Leather Strap for fixed bars?

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Dug

·Jan 30, 2024

Wondering if anyone could advise on a make of strap, preferably leather, for a watch with fixed bars?
I could opt for a nato-style strap but with a non military watch I would prefer a 'normal' one. The concern I have is the security of the method of fixing to the bar.
Any advice much appreciated, thanks in advance.

 

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X350 XJR

·Jan 30, 2024·Vintage Omega Aficionado

Hirsch produces a pretty broad variety of open ended watch straps.

 

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RevZMan123

·Jan 30, 2024

https://www.ebay.com/str/natointernational

This guy has several options and they secure with a metal cleat. Super Easy.

 

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iamvr

·Jan 30, 2024

@torrestraps on IG

 

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Dan S

·Jan 30, 2024

You can also make the metal tab closure more permanent and totally secure by using Barge contact cement as directed.

The Hirsch straps already have adhesive applied that activates by addition of solvent. You just need to clamp them.

 

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la_lusigne

·Jan 30, 2024

If you don’t already know about this brand, here are 2 open ended models, different colours are available. Ive been pretty satisfied with their straps.
https://colareb.it/en/collections/all-products/products/open-tangeri
https://colareb.it/en/collections/all-products/products/open-zanzibar

 

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Dan S

·Jan 30, 2024

https://accurate-form.jp/en/collections/open-ended-en also has a good selection.

 

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stokey7873

·Jan 31, 2024

I just saw on IG that truepatina is coming out with a single pass leather strap where the part that goes under the head is thinner. not sure I like the thinner portion by the lugs but just throwing options you can consider.

https://www.truepatina.com/product-page/tapper-leather-military-style-strap

 

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Dug

·Jan 31, 2024

Thank you folks, for all of the great advice and links, much appreciated.
Have followed up on all of them and thinking I'll go for one of the glued straps.
I can see now why I had no success when searching, before calling out on here.
The search argument I was missing was 'open ended'....every day's a school day!😉

 

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pmontoyap

·Jan 31, 2024

I liked this:

https://www.instagram.com/reel/C2gOLwiRoJA/?igsh=NW9jNHNmMncxcHVq

 

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MRC

·Jan 31, 2024

Dan S

The Hirsch straps already have adhesive applied that activates by addition of solvent. You just need to clamp them.

I've had trouble with these coming unstuck when fitted by a jeweler's staff. So if I get one offered now I take it home unfitted, prep the surfaces, use <brand of reputable adhesive> and clamp hard for 24 hours.

 

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stokey7873

·Jan 31, 2024

That sounds a bit scary to have the adhesive potentially fail and the watch fall to the ground. Take up sewing perhaps to get some stitches in there to back up the adhesive?
I may be a bigger fan now of the TruePatina approach as it won’t fail and have the watch fall.

 

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gatorcpa

·Jan 31, 2024·ΩF InvestiGator

I’ve ordered these for use with female springbar watches and they work nicely:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/275441984672
Go to “Seller’s Other Items”. They have a number of varieties.
gatorcpa

 

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rennfahrer

·Jan 31, 2024

Go to the Strap Tailor in the UK. David is great. He has done nice custom and semi-custom fixed bar straps. He can use tabs for fixtures or Chicago screws if you prefer.

https://thestraptailor.com

 

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rennfahrer

·Jan 31, 2024

For the nicest milwatch look, I recommend Jürgen’s Germany. All my milwatches get their own Jürgen’s strap (both NATO and 2-piece Flieger-type available).

 

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Dan S

·Jan 31, 2024

When glued properly, the bond is incredibly strong, and will not be the point of failure. Just try to remove an open-ended strap and you will understand. It's a straightforward process. Buy some rubber cement and read the instructions. The adhesive is applied to both sides, allowed to cure until tacky, and then clamped overnight.

 

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Dug

·Feb 1, 2024

Decision made!!
Have just ordered two Hirsch straps, the second in case I screw up the first or as a spare if it goes well. Quite an array out there. The Strap Tailor has some beautiful looking straps, but quite a price!
Will be taking note of the advice given, re gluing, and looking forward to having my new watch on the wrist.
Thanks again, folks, will report back in due course

 

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Hetcins1

·Feb 1, 2024

Yeah Ive got a leather pebbled grain strap from the strap tailor I would say it's the best strap I've had , I've just got another strap from Matteo Torres vintage styling is spot on. Also to mention Hirsch, and Kauffman, and cousins co.uk there lizard straps are fab .

 

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stevensmichel

·Nov 6, 2024

I found that FinWatchStraps, handmade in Finland, makes high quality, reasonably-priced watch straps with 19mm lugs. I have 3 of them and have used them with my 39.5mm Seamaster PO. They fit perfect. Here is a picture of the vintage canvas strap from them that

I currently wear.

 

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JimInOz

·Nov 6, 2024·Melbourne Australia

S stevensmichel

I found that FinWatchStraps, handmade in Finland, makes high quality, reasonably-priced watch straps with 19mm lugs. I have 3 of them and have used them with my 39.5mm Seamaster PO. They fit perfect. Here is a picture of the vintage canvas strap from them that

I currently wear.

Are they open end straps for fixed bars?