Mark Peters Report post Posted April 16, 2015 I finished this strap this evening. It's the first of the three I've tried that I really like- (even with the errors - and noticing that the date on my watch needs to be set). Veg tan with lambskin lining. Saddle tan base and neatsfoot oil only top strap. I think I'm getting better with my edges and stitching, but there is still quite a long way to go. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tugadude Report post Posted April 16, 2015 Mark, I like the color combination. Also it is cool the way you blended a Nato strap idea with a bund style band. Keep up the good work! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tugadude Report post Posted April 16, 2015 Are you using a stitching groover? Doesn't appear so. You might experiment a little with a deeper groove. Also, try flattening your stitches with a smooth-faced hammer. Helps them lie down Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mark Peters Report post Posted April 16, 2015 (edited) Thank you. I did not use a groover, I used a creaser to provide the stitching line. I will give the hammer a try. Had to look up "bund strap" - I'm very new to this. The first strap I tried I think is in that style as well. I liked it for it's simplicity, but I really messed up cutting the slots. Edited April 16, 2015 by Mark Peters Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tugadude Report post Posted April 16, 2015 Mark, are you using a stitching wheel and awl? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mark Peters Report post Posted April 16, 2015 I'm using a stitching chisel to mark it, but not drive it all the way through. I'm using a diamond awl to make the slits. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tugadude Report post Posted April 16, 2015 You might experiment with using a groover. It will take a bit of the slant of the stitches away but I think the overall look is better and it helps the stitches sit down and that will cut down on wear and tear. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tugadude Report post Posted April 18, 2015 Mark, this is a bund style strap I made up based upon one I saw in a Tudor watch ad. I reverse engineered it, making some modifications along the way. The straps holding the watch fold back and under and don't show from underneath. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mark Peters Report post Posted April 18, 2015 So the straps holding watch are cut from the main strap and tucked under? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tugadude Report post Posted April 18, 2015 Yes, sort of an "H" shaped cut. I thinned the flaps down and when tucked they don't bulge much. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tugadude Report post Posted April 18, 2015 This is a shot of the inspiration... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
OhSewPrettyLeather Report post Posted April 20, 2015 I love the colors! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tugadude Report post Posted April 20, 2015 Thanks, it is a 34 year old watch that still works great! I bought it when I was in college. Time flies! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
