Watch straps

[Watchthis]

I fancy a new perforated leather strap for one of my watches. Ebay/amazon et al seem to have "genuine top quality leather" straps from £8 onwards and then at the other end of the spectrum places like the strap tailor will sell straps for over £150

Any recommendations for a decent quality product at competitive price? I'm fairly sure I'm not getting quality when the straps are £8 but likewise I'm not sure I'm getting vfm spending £100 plus

[CountyLines]

I've used this guy many times. Top quality. And he can make whatever you desire basically.

https://www.combat-straps.com/

[Lotobear]

Watch Gecko always have a good selection at various price/quality points

[Watchthis]

CountyLines said:

I've used this guy many times. Top quality. And he can make whatever you desire basically.

https://www.combat-straps.com/

Import taxes to uk will likely make this a no-go

[vixen1700]

This place has a good variety:

https://www.ukwatchstrap.co.uk/

Also have a look on Etsy, some nice one-off straps there from small independant manufacturers.

[Bob_Defly]

I really like Hirsch, their quality/price ratio seems bang on to me.

[Watchthis]

Thanks for the suggestions all. I ended up going with a perforated vintage racing leather strap from fluco. Will report back on quality once it arrives

[MarcoThePolo]

Just a note on WatchGecko, I always find their straps come up very long, so if you have a 6.5/6.75in wrist you’ll need to add holes.

[fflump]

Being particular about fit I often add holes even between existing holes. Easy to do neatly with a hammer and a nail punch set.

[RedWhiteMonkey]

You have to filter through the cheap tat but Etsy has quite a few leatherworker who make nice straps.

[MarcoThePolo]

fflump said:

Being particular about fit I often add holes even between existing holes. Easy to do neatly with a hammer and a nail punch set.

Need to do that, always end up taking to a cobbler and ending up with a giant hole that is slightly off center. Drives my OCD nuts.

[-Cappo-]

RedWhiteMonkey said:

You have to filter through the cheap tat but Etsy has quite a few leatherworker who make nice straps.

I've had a couple of straps made by this guy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/Istizleather

Both were custom-made to my requirements (one for a very limited-edition watch, the other to replace something no longer available) and the quality was/is excellent. Around £40 each iirc.

[Watchthis]

Just arrived and first impressions I am pretty happy. Nice and thick with that lovely leather smell.