Vintage watch lovers - what do you look for in a strap?
I am working on sourcing and producing high quality straps, and would love to get some insights from fellow enthusiasts on what’s most important in a strap.
I have found that I really like straps that are flexible and thin (around 2.5mm or less). I find durability important, but considering I’m more careful with my vintage pieces around water and sweat, it’s not as high a priority for me as it would be on a modern sports watch. I usually only wear my vintage pieces for special occasions or nice dinners, so straps tend to last a long time.
Would love to hear everyone’s thoughts on the matter!
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Insta: @avniwatchco. Most watches I post are available for sale! Check out my website: avniwatchco.com
Portland, OR
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Last active: 2 months ago
If there’s something you wish more straps put an emphasis on, leave it in the comments below!
Minimal padding, QR bars, exotic leathers in the $30-40 range.
Quality leathers should be durable. Rolled edges are the most impressive and expensive. If the strap is hand made and you want to pay a living wage then it won’t be cheap. It is an artisan piece of work.
I chose D because my first consideration would be to try and find an exact original strap/bracelet for the particular vintage watch and if that’s not possible then I’d try to find the closest thing I could to it. If it’s just a general sort of thing like an FKM strap for a diver I would go for C.
I think your points above are enough, as you have a good idea what works with vintage watches. I particularly like leather straps that have a good finish and texture, whether matte or shiny/oily. I also enjoy a strap that is supple to not make it difficult to put on. Of course, a good spectrum of brown hues will be cool (light tan to dark brown). Able to keep a good smell despite some sweating, and not the kind of leather smell that attacks your nasal senses. Good stitching, and quick release spring bars.