A Guide To Handmade Watch Straps

A guide to handmade watch straps

Some may think that a watch strap simple as it comes. You go to your nearby watch AD (Authorized Dealer) and pick one. Or find something simple on Amazon. But for those who are getting deeper into the hobby, one slowly realizes that it is a world of its own for those who seek to spice things up with their beloved watches. Together, we will take a look at what goes into making handmade watch straps.

What are handmade watch straps?

Handmade watch straps are meticulously crafted bands that are designed to hold a wristwatch securely in place. These straps are made by skilled artisans who pay attention to every detail, ensuring a high level of quality and craftsmanship. Once you go handmade, there's no going back. That is the reality. 

Why choose handmade watch straps?

There are several reasons why choosing a handmade watch strap is a great decision:

• Unique and personalized: Each handmade strap is one-of-a-kind, allowing you to express your individual style and taste.
• Superior quality: Handmade straps are crafted with precision and care, using only the finest materials. This ensures durability and longevity.
• Attention to detail: Artisans pay close attention to every stitch and finish, resulting in a strap that is aesthetically pleasing and comfortable to wear.
• Supporting artisans: By choosing a handmade strap, you are supporting talented craftsmen and women who dedicate their time and skill to create these beautiful accessories.

How are handmade watch straps made?

The process of making a handmade watch strap involves several steps:

 Material selection: Artisans carefully choose high-quality materials such as leather, fabric, or metal to create the strap. We have a selection of 10+ materials to choose from coming in a variety of different colors. All leathers are carefully sourced from different regions of the world. They all have different characteristics such as the patina level, durability, softness, and textures. There's a general rule what is considered to be suitable for a certain genre of a watch. However, these are unspoken rules of the watch community. So, if you feel like being a rebel, you are allowed. Looking at you (a leather strap on a diver). After all, it's a hobby where you are supposed to have fun with your beloved watches. 

Stitching Style: A stitching style is what makes your straps look and feel different. We offer 10 different stitching styles to choose from. However, there's nothing a skilled artisan can't do. So if there's something unique in your mind...all you have to do is request that idea and let it come into reality. Let's take a look at few examples visually.

 

Red Suede with stitch-less style ( lack of stitching visible )

 

Brown Vachetta with Row Stitch

 

Crazy Horse Camo Regular stitch

 

Dark Brown Italian Powdered Calf with Box stitch

 

Italian Powdered Calf Brown with Casa Fagliano style

 

Buttero Black Racing Strap Creased 

 

 

Lining Skin: What is this? Well, it's the leather at the back of every strap that has contact with your skin. Typically, on machine produced straps from factories, what you would find is a rough, gluey cheap material that gets damaged over time and peels off due to it's low quality. Apart from that, some wears may have irritation to allergens. We use black and brown Italian Calf lining skin that is hypoallergenic for the best comfort and durability. 

 

Thread Color: The safest bet is most of the times "TOT" a short form for tone on tone, which means the thread color is matched by the color of the leather material used on the watch strap. Some may want to use their imagination and use the limitless combinations to change the look.

Lug-width: One may wonder is my lug width on my watch? This is the diameter from from point A to point B across the inside of watch lugs. 

Buckle Width: Now, what is the buckle width of a watch? It is the A to B diameter of the inside distance for a watch buckle. As shown on the photo. It's always a good idea to have your strap tapered. An example of a 20mm strap with a 16mm end at the buckle creates a more elegant and more comfortable wearability for everyday use. There are special occasions when this rule doesn't apply. After all, it is YOU - the wearer, who can make the decision. 

Length (Long End / Short End): Everybody knows the size of their shoes, but who knows the size of their wrist? Very few people know this. Thankfully there is a way to know this. The process is fairly simple and anyone at home can do it. All you need is a ruler or a flexible measuring tape. Once you know your size it creates a watch strap that is made specifically for you. Like a good suit that fits like a glove on you. 

Thickness of the strap: How thick should a strap be? The answer to this dilemma should revolve around a number of factors you should consider. To make it simple for the sake of it. We like to break it down to the following:

• SLIM UNPADDED (2.20mm - 2.00mm) - great for smaller cases, like dress watches, thinner, or even vintage. Anything with a case thickness under 12mm this is a very suitable choice.

• REGULAR UNPADDED (2.50mm - 2.00mm) - Based on a lot of trial and error, this turned out to be the most go to thickness for majority of cases. It's not too thin nor too thick. Although on paper the thickness is not very different from a slim thickness, it does feel different once worn. Thanks to it's added thickness it provides a more sturdier wearability that is ideal for cases that are larger than 36mm and with a case thickness of 12mm & up.

• LIGHTLY PADDED (4.50mm - 2.00mm) This is where one may think we are getting into very thick straps. The thing is, this thickness is half padded that gradually goes to the bottom. It adds a nice touch of sportiness and elegant appeal. Ideal for chronographs, watch cases with dominant thick lugs. 

Curved/straight end: Yes, you can even choose the end of the strap to be "straight" like a regular strap would be which is what most cases use. But for the small fraction of watches, a nice curved end on a strap that requires curved spring bars makes for a nice flush fit that leaves little to no gap between the strap and the case of a watch. 95% of the time the answer for your watch will be straight. But for those rare instances, consult your strap maker for the best fit.

Spring Bars: You can choose from a regular spring bar that requires a spring bar tool to remove or change a strap or you can go for a quick-release option. The spring bar has a small notch that you can slide and comfortably remove or swap a watch strap without the need of tools. And scratch free. 

Buckle: Diver, Chronograph, Dress, Field, Military...different genres call for a different look. You can choose typically from your strap maker from a number of different buckle styles. Some may charge an extra for them and some at no cost. 

Where to find handmade watch straps?

Handmade watch straps can be found in specialty watch shops, online marketplaces, or directly from independent artisans. It's important to research and choose a reputable seller who offers high-quality craftsmanship and materials and suits your budget. Due to the nature of this product being handmade, some artisans may have a longer waitlist than others. 

Conclusion

Investing in a handmade watch strap is a decision that combines style, quality, and supporting skilled artisans. These unique accessories not only enhance the appearance of your wristwatch but also reflect your personal taste and appreciation for fine craftsmanship. Whether you are new or a seasoned collector/hobbyist with watches and are new to leather straps, and want to up your game to feel the difference compared to the often hard-to-break-in straps that come as default from watch manufacturers, this is a world of difference. Buyer be aware, it could be another addiction on top of your watches. 

You can check out our custom straps here: https://leathermerchant.shop/products/custom-mto-strap

If you have anything in mind to make for you or any questions around straps, shoot us an email or a message and we will get back to you.