Vintage Watch Straps

The place to find straps and bands for vintage fixed wire lug military trench or officers World War One era wrist watches.

Customers Watches

I began this page in March 2008 to show off some customers' watches on their new straps. If you have a picture of a watch on one of my straps that you would like to see on this page, or if you have sent me a picture and I have forgotten to put it up, then please email it to me at . You shouldn't need to copy the email address, just click on it. I answer all emails I receive, so if you do write to me and don't get an answer in a few days, please check your junk and spam folders. Even better, when you write, add my email address to your contacts and my emails will not be filtered out.

Regards - David


Hi David

Just received the strap and it's fantastic. I hope the picture does it justice. The watch dates from 1914 - 1917 due to its movement and paper face and is a Services Indian Army watch (all original parts). Apart from that I'm a little vague on its history (4 Great Grandfathers who served). I wore it yesterday and the response was excellent. We must do more to preserve our history.

Many thanks

Chris 6 February 2012

David,

The attached pictures show my watch on the strap you supplied. The watch would appear to be Swiss made for the English market in India where I believe my Grandfather bought it. Whilst not a Rolex it appears that Rolex liked the design and I believe bought the patent? Hope this helps.

Toby 5 February 2012

David's note: Toby's watch has a double case, sometimes called a hermetic after the Rolex watch of that name which used this type of case. This design of case was patented by Jean Finger in Switzerland and Frederick Gruen in the United States. You can read more about this on my page about waterproof watches by clicking on this link: Double Case.

Hi David, many thanks for the excellent strap which I purchased for my Grandfather's 1940's WWW Omega. It has just returned from a service and dial restoration and looks fabulous with its new strap.

Thanks again for the excellent service.

Kind regards,

Colin Buchanan. 29 January 2012

David,

Thank you very much for sending my watch strap so quickly. I am extremely happy with it and am very glad I stumbled across your site.

I inherited my Rolex from my father, who in turn inherited it from his father. I'm not sure if he inherited it from his father or not. I've done a fair bit of research on the net and haven't come across one that's identical yet. As far as I can tell its circa 1919. My father had it mounted on a thin strap that I always thought was rather unbecoming so it wasnt until I saw your site that I saw another solution.

Many thanks again, Tom. 8 December 2011

Hello David,

Watch strap arrived on the weekend, which I am very happy with and is the sort of thing I was looking for. It fits the watch well and I am impressed on how soft the leather is. I have attached a couple of photographs which you are welcome to use although I don't think my Seiko will fit into the antique bracket for a number of years yet. One minor point is that the strap could probably do with a second leather loop to secure the excess strap however I suspect this is partially my fault for specify such a long strap. [David's note: Extra loops supplied FOC]

Thanks again Denzil ps love the smell! 28 November 2011

Hey David,

Just thought i would send you a photo of your fantastic strap paired with my 1909 Waltham. The watch is a 15 jewel model 1907 movement, made in 1909. The "0" size case is a Fahy's Oresilver wire lug three-piece case. I would also say this case once had a shrapnel guard also, but unfortunately it is gone. There is another step next to the bezel with a mark to line up the guard.It measures 35.50 less crown by 42.75 lug to lug. The military crown I feel is original to this watch.

best regards, - Brian Parente 26 October 2011

Hi David,

This is one im happy with, its a 1944 Military issue W.W.W. Omega with 30T2 cal movement. The watch is in quite good nic... the dial is starting to show some age and a couple of bits have been touched up... but all in all.... Im really happy with it! The strap is another bonus.... i would like to thank David (Vintage Watch Straps) for the beautiful handmade nato that arrived at the weekend... very comfy and most importly to me, suits the watch perfectly! I would recommend these straps to anyone and will be buying a few more (may try a different style) for my ever growing military collection!

Marc Stephens 3 October 2011

Hi David,

Watchstrap received safe and sound. Fits perfectly - very pleased.

