Please explain the fascination

[bodypeersur]

with these vintage leather straps. I'm not knocking them but really don't see myself spending the money on an old piece of baseball glove or ammo strap leather that someone turned into a watch strap. It's probably mostly because I prefer a bracelet on my watches but I see this beautiful watch and an old smelly piece of leather attached to it. LMAO! So tell me what it is?

[mrneddles]

Maybe the economy has triggered a yearning to return to simpler times? Maybe just a fashion trend?

I have read articles that vintage is back, especially on the wrists of NYC stockbrokers.

[bodypeersur]

I understand the whole desire for a return to simpler times. Hell, I want my Dad to be Andy Taylor and head home for some of Aunt Bea's fresh strawberry rhubarb pie. But it's not like these straps were ever in style before. I don't think Old Blue Eyes ever wore one. LMAO!

[porschefan]

Yeah, for me too. Also the skin is too thick for a strap, and then the keeper is just as thick... it needs to be shived down some. Then because of that, the buckles look giant.
Seems like a shirt sleeve wouldn't slide over it, or a jacket.

[bodypeersur]

Agreed Tim. I just think the strap over-powers any watch I've ever seen one on. Supple? I'm not thinking that is possible. Maybe Trevor will chime in and tell us what it is that grabs his eye with these straps.

[porschefan]

That thick, and that old, it can be very supple, but they're too thick for my grrrl like wrists.

[bodypeersur]

Maybe, but I don't see it.

[jaw]

If they are BJ Straps (aka Ridinfool), Yes they are quite soft - like buttah. Soon as I saw Trevor's I immediately PM'd for his source. Matter fact I'm about to order a couple more today. Don't have an ammo version yet but I'm about to.

For me the fascination is in the contrast of soft earthy material against hard mechanical machines. The properties of one force the appreciation of the other. They also trigger memories of the 60s-70s back when I thought I was a Hippie. Used to wear old beat up leather like this all the time.

[bodypeersur]

I have beat up old leather too Jeffrey, I just don't want it on my watch. Now your Ridin Fool straps are not the old aged leather. Again, please don't take my comments as demeaning the straps. I just can't bond with the look. Let me know what you think of the old ammo belt strap after you get it.

[jaw]

No problem man and no need for Watchgeek PC apologies (WGPC - I coined that today on WL). To each. I know you're old enough to appreciate an old leather Hippie Shoulder Bag to hitch-hike with.

They also provide that same contrast benefit in a less dressy manner as opposed to the finely crafted highly varnished Hadley Roma type strap.

Course it really depends on the watch - They tend to work better on larger tool watches IMHO. Your JSAR would do well with one. This new DB is kinda similar. I do want the ammo for this watch in particular.

[andrema]

I know Robert has one that he ordered. Haven't seen it yet though

[porschefan]

I'm with Duff, I like finished edges, even on my custom made belts, spur straps, saddles, bridles... the thickness comes down to what the purpose of the piece is for, and seriously, I have belts as thick as those straps seem to be, so if that thickness holds up my pants, something thinner has to keep a watch on my wrist... and they still have soul.

I'm glad you guys like them, and someone is making some beer money making/selling them, and like said before; for me, they just seem too thick with my wrist size, although I'm sure they're not a lot thicker than a bracelet, it just comes down to that thick keeper, and unfinished edges.

Buy what you like... goes for straps, too.

[cali kid]

BJstraps like Jeffry's are bitchin and cheap but try and buy a WWII Swedish ammo bag strap or and baseball glove out of the 40's or even a new one and your going to pay much more! Why do some guys like skull and crossbones on the dial of their watches! I like all my straps and yes dig some beat up vintage straps that look good on fliegers and diver watches! Sure my WRUW got you going and i can say why do guys put a 12 dollar nato on a 6000 dollar watch.......because they like it!



























Wont bore you with my 10-12 more BJstraps but they look like Jeffrey's beauties! might check from strap makers out and get an idea of what these ammo straps are going for, then you'll really think guys that like them are crazy!!Some guys are charge over 200 even 300 bones for straps!

[cali kid]

ps, i think these thick leather straps vintage or not look so much better than gator, croc , snake or any of that fancy stuff! Here are some more BJstraps and a few panatime!

[bodypeersur]

And as with any other obsession, if you can produce a product that catches the consumers eye, it will make you some money. Regardless of if I think $300 is far too much for a leather strap when I can get a Omega mesh for that price, someone will think the leather is a far better deal. Some of us like the nicely finished look of a exotic strap or metal bracelet and others like knowing that maybe that strap was around somebodies waist in Okinawa or playing left field in the 1965 World Series. So as coined by our buddy Robert: "Buy what you like, keep what you love, don't spend too much. As long as you follow those simple rules - you shouldn't listen to anyone about your watches." The same with our accessories!

[docrwm]

And as with any other obsession, if you can produce a product that catches the consumers eye, it will make you some money. Regardless of if I think $300 is far too much for a leather strap when I can get a Omega mesh for that price, someone will think the leather is a far better deal. Some of us like the nicely finished look of a exotic strap or metal bracelet and others like knowing that maybe that strap was around somebodies waist in Okinawa or playing left field in the 1965 World Series. So as coined by our buddy Robert: "Buy what you like, keep what you love, don't spend too much. As long as you follow those simple rules - you shouldn't listen to anyone about your watches." The same with our accessories!

[cali kid]

Dont think too many people have as many bracelets as i do it just so happens i dig rubber and leather too, if 5 minutes can totally change the look of your watch then why not do it from time to time!

[andrema]

I gotta agree with Trevor on this one. I think that a quick change-out can transform the look of a watch....in a good way. If you like it, go for it!

[porschefan]

Don't disagree with that. I've croc and stainless for the Breitling, Tutima Flieger; Tissot, Noah and Seiko have change ups. Changed the strap on the Hammy.

[cali kid]

Think they are making a little more than beer money!
http://www.vintagerstraps.com/
http://www.toshi-straps.co.uk/index.html
http://www.bjstrap.com/info.html
http://www.heroic18.com/
http://www.thestrapsmith.com/The_StrapSmith/Welcome.html
http://www.steveostraps.com/
http://www.stonecreekstraps.com/page12.php?view=thumbnailList&category=8
http://www.watches24seven.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.ShowItem&g2_itemId=565


Here is a small sampling, i could go on all day but think you might get my drift....there is a market for these straps and its huge!

[porschefan]

The next source of "vintage leather?"

[cali kid]

seen a few boot leather straps, they looked amazing! Bet we could get Brian to make duff a killer leatther strap out of an old leather biker jacket he isnt using anymore!

[porschefan]

seen a few boot leather straps, they looked amazing!

From a sole? The vamp, maybe, and that's much thinner leather.

[DMB]

I'm primarily a bracelet guy, but enjoy a good leather or exotic strap as well ... on the right watch. While most watches will look good on a strap, very few watches IMO look good on those weathered, distressed, ammo pouch style straps. But, that's just an opinion. Like others here, my biggest gripe is the thickness and huge ass buckle that often accompanies these straps.

[bodypeersur]

Bet we could get Brian to make duff a killer leatther strap out of an old leather biker jacket he isnt using anymore!

Hahaha, I don't know of too many bikers that have leather jackets they don't use anymore. Unless of course it outlived it's usefullness by protecting the Brother while sliding down the road! Then I'd consider memorializing it in a watch strap!

[docrwm]

The next source of "vintage leather?"

Somebody has little tiny feet.

[porschefan]

Not my photo, not my boots... 9.5

[docrwm]

Not my photo, not my boots... 9.5

Sure. Of course.

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