rhoadrw Report post Posted November 20, 2012 Gosh, I am a real green horn here so bare with me as I could not even figure out how to post! This is a great forum, with a lot of generous people and talent. I am looking to make watch straps for myself. I've acquired a lot of leather tools from my grandfather in Oklahoma prior to our move to Alaska back in 69. I have some rather nice high end watches and want to make watch straps that reflect my history around the globe. Thanks in advance for any help with my questions below. Where does one get quality leather and what size, type, etc. I hear 4-6 oz vegetable tanned leather. Do you buy a hide or have someone precut the widths (I can cut the lengths)? I don't have a machine width leather cutter so it might be easier with precut widths. I am an Architect by education and know how to use an X-acto blade.....having made countless models...but leather will be different. I noticed when tooling around with cutting leather with an X-acto it can tend to move on you depending on the size of cut. Where does one get quality buckles? They seem rather pricey on Ebay. Finally, do you refinish the inside of the strap or leave natural? I see some straps that have a fine leather backing. Where would one buy this leather? I would like to call a US supplier who has a lot of history selling and perhaps evening making watch straps as a one stop shop. Perhaps many of these questions could be answered by them. thanks and Happy Thanksgiving! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LNLeather Report post Posted November 20, 2012 Maybe you could find a buckle here at HardwareElfe.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cyberthrasher Report post Posted November 20, 2012 Get a hold of Springfield Leather. They'll be able to answer all your questions specific to your goals and point you in the right direction on products. They'll even pre-cut leather exactly to your needs, but depending on your quantities, I'd buy a strap cutter myself. We can answer any of your questions here, but it sounds like you're pretty concerned with a supplier that will work with you, so that would be an EXCELLENT place to start. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rhoadrw Report post Posted November 20, 2012 thanks Cheryl and Cyperthrasher - both links were right on! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DFWLeather Report post Posted November 27, 2012 (edited) Exacto is useless. I've been making watchbands for ten years. You need to see and feel the leather before you buy it. Tandy or other store will meet your needs fine, as long as you can hold it in your hands. Also, be wary of realy oily hides, they'll mess-up a cuffed shirt real fast, this also applies to wax hides. You'll have to double or triple layer your leather if you want something hefty. Also, hand stitching is hard, and time consuming for a beginner, but that's where you learn a lot. try the fold method, it's fast and effective. Fold the leather in half with adhesive in the middle, cut in 23-24 widths, cut off the tail with the shape you prefer (you'll need a tool--tandy has several), and then stitch. Also, the other side requires skiving and layering with adhesive then glue. It's a lot to consume, but it takes a long time to get it right. I began using a Juki to stitch the thread, and it did a fine job. I sold many, and kept many. Selling is tough as people sometimes have too many demands regarding length, tail, width, buckles etc. Tough deal and low margin when you consider your time. Edited November 27, 2012 by DFWLeather Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ramrod Report post Posted November 29, 2012 (edited) try esslinger for watch band parts. click on "watch parts" and then "watch band parts" on the drop down menu. when i make a watch band, i use2 oz. or so, line it with a polyester fill stiffener and then line it with pigskin. mine are hand sewn. it makes for a firm band with a little bit of definition to it. it's vey time consuming, but i'm only making them for myself. i haven't seen much of a market for them. i also use upholstery leather, lamb and calf. the other day at tandy, they had a real neat bunch of scrap that was imprinted with a kind of carbon fiber print. it's about 2 or 3 oz. and rather firm. i lined it with a very thin lambskin. i wish i could post pics on here. i'd send a few over to show you. Edited November 29, 2012 by ramrod Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DoubleC Report post Posted November 29, 2012 Welcome to the forum. I can't really add anything to the questions except I work almost exclusively with Springfield and also I use a strap cutter for my things. They aren't expensive. SLC has some really nice inexpensive pig you could use for linings. I've used it on guitar straps and belts. Cheryl Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DFWLeather Report post Posted November 29, 2012 (edited) Here ya' go... Send me an email if you're interested in buckles, sleeves and posts. China has some nice pieces, but it takes a long time to get them... Edited November 29, 2012 by DFWLeather Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Chavez Report post Posted November 29, 2012 Hi. I've made a couple watch straps for myself and I found that English bridle buckles maker great watchband buckles if you like a hefty look. Harness buckles can also be found in sizes suitable for thin straps. I don't know anything about western saddlery but I guess you'd be able to get some quality buckles in almost any size you want... Leather wise 5-6oz makes a decent watch band but you'll need a lot of skiving on the turns. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