Many thanks James 19 August 2011

Hi David,

The strap I ordered from you arrived today, thank you for sending it so promptly. Although you explained much about the details and quality of the workmanship and leather, it is still much better than I expected. The watch now looks perfect on it, I could not really wear it before as a 12mm ladies strap was sending out the wrong message.

Best Regards Keith 3 June 2011 (No picture)

Dear David,

When I purchased my vintage watch it was not in working order and so I had it repaired. The next step was to find an appropriate strap. I did not have any luck at first but then found your web site and "voila" found exactly what I was looking for. The watch, now working, and with its new strap is perfect. Thank you for your swift and professional service. Please find attached two photos of my watch on its new strap.

Regards, David Brown 17 May 2011

Hi David,

many thanks the strap was waiting for me when I returned from work this afternoon, I have fitted it and it looks fantastic...with a bit of wear it will look absolutely period, many thanks for producing a fine piece of equipment.

regards and thanks, Steve... 5 March 2011

Hi David, here's my WWW on your leather G10, looking great!

regards,

Alan Hunt 23 January 2011

David

I attach two pics of my fathers old trench watch on it's beautiful new (cognac) strap. Like you, I could never wear it with the ridiculous ladies straps that were only available and I am delighted and grateful to have found your site with all it's information. I had been in so many watch shops I couldn't believe it when I googled 'trench watch straps' and there you were! The quality is great and I will be back for another before long as I am thinking of getting another old watch... Well done and thanks again,

Jamie Turner 20 January 2011

Dear David,

Thank you very much for the watch strap you sent me. I'm very happy with it.

The story of the watch I have is similar to the stories of thousands of watches of that period. This Longines with red 12 was manufactured in 1917-18. From what I know, in early 20th century, the company Pavel Bure imported Swiss movements (this one is probably one of them) to Russia. Cases were manufactured in Russia. As you could see from the pictures - the upper ring that holds crystal and back lid are polished and look original, though the mid part is dull and looks like it doesn't belong to this watch. When I got the watch, crystal was broken and hands and crown were missing. I took the watch to a watchmaker in Toronto for full restoration.

Now, the watch is completely restored with Breguet-style hands, original balance wheel and spring (donor was found), original enamel white dial and compatible crown. May be it's not 100% authentic, but I like the way it looks.

The beautiful strap made by you perfectly fits this watch, and gives it a very distinguished look. I would give 10 out of 10 for your work.

Best regards,

Ilya Palchik 16 January 2011

David,

attached are two photos for your website. My most recent purchase is the strap with the cut-bezel Illinois. The watch is a 1914, Os, Model 4 Illinois with 15 jewels and a Sterling Fahys case. The new strap really sets it off! The other photo shows the two straps I have purchased from you thus far. The watch with the plain bezel is a 1916, 13L, 15 jewel Abercrombie & Fitch (movement by A. Schild). The only marking on the case says "Digold Swiss." I love these two watches and wear them more than any other wrist watches in my collection. I think the bands are a perfect match for these two watches. Take care and hope you have a great Christmas.

Best regards, Bruce Stewart 21 December 2010

Hi David,

Thanks very much for the watch strap, great workmanship and I think it looks perfect on my silver half-hunter watch c1917, as sold by J C Vickery of Regent Street, London. Unfortunately, it's a recent purchase and I don't know the history behind it which I think would mean so much more.

Michael 11 May 10

Hi David,

Thanks for such a quick sale, it arrived today and looks absolutely great! It has given new life to my great-grandad's watch, which has just undergone some extensive servicing to get it running again. I'm not sure who produced the watch, the face looks quite similar to your 1918 rolex, but has a blue stone in the winder. The hallmark indicates it's silver, came through edinburgh and was made in 1927. The initials DS are also stamped inside but I haven't been able to find any definite information about this yet.

Thanks again,
Jamie 5 May 2010

David notes: That crown doesn't look original to me.

