Often one of the most overlooked features of a watch is probably the strap. We are used to the good ol’ leather strap, the functional nylon strap or the hardy stainless steel strap. Not much thought goes into the actual strap and what its story may be. FinWatchStraps are passionate about their hand crafted watch straps and the story behind them. They are family owned and based in Finland where they use ecological materials to make them, no machinery at all. The attention to detail and time commitment that comes with making every strap by hand adds a special value to their straps and ultimately to your timepiece as well.
We will be having a look at some of the FinWatchStraps that I have had the pleasure to get my hands on but I must point out that this isn’t even the tip of the ice berg in relation to what this team of hand crafters are able to do for you.
Horween Leather
Even though technology is constantly advancing some of the older techniques are still the best. The Horween Chromexcel is an age-old technique to make leather that takes up to 28 days and has a number of different processes that are followed before the final product is ready.
It is characterised by a full aniline pull-up that gives it the rich colour you see. Chromexcel is known for its durability and comfort which only becomes more comfortable the more you wear it. The watch straps are also customizable which makes the wait for your strap so worth it. The stitching is of the highest quality and will keep your strap together for years. You have the option to choose from a wide range of colours for your stitching which is a waxed thread. The break in with the Horween leather strap is also said to be almost non-existent so you can expect a comfortable wear from the get-go, something that is non-existent in cheaper more affordable watch straps.
You can choose between a matte stainless steel buckle and a polished stainless steel buckle to go with your strap.
Brown Horween
The brown Horween strap has such a soft look to it and you won’t struggle to see the impact that the hand crafters touch has on the look of the strap.
With FinWatchStraps you are able to choose from a variety of sizes, so you are most likely to find something for you here. The hand crafters at FinWatchStraps are concerned more about the wearers of their straps and their delight in the level of quality instead of putting out a large quantity of straps. They give such close attention to each of the requests they get so there is hardly ever a reason that their strap is not impressive to the person who is putting it around their wrist.
The secret blend of oils and greases make this leather incredibly supple even when thicker than usual.
Derby English Tan
The distinctive colour that each leather has makes the decision making process more interesting than a point and pay. There is a story to each option and with the Derby English Tan the chromexcel method is the same but the colour is completely different.
The most interesting thing here is that since the process is by hand and each strap goes through an individual process no two strap colours will be the same even if their specifications are the same. There will still be a slight difference in the tan, giving it that unique one of kind exclusiveness.
Final Thoughts
I would strongly recommend that anybody looking for a custom strap goes through all the straps that are available at FinWatchStraps. The variety of style and colour is so broad that it is incredible that they have managed to keep this process away from mass production. If you already have some special timepieces in your collection this would be a perfect way to make them unique and add that extra bit of care to its complete look. I was interested to hear that you are able to find an iWatch strap if you are looking to bring some vintage into the modern world.
What should grab you most about these hand crafters is that they will make the strap you choose specific to the watch you are having it designed for. That means that the strap on your timepiece will be unique to you and unique to your watch so it will make it one of a kind. The passion that you find with FinWatchStraps is hard to find anywhere else and they are committed to educating anybody that is keen to learn more. They welcome visitors to join them at set times and if you are ever in Helsinki, Finland I would recommend you swing by.
Ive ordered approx. 10 straps from them.. From the Reindeer to the Shark….They really are great at their craft and the communication is great… Delivery takes a bit- as these bespoke watch straps take time….Time well worth the wait..
Hey John, yes I totally agree. Excellent bespoke strap company out of Finland. Our sample straps took some time as well, but that is to be expected for quality craftsmanship.
I bought one last year in August 2018.Vintage Ammo watch band. I had always wanted a decent watch strap and it had the look that I was looking for. I also thought it was expensive but took the plunge. I am so glad I did. Money well spent as it is looking and feeling better with age.