The goal of this guide is to provide a basic understanding of the options for the customization of watch straps so that you can make an informed choice when replacing a worn-out strap or even customizing your watch strap. With over half a decade of experience in the watch band industry and a keen eye for style, we guarantee precision and tailored fit for every customer. Click here to explore our 3D strap customization.

Straps Styles

With HANDDN’s collection of 12 distinctive strap styles, your bespoke watch straps can open up a world of possibilities for personalization, offering a wide range of styles to choose from.

Recommendation Strap Styles

Handdn straps also offer variations of styles for personalized aesthetics from classic, and vintage to military NATO strap styles or a mix with three different colors.

If you haven’t yet found the style you’re looking for, this watch strap guide will bring some additional recommendations you might find more suitable. These options offer a variety of designs and features that could better match your preferences.

Rally 

Inspired by vintage racing gloves, Rally straps are easily identified by the large perforations below the lugs. In the early days of automotive racing, reducing weight was crucial for speed, leading to perforations in metal parts to cut down on weight. To match this aesthetic, rally straps were also perforated. The primary purpose of these perforations was ventilation and breathability which reduce heat in car races, as a result, this strap ensures comfort during intense activities.

Its classic racing-inspired look adds sporty sophistication to any watch, making it perfect for summer wear and racing fans.  Elevate your watch game with a strap that embodies the spirit of the racetrack.

Single Folding

The single Folding strap masterfully blends design and functionality by incorporating a clever folding mechanism, making it easy to fold and adjust. This versatile strap transitions effortlessly from formal occasions to casual everyday wear. Crafted from premium leather, it offers durability, comfort, and a distinctive aesthetic that stands out.

NATO

NATO straps became widely recognized in the military after being created in the 1970s for use by soldiers in the British Army. It gained broad popularity as a result of the public’s increasing attention to its beneficial qualities and flexibility.

A key feature of NATO straps is that they’re made from a single piece of material, unlike most other straps which consist of two parts and require removing the spring bars to attach or detach. NATO straps slide under the spring bars, allowing for quick and easy application or removal in just seconds.  This special design ensures that even if one of the lugs were to fail, the watch would remain securely attached to the strap.

NATO straps have risen in popularity for being worn by James Bond in several movies and by many performers. Their versatility and features make them an excellent choice for summer climates or almost any setting.

james bond

Curved End

Whether you prefer curved or straight lugs. Curved lugs are essential for watches with short lugs like FP Journe, Ming, or certain Rolex/ Grand Seiko models to prevent scratching. While they offer added protection and uniqueness, curved lug straps are less common and generally pricier due to their specialized design.

Choose the material for your strap

One of the most important decisions you’ll make is selecting the ideal strap material for your watch. At HANDDN, we understand that your choice of strap material not only affects the durability and comfort of your item but also adds a touch of luxury and personality. That is why we offer you three exceptional options: exotic leather, regular leather and non-leather collections

What is Exotic Leather?

Exotic leather watch straps are crafted from the skins of from the skins of non-endangered animals. Handdn offers a range of exotic leathers, including Alligator, Ostrich, Lizard, Shark, Stingray, Shell Cordovan, and even rarer options like Python and Sea Snake. 

These materials are favored for their distinctive textures, patterns, and exceptional durability, providing a diverse range of patterns, colors, and finishes for watch enthusiasts to select from which makes them a popular choice for high-end, luxury watch straps.

Important Note: Avoid long exposure to water and sweat to maintain the quality.

What is Regular Leather?

Regular leather watch straps are usually made from calfskin or goat leather, valued for their durability, flexibility, and accessibility. They come in various styles, including Epsom, Suede, Saffiano, Alran Chevre, etc., each offering unique textures, patterns, or embossed finishes to suit various watch styles.

These straps are perfect for formal events and can be customized with padded and stitched options, making them versatile, elegant, and comfortable.

Important Note: Avoid long exposure to water and sweat to maintain the quality.

cutting leather

What is Non-leather Material?

Handdn’s non-leather materials that are used for making watch straps include Canvas Fabric (Sailcloth) and Alcantara Fabric. The canvas watch strap offers a casual and rugged aesthetic, providing a lightweight and breathable option as well as softness and durability. 