David

Watch strap received and worn every day since. It has finally enabled me to wear the watch as it should be worn. I cannot thank you enough. It is an Omega 1924 18K gold watch, picture attached. No family history as I bought it from a jewellers about 10 years ago, but it has sat in a drawer for far too long. Now it will see daylight again.

Regards
Tom Cook 4 May 2010

Hi David,

please find enclosed some pictures of your/mine new strap together with my original and genuine Kriegsmarine(German War Navy, WW2)watch, type "Siegerin". Probably produced in 1940-1942.

Thx again, best
Juergen Huett
Saxonia/Germany 16/03/2010

David

Please find attached photographs of my WW1 Trench watch fitted with one of your type B straps and an original period shrapnel guard. I am very pleased with the result after fitting the new strap, it sets off the watch beautifully.

My watch had been sitting in a drawer for ages and I saw your website and decided to have the watch serviced and to treat it to a new strap and cover, the shrapnel guard was purchased off ebay and the watch was serviced by Mr Taylor of Reimans Jewellers in Burnley, Lancashire.

Keep up the quality and workmanship and I will be recommending you to my fellow members of The Great War Society!!

Best regards
Scott Knowles
Unit coordinator
York and Lancaster Regiment


The Great War Society 27/02/2010
David,
Here is a quick image of the strap I recently ordered from you, fitted to my West End hermetic cased trench watch. While I'm well pleased with the quality of the strap, I do find it a bit long for my rather thin wrist. Do you have them made in a shorter length?
Cary
2/02/2010
[The answer is yes, I can supply longer or shorter straps - David]
Dear David,
The straps arrived today, and I was first greeted, upon opening the envelope, with the rich smell of leather, then the straps! I proceeded to try them with my silver Omega, thusly: Both are great, and I am impressed by the quality of construction.
Regards,
Adam
26/01/2010
Hi David,
Many thanks for the wonderful watch strap that I received today. Nicely finished and smells so very nice. Finally a strap to do my watch justice. I have attached a photograph of the watch and the strap. Many thanks and I hope to be back for more.
Thomas
7/1/2010
Thomas Delighted with this David.
Many thanks.
Matthew
3/1/2010
Matthew
David
I enclose a few photographs of the Strap fitted to my 1920 Stauffer, Son & Co wristwatch. It is a gold open faced case with side hinged plain rear cuvette and bezel cover. Snap front bezel with flat glass. Wire lugs for 12 mm leather strap. Hallmarked London 1920, imported 9/.375 carat. The case was made by Charles Nicolet (registered Oct 1881 at Chester Assay Office), watch importers & manufacturers for Stauffer, Son & Co. I purchased it at Ingliston Antique Fair Sep 1998, with its original strap which although in fair condition has limited my wearing of the watch. With its new strap it will get a lot more wear.
Regards
Ashley 31/12/2009
Ashley Ashley
Hello David,
I decided to email you yet another picture scan of my 1918 Elgin 7j This one is with your complete "Morocco Tan" 10 mm strap. I hope you will enjoy it!
Enjoy the rest of your work week!
Denis Diakonov 18/1/2010
Hello David,
I just received your strap. It is great! I liked the way my 'Elgin' looks on it! Attached is a picture of my 1917 Elgin 7j hunter nickel case on your morocco tan 10mm strap. I added one aditional metal ring to control the extra length...
Thanks a bunch!!!
Denis Diakonov
Denis
Dear David,
The watchband came today, much to my excitement...and I am very pleased indeed with the quality and design. I had a few bad moments trying to get the band through the wire lugs...it took a bit of gentle prising to open them up sufficient to get the smaller band through them...but with only a bit of damage to the very end of the strap, it eventually went through.
Sincerely,
Kevin 16/05/09
PS: Macclesfield, eh? Planet of the Silk People....
HiYa David
