How is a watch strap supposed to feel?

[Klara]

I made a first strap from chrome tanned leather (lamb nappa on the inside) which turned out ugly but comfortable. 

My second one is from veg tan (same leather on the inside) and looks better, I think, but it feels stiff and uncomfortable. 

The thing is, I bought an Orient Blue Moon (very reasonably priced as automatic watch go) with leather strap and it also feels stiff and uncomfortable. So how is a good watch strap supposed to feel? 

Is it worth greasing/oiling the red leather (from the underside for a new strap, the red is a sort of coating) or should that have been done during tanning (i. e. do I need to find a different leather) ?

 

[fredk]

I think you have found the 'kings new clothes' syndrome with watch straps

ALL  the straps I've come across have been very stiff and uncomfortable to wear and they don't soften up. When enquiries were made the answers were " they are all like that, thats how they're supposed to be, no-one makes a 'soft' one because they're all supposed to be stiff" , et cetera, et cetera

A watchband should be comfortable to wear. So comfortable that you forget you are wearing it. But just try finding one like that on the market

Your nappa one looks fine to me. Wear it

[tsunkasapa]

They ALL feel like a handcuff to me. I carry a pocket watch.

[Tugadude]

I don't know why anyone would wear a watch on an uncomfortable strap personally.  I've made several for my own use and all have been very comfortable.  I also recently purchased a watch from Long Island Watch Co., a "Flieger style" pilot's watch that came with a very comfortable leather band.  It was very supple right from the get-go.