Its lightweight fabric enhances its appeal as a stylish choice for casual everyday wear. Additionally, fabric is highly recommended for those with sensitive skin.

canvas-pam

Lining Leather

Our lineup of lining skin options – Zermatt golden, Calfskin, Goatskin and Alligator – offers a world of possibilities for you to explore. Choose the one that resonates with your personality

Measure your bespoke watch straps

When selecting the perfect material for your ideal watch straps, the next crucial step is ensuring a precise fit. Accurately measure the width of your timepiece, including the lug width, buckle width, and length.

Lug width

The lugs are the two metal protrusions on each side of the watch case where the strap is attached. These are the parts you want to measure. Using your ruler or caliper, measure the distance between the inside edges of the two lugs in millimeters.

Buckle size

Locate the part of the watch strap that attaches to the buckle. The width you need to measure is the distance between the two inner edges of the buckle where it will connect to the watch strap.

Length (Short end/ Long end)

If you’re using a measuring tape, wrap it directly around your wrist. In case you don’t have measuring tape, wrap a string or a paper around your wrist where you typically wear a watch. Make sure it’s snug but not too tight. Mark the point where the end of the string meets the rest of it, forming a complete circle around your wrist. Then, lay the string flat next to a ruler and measure the length in millimeters.

How to measure watch strap

Preference Customization

Stitching

Our bespoke watch strap offers the unique advantage of customizable strap stitching. This means you have the power to tailor the style and color of your watch strap stitch to perfectly match your individual preferences.

stitching

Quick bars

Quick-release spring bars offer convenience and are ideal for those who frequently change watch straps without the hassle of using tools. Regular spring bars, while more traditional, require a bit more effort in the strap-changing process. Before choosing, ensure your watch is compatible with the type of spring bars you’re considering. Some watches are designed specifically for quick-release bars, while others use the traditional type.

spring bar and quick

Buckle

Not all HANDDN straps come with a buckle so you can choose the option that best matches your demands. And if you already have your own favorite buckle, we’ve got you covered too. You can customize the pin slot width to ensure a seamless fit for your buckle.

buckle

Finishing

Padded

The unique padded structure not only provides superior comfort but also adds a touch of luxury to your wristwear. Choose from our four distinct padded types to match your preference and style: Flat for a sleek and minimalistic look, Domed for a subtle curvature that embraces your wrist effortlessly, Square for a bold and modern statement, and Full for an all-encompassing, cushioned experience.

Thickness

Our custom watch straps allow you to effortlessly tailor the thickness to suit your personal style and comfort needs. The thickness of the watch strap will gradually decrease from lug to buckle.

thickness

Tip Shape

If you’re looking to deviate from the regular tip, you have the option to select from alternatives like square, oval, or pilot tips.

Edge Finishing

One of the final steps to complete your watch strap is deciding how to finish the edge of straps. With default option – painted, you can choose the color to paint on the edge base on the color of strap or your demand. Another one is folded edge which is complete by exotic leather, require artisans to be skilled and professional.

edge finishing

Ordering bespoke watch straps

Once you’ve selected all the elements for your custom watch strap, place your order at “Payment and Additional”. In this place, you can add your personalization or your special detail. You also upload your related picture which best matching with your ideal watch strap. You will need to wait a short time for your strap to be crafted. When your strap has been completed, you will receive the final product. Please test it carefully before putting it on your favorite watch.

Conclusion

Personalization is key, and with our watches, you can make a statement that reflects your distinct taste and style. Explore the endless possibilities of customization and create a timepiece that truly embodies your personality with HANDDN’s bespoke watch straps.

Read more

Strap Recommendations

The Perfect Watch Strap for White Dial

When it comes to choosing the right watch strap for white dial, there are a [...]

Strap Recommendations

[Cartier Strap Guide] Choosing the Perfect Strap for Cartier Ronde Watches – No.1 strap for Cartier

The article today will suggest to you how to find the most suitable Cartier strap, [...]

Thank you for taking a moment to read this article, if you have any ideas please leave a comment💓

Leave a Reply