Watch strap suggestions?

Admittedly, I’m pretty granola, but I love the fact that IWC is making those TimberTex straps that are certified by the Forest Stewardship Council for sustainability. 

I’ve bought a lot of straps from WatchBandits and really like the price/quality ratio.

But the real winner in terms of quality is without a doubt Hirsch! They have so so many different straps and even bring innovation to this topic.. (Strap made with stone or real flowers e.g.)

1. Extraordinary GS

Now that's out of the way...my "go-to" are D22 Straps in Cali, DrunkArt in NC, Diaboliq Straps in Europe and Yusk Straps in Detroit, MI.

Drew, Art, Josip and Yusuke all do exceptional work in all mediums (leather, canvas, etc) are responsive and easy to work with.

Because of this, I would contact to get an idea of lead time as there usually is a queue for their fantastic straps. (but worth it)

Hi Sam!

For leather bands I am still breaking into finding some good manufacturers. I did purchase a caramel brown band from Camille Fournet probably 2 years ago that is still holding up well and wears great - so can definitely recommend them (see photo below). I am looking for good manufacturers though still so I will be following this thread for sure! I was/am planning on making a purchase with Molequin as my IG feed keeps feeding me their fantastic photos, haha,

With most NATOs I am not too particular with brands - usually look for good/decent construction and nice designs. Don't have much experience with PREMIUM versions, but usually opt for more of the nylon seat-belt like material (which I find more comfortable) and the single-pass designs. Purchased a bunch from CheapNATOStraps at the start of the pandemic when they were struggling to find business (thankfully not a worry now), and have been putting them in rotation ever since. My favorite is this green with red striped military version pair with my Certina Diver (see below). Might not work as well with your GS pictured above, but can imagine they have something in their catalog that might work!

Look forward to seeing more - good luck on the search!

Ooh yes I love that a lot of watch brands are going eco-friendly! I'll give those a look! Thanks!

Welcome!

I have a friend that absolutely loves Hirsch! I really need to look at their options!

I definitely must do some browsing! I'm sure I'll find something I love!

Thank you I appreiciate that!

Ooh I've never custom made a strap before that would be really cool to do. I bet they're worth the wait. 

I have heard of D22 being from Cali myself just never have gotten the chance to see any.

Thanks for the great suggestions!

Hi and thank you for all these wonderful suggestions!

I really love that look of the Camille Fournet strap! I really like something that is unique and doesn't look like anything else I already own. And with them being durable, that is a huge plus for me. I hate buying a strap that ends up falling apart after a few wears.

Cheapest Nato Straps has always been my go to and have found so many cool, funky straps to make my watch look like new!

Thank you for all of these!

I'm really pleased with this custom made alligator strap from Aaron Bespoke in Montreal.

https://www.aaronbespoke.com/

Not inexpensive, but high quality custom designed, so you can get exactly what you want.

This looks fantastic!

I've never had a alligator strap before. I know they take some time to break in but I bet would make some of my watches pop!

Thanks!

Those are some of the absolute best looking straps I've ever come across.  Thank you for this!

I'm looking at the "materials" tab right now, and honestly, I may order a "beaver leather" or "stingray leather" strap just for s***s and giggles.  I mean, I didn't even know you could make leather out of beavers and stingrays!

I really like the Hirsch Runner because they're great looking leather and are water resistant.

I just bought a couple straps from Delugs as well and am really impressed by the quality, so I'd recommend them too.

This one didn't really take much time to break in. FWIW, I ordered it with alligator on the underside as well. I had second thoughts between the order and delivery, but I'll do the same again the next time I order one. It's super comfortable.

A member of our local watch group has several Aaron Bespoke straps and they all look amazing. I agree that there are some pretty interesting materials.

FWIW, he also sells watches under the name "combat straps", so you can see even more examples on that page.

https://combat-straps.com/

I buy only customs from either KLG handmade leather or Heritage Leather goods. 

Bark and Jack has nice Nato's if you are into them.

Delugs is my go to for amazing leather straps at great prices. Ken is very passionate about his straps and it shows in the quality. I would give them my highest recommendation. 

I have a few and love them! Well worth the purchase!

Yes Ken is really passionate about his whole business and recommend as well.

Thanks :)

Ive tried a few. My only issue with nato's is how clunky they look on my wrist. Since I have such a small wrist, the way I have to fold the rest of the strap makes it look really off on me. But the quality of his straps are really nice. I still recommend!

I'm a fan of https://www.basandlokes.com/ 

Lots of interesting leather patterns and colors but the style tends towards the vintage look. Everything is made to measure and you can also customize the lug and taper width, but more importantly (for my skinny wrists) the strap length.

Another fan of Delugs here. Just ordered my third from them yesterday. 

Vario's vintage leather straps are also good, and I like Rios straps if you can find a stockist. For something a bit special, try The Strap Tailor - he offers ready-made and bespoke straps. Examples of things he's done for me below.

Lastly, for divers, I love Luff's Elastico series.

Oh wow I love this! Having small wrists can be a challenge haha! Will definitely check them out! Thank you

I love Vario straps too! That’s actually what’s on my GS in the photo. Really cool options thank you so much!

Speaking of bespoke and alligator, I've seen great straps from Michael Knapp https://michaelknappleather.com/

He has a youtube channel StrapAWatch where he documents the whole build process. Oisin from TTWC always plugs his stuff and I hope to get one of his alligator straps for my Speedy.

This is amazing! I’ll check out his YouTube page!

Is that the SBGJ249?  It looks fantastic!  Your picture really captures how the dial plays with the light, very dynamic.  One compliant I have with GS website is their photography doesn't do their watches justice.  I have the GS SBGA415 Winter Dial, love it.  

Lovely GS 😍

one option : Get some horween  leather from Kobe Japan.

Kobe is a gorgeous city surrounded by mountains, ocean and nature.  it ties nicely to the natural theme of the watch.  The area is famous for its leather. 

 As mentioned: delugs is a good dealer and has this Japanese leather in stock (It’s where I got mine!)

Love this GS! I have a similar one, the sbgm235. So it's a similar coloured dial. It depends where you are but I got mine from the strap tailor in the UK. He's got a great rep!