I started making my own straps a number of years ago. Some with new leather, others with baseball gloves, old purses, ammo pouches etc.,,

 

The blue one in the display was bought elsewhere. All others are mine. Some better than others.

 

Baseball glove for the Tudor. Old barber strop for the BR03. Old snake purse for the Seamaster and new leather on the manual wind DeVille.

 

Great straps! Were you a leather worker before, or did you learn this specifically for watches?

 

I worked in shoe repair as a teenager and began buying leather tools about ten years ago. Have been using the tools and getting better with the straps over time. The love of watches has helped! Thanks for your comments! Just a hobby at this time!

 

They certainly look better than almost anything professionally made, in my opinion. Reusing vintage leather items is a superb idea and really adds to the look of the pieces. What do you use for the stitching? Can't be easy given the thickness of some of those leathers.

 

I use nylon thread. Coats extra strong. Holds well and my jeweller takes my straps and in return he services my watches! Great agreement! I love sitting in front of the TV with a project to stitch while watching the NFL or College football. Very relaxing!

 

You stitch by hand? Very impressive! I was imagining a heavy duty cobbler's sewing machine.

 

I have the machines, but stitching by hand is more precise for me. If I make bags or watch rolls I use the machines.

 

Those look both supple and strong. Vintage leather being repurposed is noble and tells a great story. Bravo to you !

 

QUOTE="Njnjcfp88, post: 1362573, member: 47142"]Those look both supple and strong. Vintage leather being repurposed is noble and tells a great story. Bravo to you ![/QUOTE]
. From alligator and snake purses that I bought in antique stores. My jeweller gave me a 45 year old Seiko in exchange!

 

Someone very nicely set up this thread to allow me to show my hobby. (Thank you!). Here’s a few more shots, including a before and after of the snake skin purse. Now I need more watches for all these straps!

 

C'mon now! Stop teasin' and get some of these up for sale!

 

One day perhaps. My wife says “No money! That way it remains a hobby...” closer shots here of some of the ones in the display case (earlier post).

 

Impressively work. Your passion shines through!

 

Very nice! I'm planning on making a few straps for my watches so this helps!!

 

FYI: first time in history these words were spoken...

 

This one was for my jeweller’s son. Free straps = great service!