Watch Strap

[Mark Peters]

I finished this strap this evening. It's the first of the three I've tried that I really like- (even with the errors - and noticing that the date on my watch needs to be set).

Veg tan with lambskin lining. Saddle tan base and neatsfoot oil only top strap.

I think I'm getting better with my edges and stitching, but there is still quite a long way to go.

[Tugadude]

Mark, I like the color combination. Also it is cool the way you blended a Nato strap idea with a bund style band. Keep up the good work!

[Tugadude]

Are you using a stitching groover? Doesn't appear so. You might experiment a little with a deeper groove. Also, try flattening your stitches with a smooth-faced hammer. Helps them lie down

[Mark Peters]

Thank you.

I did not use a groover, I used a creaser to provide the stitching line. I will give the hammer a try.

Had to look up "bund strap" - I'm very new to this. The first strap I tried I think is in that style as well. I liked it for it's simplicity, but I really messed up cutting the slots.

Edited April 16, 2015 by Mark Peters

[Tugadude]

Mark, are you using a stitching wheel and awl?

[Mark Peters]

I'm using a stitching chisel to mark it, but not drive it all the way through. I'm using a diamond awl to make the slits.

[Tugadude]

You might experiment with using a groover. It will take a bit of the slant of the stitches away but I think the overall look is better and it helps the stitches sit down and that will cut down on wear and tear.

[Tugadude]

Mark, this is a bund style strap I made up based upon one I saw in a Tudor watch ad. I reverse engineered it, making some modifications along the way. The straps holding the watch fold back and under and don't show from underneath.

[Mark Peters]

So the straps holding watch are cut from the main strap and tucked under?

[Tugadude]

Yes, sort of an "H" shaped cut. I thinned the flaps down and when tucked they don't bulge much.