Fratello On Air: The Strap Episode

This was just great fun. So interesting to hear other people talk about straps. I like the beautiful straps featured in the photos!
Straps are an interesting challenge. It’s a niche collection unto itself for me. Getting the look right is the easy and fun part. I know what I like, what quality looks like, and know enough about period styles to make an appropriate choice for a vintage watch, but the lengths of both pieces have always been the challenge.
I wear a lot of smaller vintage watches from 30mm to 36mm and find from many strap makers that the pin buckle rarely sits centered under my wrist, as the buckle end is short, so the watch head tends to sit on the outside edge of my wrist. Ugh.
I’ve tired of having custom straps made. I don’t swap out straps, ever. I’m a one and done guy. I rarely worry about a strap matching my outfit, belt or shoes. But sometimes if it matters, I just pick a watch with a strap that works.
I have discovered a company that makes sizes that accommodate a small watch on my 18.5cm wrist and buy in bulk. 17mm straps aren’t common but I have 30+ watches that use them. Watches that have 18mm lug widths make up the bulk of my collection. I love original bracelets, but not every day, and not all watches had bracelet options. 19mm straps present the biggest challenge for an appropriate strap.
Padded leather straps, quality leather with contrast stitching, and suede are go-to options for me. I also buy Cordura, canvas, and sailcloth for vintage divers, chronographs, and explorer styles. I even have a vintage 17mm Komfit on a 30mm dirty dozen style military watch by Nivada, that came with the watch, Finding nicer pin buckles in stainless and gold can be a challenge too. I love a nice original signed buckle, especially for Rolex and Omega, for a finishing touch.
I’m not a Nato fan. I did by a novelty Nato that has white text woven into a red ground that reads Remove Before Flight. That’s just too fun not to own. I’ve yet to put it on a watch though.
Collecting straps is as important as the watches. It can require the same amount of research. I have two large metal tins, one for vintage bracelet options and the other for a variety of straps and extra buckles so when a new-to-me vintage find arrives, I’m ready to pair it with the right strap.