue the thicker the leather the better quality, but I feel it’s easier to make thick straps, and takes real skill to make them finer and thinner)...the attention to detail on every aspect, including the quality buckles. Pictures don’t do justice. When I got my first one I was skeptical...and after a day or two I was smitten. The Ranchero is on Bandrbands...lovely strap but it’s thickness is better suited to a e.g. Tudor Blackbay (talking from experience here)...
I found this one the other day on Amazon while looking for a dressy style, 21mm strap. Nicely packed and appears to be well made with decent materials, worth its $22 ticket price — available in other colors, 18, 19, and 22 mm. .
Ok, so day 2 with my Europelli custom strap and have to say I highly recommend. First, a bit about the service...Drew was super responsive throughout. I was on the fence between the Horween Color 8 and the cigar color. Ended up with #8 after a conversation with Drew about the quality of the leather. He emailed me throughout the process to give me status updates and let me know when to expect the strap (which ended up being a week earlier than scheduled). When I received it yesterday, I was very impressed with the quality. It's fairly thick - which I like but there is a bit of bulk at the buckle that I will have to get used to. It seems to be breaking in well and feels very supple on the wrist...not stiff at all. The contrast stitching gives it a bit of pop. Highly recommend Drew and Europelli straps...sharing some more pics
I just got delivered a beautiful leather strap from vncrocshop on eBay - they're based in Vietnam but delivery was only about a week and a half! Really reasonably prices to!
Would you know where to find a vintage rally strap just like the one in the photo below? Many thanks.
K and I started this little side line, you can find us on Instagram @haute.de.gamme.sg Here's some straps that we have at the moment. 100% Barenia calf leather, hand stitched. I bought a ton of straps from almost every other famous strap brands around, and I actually find myself wearing these ones, that we have managed to source, the most. These are in 18mm, but we hope to bring in more in different sizes (especially those oddball sizes like 19/21mm, looking at you Grand Seiko) View attachment 957293