Watch Straps

[keplerts]

I need to make a watch strap but don't have the watch it will fit on.  I was wondering what the thickness of leather should be that wraps around the lug pin?  If I make it too thick the strap won't fit between the pin and the watch frame.  Thanks for any help.

Tom

[NVLeatherWorx]

Depending on how the watch and lug pins are designed it may vary but the common thickness is equivalent to 1 oz. (which you won't find readily available).  To get the leather this thin you are going to have to take some 2 to 3 oz. leather and very carefully skive it down in the areas that you need the thinner leather; only skive enough to pass through the lug pin and watch base and then wrap back around to the main strap but make sure that where the main strap rests up against the base that it is still full thickness (this helps with overall durability).  I have found some watches where you could get away with leaving the 2 to 3 oz. full thickness but there are times when you have to use all of this unique skill and technique to make paper thinner than it already is.  When I skive my lug pin rolls down I do it to about 1.5 to 2 oz. (same weight as a pigskin lining leather) by slowly shaving the section down until I have it and I only do about 3/8" as that gives me just enough to create the wrap for the lug pin and to stitch it down once it comes back through to the strap base.

Good luck and keep us posted how it goes.

[keplerts]

Thanks for the reply NVLeatherWorx.  I will give that a try.  I won't really know until he brings his watch back for the install.

I could probably buy a cheap wally world watch and use that for close guess.

I'll let you know how it works out.

Thanks, again!

Tom