How is a watch strap supposed to feel?

[Simplejack1985]

On 6/23/2022 at 8:56 AM, Tugadude said:

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.  

I like that watch

[Tugadude]

2 hours ago, Simplejack1985 said:

I like that watch

They are very good watches at reasonable prices.  Longislandwatch.com

[CalgaryJim]

I'm 6 months into making my own leather watch straps. Before that, 18 months buying straps from various sources. Cheap straps (ie, under $20 US) feel cheap and will stay feeling cheap, because poor quality leather such as 'genuine leather' or even no leather at all.  If you buy straps made with high quality leather, for example: Buttero, Minerva, Pueblo, these are all made by Italian tanneries; Zermatt leather by french tannery Haas, it's likely to feel comfortable right away or within a few wears. Firmer leathers will feel stiffer as mentioned above, ie, Buttero. Also, the thickness of these leathers affects their stiffness and break-in time. Many straps will have a layer(s) of reinforcement to reduce or prevent the leather from stretching over time, this could be Velodon (very thing synthetic fiber) or bonded leather such as brand names Salamander or Salpa. Bonded leather reinforcement will keep the leather feeling stiffer than Velodon because it's a lot thicker (ie, 0.4mm versus 0.05mm).

I own a strap by Colareb in Italy, it's about 2mm thick, single layer, smooth on the backside. It's quite supple. I don't wear it regularly but it's definitely stretching out in a way lined straps don't.

High quality supple leather lined with Zermatt and using Velodon will feel the most comfortable from the start. I use Salpa when I need the added thickness between my top leather and Zermatt lining. Otherwise it's Velodon.