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

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DManzaluni

·May 4, 2018

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?

 

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knafel1983

·May 4, 2018

Sorry, didn't see the fixed lug part. I just figured it was the same style case as my Longines.

 

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Syrte

·May 6, 2018

DManzaluni

This thread is becoming quite painful! Your Longines is beautiful but what about us mortals who can't afford to pay more for the strap than the watch?

Here is a selection of some of the watches i have acquired, all but two in the last month or so, which by coincidence take an open lug strap. How much does this guy cost please?

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

 

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Syrte

·May 6, 2018

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:mkHmr7nXyhbVv8ImB39swTQ
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.m1851


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.m1851


16mm for 5.5 euros:
https://www.ebay.fr/itm/WATCH-BAND-...459754?hash=item5454a6a32a:g:RAAAAOSwyi9aQ-sx


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.m1851



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_w6YeFSQ

Edited: Sep 15, 2018

 

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DManzaluni

·May 7, 2018

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!

 

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Syrte

·May 7, 2018

DManzaluni

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!

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.

 

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DManzaluni

·May 7, 2018

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

 

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Syrte

·May 8, 2018

A new 15mm strap arrival.

 

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Dero13

·Aug 10, 2018

Hi All,

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

Kind regards,
Mike

 

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BenBagbag

·Aug 10, 2018

I've used @Myron of Rover Haven straps for shell cordovan. Check out his website. Reasonable prices too!

 

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Dero13

·Aug 10, 2018

Thanks Ben! Will give them a look

 

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proximal

·Aug 10, 2018

I've been really happy with all of the straps that Watch Strap Heaven (@jankoxxx) has made for me.

 

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Foo2rama

·Aug 10, 2018·Keeps his worms in a ball instead of a can.

proximal

I've been really happy with all of the straps that Watch Strap Heaven (@jankoxxx) has made for me.

Same here really happy with the many straps I’ve purchased or had custom made from him.

 

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Archer

·Aug 10, 2018·Omega Qualified Watchmaker

BenBagbag

I've used @Myron of Rover Haven straps for shell cordovan. Check out his website. Reasonable prices too!

Great straps and great guy. I second this suggestion.

 

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Lovewatches2

·Aug 10, 2018

Website please!

 

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optsdan

·Aug 10, 2018

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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The Father

·Aug 10, 2018

Dangerous9

Handmade custom straps

Have a strap similar to this coming from dangerous9 for Speedmaster

Edited: Aug 10, 2018

 

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Syrte

·Aug 10, 2018

Archer

Great straps and great guy. I second this suggestion.

+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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auxpomme

·Aug 11, 2018

Syrte

+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.

Please share. Looking for Italian craftsmanship

 

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alam

·Aug 11, 2018

Dero13

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

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