Members Klara Posted June 23, 2022 Members Report Posted June 23, 2022 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) ? Quote
Contributing Member fredk Posted June 23, 2022 Contributing Member Report Posted June 23, 2022 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 Quote Al speling misteaks aer all mi own werk..
CFM tsunkasapa Posted June 23, 2022 CFM Report Posted June 23, 2022 They ALL feel like a handcuff to me. I carry a pocket watch. Quote Hoka Hey! Today, tomorrow, next week, what does it matter?
Members Tugadude Posted June 23, 2022 Members Report Posted June 23, 2022 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. Quote
Members NeilMott Posted August 3, 2022 Members Report Posted August 3, 2022 I make watch straps mainly out of baseball gloves. They're soft and thick, but I wear big watches mostly. For conditioners, try Bicks 4. I use it when any of my leather is too stiff (from an old glove for instance). But in general, there is no reason a watch strap should come to you stiff, in my opinion. Walpier Buttero is a good leather to try for a watch strap. I'd say any leather described as medium to soft hand should work. Also can depend on hole placement how it feels. If you're too tight or too lose, try a different size watch buckle. Neil Quote
Members Klara Posted August 4, 2022 Author Members Report Posted August 4, 2022 Actually, I've gotten used to the red strap. I'll wait till water contact during paddling has ruined it and then I'll make another one. Quote
Members caressofsteel Posted August 6, 2022 Members Report Posted August 6, 2022 Vegetable tanned leathers can be stiff especially if it is intended for carving as a soft surface will not hold the details well. I have used Horween Chromexcel, which is a combination chrome tan / vegetable tan leather for watch straps and that seems comfortable. Quote
Members nrk Posted December 18, 2022 Members Report Posted December 18, 2022 On 6/23/2022 at 10:30 AM, Klara said: 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) ? leather type, making process, gluing/not, sewing/not, one layer, two, three, etc. - it all affects Quote
Members Klara Posted December 18, 2022 Author Members Report Posted December 18, 2022 On 6/23/2022 at 2:23 PM, fredk said: 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 Funnily enough, the steel band on my Invicta Pro Diver's Lady is such a strap and the watch super comfortable. I suspect it's because it fits my arm with its 36 mm - but who knew that a watch needs to actually fit! Not something enthusiasts talk about a lot.... Quote
Members doubleh Posted December 18, 2022 Members Report Posted December 18, 2022 How is a watch strap supposed to feel? So comfortable you don't even notice it's there. That is why I quit wearing leather straps a looong time ago. Quote
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.