Watch Cuff

[Spincycle]

I kept it simple with this one. I used the Tandy pro matte finish for the first time. I definately don't like the smell. I'm not sure how long it will "off gas." I noticed the second coat didn't go on as we'll as the first. I think one liberally applied coat is the best way to apply this. I dyed this vegtan with two coats of USMC black and two coats of the Tandy pro black. The finish pulled up black like crazy. It's pretty thick so I'm not sure how to spray this. I'll have to experiment with it. The pieces that hold the watch are 3-4 oz calf, folded over and glued. I used polished nickel snaps and gave them a brushed look to match the watch. I just used a sanding sponge for that. I might try coating the snap with the matte finish. I used snaps so I could still show off the see through back on the watch. Any one have any experience with the Tandy pro matte finish?

[benlilly1]

Very nice! Haven't used the Tandy Pro yet so I can't help you on that.

[chadnorth]

nice. what size leather did you use for the part on the watch. Did it have to be a specific kind of watch or can it be any watch? The cuff part I can figure out.

[Spincycle]

Thanks for the compliments. I have a big piece of calf skin. I measured between the watch lugs and cut a strip a little bit wider. Applied some glue and folded it in half. Then cut it to the finished width and length. I use toothpicks for the through hole where the watch pins will go through. I also don't apply glue to that area. You can use any watch you like. It will sit on your cuff basically the same way it sits on your wrist. Some watches however will conform more to a curve (wrist) than others. This watch that I used had a standard strap on it. It had worn out and I wanted to change it up so I made this cuff for it. Hope that helps.

[chadnorth]

Thanks for the info. How well does the glue hold? I plan on stitching so it makes it stronger. I have a watch that I want to do a leather cuff with. This will be my first try on a leather watch cuff. I will post pictures later on.

Thanks again

Chad

[Spincycle]

I haven't done any glued projects that were not also stitched. This is the first. Consider that there is a half inch diameter snap sandwiching the strap together. It's also very short, and doesn't really encounter any flex. I was torn about wether or not to stitch it. I really wanted to keep it plain and simple so I decided to just leave it glued. If the cuff were made with a backing then I would stitch that for sure. I'll be watching for your project.

Edited November 19, 2012 by Spincycle

[Sicksteene]

I use the pro finishes, smell terrible, doesn't last long though and so far they are holding up great on my dogs collar. Nice strap by the way.