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

  1. DManzaluni May 4, 2018

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    The first one looks expensive but still very interesting indeed if it can be got onto the lugs but you dont mention how, - the second is pretty much exactly what I have been trying to avoid!!

    You aren't suggesting using any old strap and undoing the stitching, are you?
     
  2. knafel1983 May 4, 2018

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    Sorry, didn't see the fixed lug part. I just figured it was the same style case as my Longines.
     
  3. Syrte MWR Tech Support Dept May 6, 2018

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    Hi there, If you need even sized straps such as 16mm or 18mm you can find open ended straps on the web for 10 euros a piece, cheaper is hard to find but I once found nice ones for 8 euros.

    In watch fairs and markets one can sometimes find straps for even less— depending where you live. Your watchmaker might have some too.

    But for 15mm or other odd sizes, bespoke straps are just the only way. Those are very reasonable as they go, and if they are as expemsive as a watch I’d be willing to give up a watch or two if that were necessary to have a nice strap. To me the strap makes the watch. But that’s just me.
     
    Edited May 6, 2018
  4. Syrte MWR Tech Support Dept May 6, 2018

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    This is to show it's possible to find nice vintage straps or vintage style straps for moderate prices.
    All it takes is a bit of homework on Ebay ( in different languages):

    - Great value for 10 euros, also in black:

    https://www.ebay.fr/itm/Open-Ended-...hash=item5b300ddd24:m:mkHmr7nXyhbVv8ImB39swTQPurchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network
    [​IMG] about



    A few nice vintage finds:

    Tapered, but Vintage elephant skin 20mm, and therefore a high grade strap for 12 euros

    The seller doesn't know it's elephant or doesn't want to say, but I'm telling you.
    (Sorry for the elephant --but it's been dead since the 1950s).

    https://www.ebay.fr/itm/Cinturino-in-vera-PELLE-colore-marrone-per-orologi-classici-con-ansa-da-20-mm/202286595433?_trkparms=aid=222007&algo=SIM.MBE&ao=2&asc=20170831090034&meid=1374e242a4474d9fb0f079347f102a88&pid=100005&rk=6&rkt=11&sd=292323818644&itm=202286595433&_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851Purchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network
    [​IMG]

    Very cool vintage print, 20mm - 11 euros

    https://www.ebay.fr/itm/Cinturino-in-vera-PELLE-idrorepellente-per-orologi-classici-con-ansa-da-20-mm/202286595452?_trkparms=aid=222007&algo=SIM.MBE&ao=2&asc=20170831090034&meid=75285730f32845179200b4224e78da6e&pid=100005&rk=4&rkt=12&sd=202286595433&itm=202286595452&_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851Purchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network
    [​IMG]

    16mm for 5.5 euros:

    https://www.ebay.fr/itm/WATCH-BAND-...459754?hash=item5454a6a32a:g:RAAAAOSwyi9aQ-sxPurchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network
    [​IMG]

    17mm open ended strap, croc style for 5 euros (also in black)- quite miraculous actually, first time I see a 17mm:
    https://www.ebay.fr/itm/1-bracelet-montre-vintage-pour-anses-fixes-couleur-marron-17mm/263640768807?_trkparms=aid=222007&algo=SIM.MBE&ao=2&asc=20170831090034&meid=dab258d10ad14dbc9a3ef268f27d4892&pid=100005&rk=1&rkt=12&sd=263640763054&itm=263640768807&_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851Purchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network
    [​IMG]


    For regular lugs, best bang for the buck, 1 euro a piece from China -- I once bought one just to see and they're perfectly nice.
    I actually suspect the 10 euros open ended one is the same origin.
    https://www.ebay.fr/itm/Genuine-Lea...hash=item4667632b3f:m:mQFcooPjK-1J8t7_w6YeFSQPurchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network
     
    Edited Sep 15, 2018
  5. DManzaluni May 7, 2018

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    Thanks for that, you are right. The problem I have been having is that men's (eg) trench watches all have 12mm straps and no one online wants to admit that their straps are only ladies lengths!
     
  6. Syrte MWR Tech Support Dept May 7, 2018

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    But those are usually worn with cuff straps. If you want something that’s unusual, then yes you’re left with custom straps. David Boettscher who’s the expert of trench watch straps is supposed to have super reasonable prices. Any craftsmen/ women will need compensation that’s commensurate to the time they spend.
     
  7. DManzaluni May 7, 2018

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    i only want an ordinary strap, in sizes like 12mm, 14mm, 19/20mm. I don't like having that gigantic piece of leather around my wrist, and to me, having the watch sit on top of the leather doesn't look elegant. I don't doubt some people would like that rather unconventional design, I don't. I suppose it is all a matter of taste. I just want an ordinary looking strap.
     
    Edited May 8, 2018
    dodo44 likes this.
  8. Syrte MWR Tech Support Dept May 8, 2018

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    A new 15mm strap arrival.
     
    9DEB9112-B0C1-4588-8CEA-FF0707F7894B.jpeg 050B56D4-9260-4FD0-936C-1D5D65F4DE01.jpeg AA6992DD-28C0-4C91-88A0-EB5001DC66BD.jpeg
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  9. Dero13 4 watches. All set to the wrong time. Aug 10, 2018

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    Hi All,

    Where's the best place to go to get a custom leather strap made?

    Kind regards,
    Mike
     
  10. BenBagbag Aug 10, 2018

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    I've used @Myron of Rover Haven straps for shell cordovan. Check out his website. Reasonable prices too!
     
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  11. Dero13 4 watches. All set to the wrong time. Aug 10, 2018

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    Thanks Ben! Will give them a look
     
  12. proximal Aug 10, 2018

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    I've been really happy with all of the straps that Watch Strap Heaven (@jankoxxx) has made for me.
     
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  13. Foo2rama Keeps his worms in a ball instead of a can. Aug 10, 2018

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    Same here really happy with the many straps I’ve purchased or had custom made from him.
     
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  14. Archer Omega Qualified Watchmaker Aug 10, 2018

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    Great straps and great guy. I second this suggestion.
     
  15. Lovewatches2 Aug 10, 2018

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    Website please!
     
  16. optsdan Aug 10, 2018

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    One of the best ones I’ve had, I got from an Italian market square!

    Measured me up, I picked the colour, clasp and style to match my wrist and he made it within the hour.

    Wore well for about 6 years before it started to get worn out.

    Best part? Cost €15!
     
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  17. The Father Went out for smokes in ‘78 not seen since Aug 10, 2018

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    Dangerous9

    Handmade custom straps

    750ECFBB-F97B-4037-A1A0-B0AEEEE410CC.jpeg 2F8AB14D-0444-4440-9883-25F91B6C5848.jpeg

    Have a strap similar to this coming from dangerous9 for Speedmaster
     
    Edited Aug 10, 2018
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  18. Syrte MWR Tech Support Dept Aug 10, 2018

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    +1 and completely agree.
    For the sake of fairness I also saw at a GTG some watches with really nice @jankoxxx straps.
    The styles are different.

    Finally they both work mostly with horween I think, so if you fancy a different kind of leather, I also know an Italian craftsman who makes nice straps with calf in many colors and textures, canvas covered leather, and some exotic hides.
     
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  19. auxpomme Aug 11, 2018

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    Please share. Looking for Italian craftsmanship
     
  20. alam Aug 11, 2018

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    Mike, I was very pleased with Combat Straps... some of my previous chat here.
     
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