Were all straps in the 1940s open-ended?

septentrio · Jan 15, 2023

In other words, is mounting an open-ended strap on a 1940’s watch more period-correct? I’m raising the question because I want to have a custom watch strap made for my 1940s Longines, and given the smaller diameter of the watch (33,5mm), the strap is a useful tool to give the combination more ‘wrist presence’. In general, I like the look of open-ended straps as they make the strap fit more bulky around the springbars but this effect can also not be too exaggerated, specifically given the smaller diameter of the watch. It’s a fine balance to thread.

Anyway, the argument that the open-ended look is more period-correct could make my decision easier still 😀
Does someone know?

Tony C. · Jan 15, 2023

No, there were both styles at that time.

Canuck · Jan 15, 2023

The open end strap was meant for a watch without removable spring bars. Right or wrong, I believe the fixed pin was far more common on watches retailed in Europe, than on watches retailed in North America. Almost all watches that I see that have fixed pins, are vintage and/or antique. The open end strap is (I believe) still available from Hirsch, but only on special order. So period correct? If you are concerned that a strap may not be “period correct” for a particular watch, it is pretty well your only option on some watches. But it is optional on a watch with spring bars. Besides, with the watch on a wrist, how would one know?