sticthless watch strap

[Monticore]

i am trying to make some stitchless watch straps using contact cement as adhesive but i was wondering if there was way to use some sort of internal stitching or other fixation, because i don;t know how well the cement would hold over time, especially the buckle piece which has a skived joint on the underside.

any suggestions

[UKRay]

i am trying to make some stitchless watch straps using contact cement as adhesive but i was wondering if there was way to use some sort of internal stitching or other fixation, because i don;t know how well the cement would hold over time, especially the buckle piece which has a skived joint on the underside.

I'm not sure you actually have a huge problem here as long as you have used a good quality contact adhesive like Barge and the leather you have used is sufficiently roughed up so the glue can get a good grip.

The reason I say this is because there is little reason for the two pieces to come apart after construction. The skived join is on the underside - against the wrist - where it won't be subject to any 'snagging' or abuse. I honestly can't see any other reason for the two parts to come asunder as there is very little pull or pressure on a watch strap if it is done up properly and is not constantly under tension.

The only stress is along the line of the strap (from end to end) and I believe, from a technical point of view, that this provides the strongest 'physical bond' - although I'm happy to be corrected if anyone knows different. I would be a tad concerned if there was a possibility that the skive could be peeled apart but the very nature of a watch strap suggests otherwise.

If you are very concerned then you could try skiving a 'stepped joint' and improving the physical properties of the join but this is a huge amount of work and, IMHO I don't believe the job warrants it.

Your watch strap looks superb and the standard of finish appears to be excellent. I really wouldn't do any more.

[Monticore]

I'm not sure you actually have a huge problem here as long as you have used a good quality contact adhesive like Barge and the leather you have used is sufficiently roughed up so the glue can get a good grip.

The reason I say this is because there is little reason for the two pieces to come apart after construction. The skived join is on the underside - against the wrist - where it won't be subject to any 'snagging' or abuse. I honestly can't see any other reason for the two parts to come asunder as there is very little pull or pressure on a watch strap if it is done up properly and is not constantly under tension.

The only stress is along the line of the strap (from end to end) and I believe, from a technical point of view, that this provides the strongest 'physical bond' - although I'm happy to be corrected if anyone knows different. I would be a tad concerned if there was a possibility that the skive could be peeled apart but the very nature of a watch strap suggests otherwise.

If you are very concerned then you could try skiving a 'stepped joint' and improving the physical properties of the join but this is a huge amount of work and, IMHO I don't believe the job warrants it.

Your watch strap looks superb and the standard of finish appears to be excellent. I really wouldn't do any more.

great , i am using tandy's contact cement , i may have to try barge if this one doesn;t work out.

[badger]

Wow, nice work!

I love the design. The clean lines and choice of hardware are excellent.

I really like the fit and finish. I hate over burnishing. The edges look lovely.

I agree with UKRay, I think he's nailed it. I can't see why the strap would want to come apart.

Cheers,

Karl