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Favorite brand of high quality leather straps for vintage dress watches?

  1. jshaw083 Dec 30, 2017

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    Just got a Cola Reb that I'm pretty happy with, but I'm wondering whether there are even better watch straps out there? Anyone have any experience with SNPR straps?



    Thanks guys!
    -J.
     
  2. Vanallard Dec 31, 2017

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    It’s not mentioned often but there’s a surprisingly good selection of handmade straps on Etsy for reasonable prices. I’ve purchased a few and have been happy with the quality and craftsmanship. Many of the sellers have been providing products for a number of years so you have the benefit of reading their reviews/feedback.
     
  3. southtexas Dec 31, 2017

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    I’m ignoring the part where you say “high quality”, but I like the Hirsch leather straps. They actually do last, and they look and wear great. Here’s my favorite one on my daily.
     
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  4. photo500 Dec 31, 2017

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    +1 for Hirsch if we are talking big brands. Di Modello make nice stuff too. Both are very reasonably priced.
     
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  5. mikechi22 Dec 31, 2017

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    I just ordered two lizard skin straps for 50s and 60s era Omegas from Mansarea on Etsy. They are really great and very reasonably priced. I believe I first saw them recommended here in OF.
     
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  6. fjf Dec 31, 2017

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    redpcar, ahsposo and TexOmega like this.
  7. jshaw083 Dec 31, 2017

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    Thanks all, I agree, I bought one Hirsch strap for my first watch, and it's been great, although I still feel like the quality could be better. Hirsch is definitely excellent value for the price. What about all this business about >150$ straps on Hodinkee, SNPR, Jean-Rousseau on Theo-Harris, etc. The prices seem to be higher...so can anyone comment on whether this translates to better quality?
     
  8. jshaw083 Dec 31, 2017

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    MichaelRay likes this.
  9. jshaw083 Dec 31, 2017

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    Looking at MansArea on Etsy now, quality looks fantastic!
     
  10. mikechi22 Dec 31, 2017

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    Mine came in last week and we put them on yesterday! They totally upgraded the look of the watches from the generic leather ones I had previously. They really feel like great quality. Be sure when you order that you tell them it’s for a vintage watch as they are thinner than what they sell for Speedmasters etc.
     
  11. jshaw083 Dec 31, 2017

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    So you need to ask for 18 mm? I'm not seeing a lot of 18 mm on their site (there are a lot of 20-24 mm)
     
  12. Fost Dec 31, 2017

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    Just for my information, is 265 $ well priced?...
    I find this crazy personally... But Just m'y 2 cents
     
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  13. MikiJ Likes songs about Purple spices Dec 31, 2017

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    Banda makes great Gator straps to order for about half this price :)
     
  14. Fritz genuflects before the mighty quartzophobe Dec 31, 2017

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    agreed.... especially when the last post I read was someone looking for a good tool watch for $300.
     
  15. Fost Dec 31, 2017

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    I was referring to this guy and his 'diamond strap'... Should be real diamond at that price...
     
  16. Larry S Color Commentator for the Hyperbole. Dec 31, 2017

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    Hirsch ...Strapped For Time....Bulang &Sons, Camille Fournet, Combat Straps of Montreal.
     
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  17. fjf Dec 31, 2017

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    People here spend thousands on bracelets...so yes, that has to be cheap :taunt:
     
  18. Fost Dec 31, 2017

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    I think there is a big difference between a period correct bracelet that is almost 50 years old and not produced anymore and a leather strap that take 1h and half and 10$ in raw materials to be crafted. But if they sell that seems to be the price people are willing to pay...
     
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  19. BenBagbag Dec 31, 2017

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    I always wonder how much higher quality leather can be to warrant $150+ prices. I understand that you can't find a horween shell cordovan strap for less than $80 but sometimes I wonder what separates some other leather straps apart. (Marketing...)
     
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  20. Larry S Color Commentator for the Hyperbole. Dec 31, 2017

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    No marketing. You can tell with the quality of the hide, the stitch, the lining, edge finishing, overall fit and finish.