Wrist Watch Straps

Very early wristwatches are often referred to as "officer's" or "trench" watches because they became popular during the first world war, when they were convenient to wear in the trenches, but were so expensive that only officers could afford them. They are also sometimes referred to as "fixed lug" watches, because of the method of holding the case to the wrist where fixed loops of wire, called lugs, were soldered on to the case to loop a thin strap or band of leather through.

I could easily fit it with a single narrow 10mm band of leather, but strapped to the wrist it looked ridiculous, and it was not at all comfortable to wear because it was so narrow that it cut into my wrist. After some research I discovered that men's watches of this era were often fitted with cuff type straps that have a wider back piece behind the narrow strap. This looks a lot better and is more comfortable to wear. However, after consulting all the jewellers I could think of, and scouring the internet for months, I couldn't find a strap like this of satisfactory design and quality, so I eventually had one made! If you have a vintage ratchet straps is available and you are looking for a strap for it, you may have hunted high and low to find one suitable. Well now you have found the place to get one. In addition to my stock models of military style vintage watch straps, if you want something different for your vintage wrist watch, maybe a custom design of watch strap, or a special leather, then get in touch and I will do my best to make something to your specification.