Long bands and straps - recommendations?
My wrist is 8.25" (or about 21cm)
As I begin my journey into the watch world I am finding it difficult to find bands. Not impossible, and admittedly .. again.. I'm new. But as with shoes, everything is easy to find in an M, but not so easy for a EE width. With bands, obviously the target rich demographic is also medium.
I got myself a daily I liked (Seiko 5 Sports SRPG35) and started buying a couple bands to swap out for a bit more versatility. The first two I got, it didn't even occur to me.. and they simply do not fit. I'm not THAT big, but apparently I am just big enough. If it says fits from 6.5 to 8, it does not fit an 8.25
So I ended up getting and really liking a couple flavors of the NATO straps (that's what it came with so no worries there). They're great! And I did find a standard (if that's the right word) that fits. But now that I know to look for the longer options for other watches and other styles I see Long as not even an option far too often.
I have now bought another watch, from a fellow WCer, and went in search of an appropriate band similar to the original. Let me say when one starts adding filters, one finds fewer and fewer results. Come on!.. this is supposed to be fun!
I know there are WAY bigger dudes than me, so there are options out there. So I ask.. what experiences and recommendations would this community have for a noob with a thick wrist?
Always had an interest in watches and clocks but never any means to really collect. Recently truly began my collecting journey, and as such am also beginning my education into the subjects of horology...
First, congrats for the monster wrist flex. I’m jealous. Not sure where you’re looking for straps but I usually look in Bezos land for them and it’s worked well thus far. When you find one that works, buy a dozen of them🤣
I'm sitting at the other end of the wrist spectrum with my 6.5" and most straps are just too long and look goofy.
Few manufacturers offer short leather straps, let alone rubber or nylon. However, StrapsCo have a lot of options in short and extra-long (220mm) lengths. The quality is alright for $20-$25 straps. Beggars can't be choosers I guess.
https://strapsco.com/product-category/extra-long-watch-straps
If you want higher quality without spending a ridiculous amount on luxury Delugs straps, a good middle ground in the $50 range might be bespoke straps from a local guy or Etsy.
This Etsy store makes Delugs quality straps in any length you want, from 160mm to 230mm or more on demand, and has quite the leather selection as well. https://www.etsy.com/shop/TunsLeather
I like Strapcode straps. These, for example, come in 120 / 80 length - which should be fine for 8.25"
https://www.strapcode.com/collections/horween-leather-watch-strap
CountyComm's Maratac brand had long single pass.
I believe Crown and Buckle has options, don't quote me.
My Zulu Alpha's are incredibly long. Being a company that caters to mil/tac types, large portion of big wristed dudes.
I'd also consider infinitely adjustable stuff, might work:
Zuludiver Octopod
CWC Falklands
Any number of elastic cheaper "MN" straps
Nick Mankey Designs Hook, Erika's Originals, The Watch Steward all can be custom made at a wrist size of your choice.
Also search or Google keywords of: Long, Nitrox, or Diver + Zulu (ring type hardeare)/NATO (square type hardware).
Barton straps do extra longer length and not too bad priced.
https://www.bartonwatchbands.com/collections/long-straps-7-9
My wrist is a little bigger than yours. My feet might be to. I’ll put it this way. Nike doesn’t make a stock size running shoe long enough to fit my feet.
Most of the straps I find work on the last hole. It’s not convenient, it hard to put on but it works and I’m ok with it. I found a strap, make unknown, at an AD store near me in black and brown that is long enough to have some extre length. They work great on the watches they fit.
I typically stick to bracelets. They’re way easier to make longer by buying and adding links.
One last bit of advice might and it be the hardest to use. Don’t be afraid to buy bigger watches. Your wrist can probably handle it and the extra mm’s and or the longer lug to lug will make a big difference. The difference between a 36mm and 42mm is about alone is about a 1/4”. That would be the difference of a strap fitting you.
Keep me posted on the straps you find that fit. It might come in handy for me too. Good luck!
Another solution is Velcro watch straps, think moonwatch strap. 7.75 in wrist, I have a few, very comfortable, very durable, lots of colors and look great here is a link, Hemsut and Ritche sell them as well as https://unclestraps.com/en-ca/products/all-purpose-velcro-straps-in-20mm-and-22mm
Etsy. Tell them what length and they will make it, not cheap but not super expensive either. Look for many positive reviews, I had good experiences. Quality is rather high I would say.
a lot of manufacturers sell extra links for their brands. If it's a budget watch go leather or Nato.
I feel your pain. I too have Shrek like 8.5" wrists. I can highly recommend NATO International on eBay. (https://www.ebay.com/str/natointernational) Their G10 straps are well made, 300mm long and $12 to $16. They all are plenty long enough to tuck. This is the brand that actually own the rights to the "NATO" name for straps. I've bought a lot and they are a reputable seller.
Wow! Thank you all for the replies and suggestions! This is exactly what I hoped for. I've created a quick spreadsheet with everything so far so I can really go shopping around starting from a much higher quality option pool than random Googling from scratch.
I don't want to totally clutter a thread with individual replies, so thank you all!
The specifics of what I was wanting this time, plus the size thing, had me struggling. I actually ended up ordering something from an Etsy seller a couple days ago, so maybe I did ok there. Might turn out amazing! And another Etsy store or two from these recommendations should get me in great shape for my next wants and needs.
Loving the idea of Mil/Tac stuff! Won't want that every time but makes total sense the soldier folks are gonna tend to have bigger needs. perfect thought!
Tons to go through..
Another solution is Velcro watch straps, think moonwatch strap. 7.75 in wrist, I have a few, very comfortable, very durable, lots of colors and look great here is a link, Hemsut and Ritche sell them as well as https://unclestraps.com/en-ca/products/all-purpose-velcro-straps-in-20mm-and-22mm
Uncle Seiko and Havestons Velcro single passes are LEGIT. Uncle Seiko edges out Haveston slightly due to price, but they are 👌🏻.
I’m on the other end of the spectrum with my dainty 6.5” wrists, so in a way I can relate. I think you may find that Barton is a good option. All the best, my friend.
Mancave leather. The site is easy to navigate and sets out several default sizes. Owner responds personally to your questions. See blue strap below.
I too have a 8.25" wrist.
https://cnswatchbands.com/ Natos work great. I really dig the cotton ones
https://www.haveston.com/ Single pass leather and nylon fit very nicely
https://www.mancaveleather.com/ I will second them, on the costly side, but they are very very nice and worth it
https://www.rsmwatchstrap.com/ The vintage mil two peice fit great
https://www.bartonwatchbands.com/ The long racing strap is a winner
https://www.xeric.com/ The ribbed leather with the depolyant clasp fit really well, a little costly but look great. I can wear the ones the come with a just the simple buckle but only on the second hole
I haven yet to get them, but the https://www.martuleather.com/ straps look promising. I can let you know when my order arrives. (EDIT: Took a bit of time, but these are awesome and a great fit)