As promised, here's a couple of photos of my watch and strap. It's so comfortable that I forget I have it on. The watch is a 1916 Dimier Bro.s, silver Swiss trench watch and looks great on your 'type B' chestnut strap. The watch was lovingly cleaned and serviced by Mr. Taylor - professional horologist, Reimans jewellers, Burnley (highly recommended). For a watch that's 93 years old, it keeps great time and looks fantastic with it's new strap. When I purchase my second trench watch I'll be getting in touch with you again for one of your Sepia straps.
Once again, Many thanks David.
Regards
Jon : /
Jon 1 Jon 2
Hi David,
As you can see, the strap really sets the watch off, as indeed it does with the others you have sold me.
All best wishes,
Jim
James Nicolson a (42K) James Nicolson b (41K)
Hi David,
Please find attached photographs showing my watch and it's new strap. This is a Silver Swiss Made Pin Set Wristwatch bought by my Grandfather in 1915, recently repaired and serviced by Ray Brown FBHI of "Time Repair Services". It was given to me 4 years ago by my father. It came to me with an ugly replacement winding crown, the "glass" had yellowed and it had been fitted with a narrow ladies style wrist strap. It would only run for a few minutes. I sent it for repair to a business in London, where it languished for a few years while they attempted to locate replacement parts. During that time I discovered Time Repair services on the Isle of Wight. Ray Brown did a superb job on the watch, making new parts as required and giving it a new lease of life with a 12 month guarantee! He specialises in the repair of the finest timepieces, old and new and provides a service difficult to find nowadays. This is the second watch he's repaired for me (the other being a very nice 1926 Silver Cushion shaped Zenith - with wire lugs), and so I can recommend him. The wire lugs on that watch take a strap of 20mm width so at present a conventional strap works very well.
Your straps are easily the best I've ever seen for this style of watch and as I'll only be wearing the watch on special occasions - high days and holidays, it should last for many years.
Kindest regards, Stewart Baillie.
Stewart Baillie 2 (21K) Stewart Baillie 3 (13K)
Hi David,
please find some pics attached - the new strap is a fraction short, but will be fine. As the watch is something slightly different due to the shrapnel guard, I was after a different strap compared to the one on the gold Elgin which is my day-to-day watch - I don't wear the other one that often due to the near-perfect lume which I think makes it a bit "hot", and it was just a pain swapping the strap over between the two watches on the times I wanted to use the other one. Regards, Steve.
Garlick elgin1 (16K) Garlick elgin2 (30K)
Garlick watch1 (18K) Garlick watch2 (18K)
Hi David,
I have recieved the straps. They are great! Finally I can wear the watch on my wrist. Attached some photos of my watch with the straps. Nice doing business with you. Regards
Poh TH
Poh TH 1 (40K) Poh TH 2 (38K) Hello David
I have received the new strap and it looks great. You will find a picture attached which you may publish on your website should you feel inclined to do so. Thanks again and best regards,
S.Petersen
Peterson Trench Watch (23K)
David,
Photos as promised, hope you like them as much as I do
Good luck, Mike.
Mechen (42K) Hello there,

thought I would send a pic of my watch to you with its new strap!!!!!

Many thanks again, Stephen

Hello again, forgot to say, I think the strap is fantastic!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Stephen

ardclocks1 (13K)
Hi David,
My strap arrived this morning, thanks for your prompt and efficient service! It looks great and matches my watch perfectly, it is also really comfortable to wear, and I love the smell of the new leather. See the attached picture, it's not the best quality but you see can how good your strap looks on my watch.
Thanks again, Best Regards, Marcus.
upton (40K)
A World War One era wrist compass belonging to Ralph Boreham on a custom made strap. WW1 Wrist Compass 007 (14K) WW1 Wrist Compass 004 (12K)
Dear David,
Please see attached photo of my watch on the strap you provided, I am so delighted I am considering buying another in black to fit another of my watches.
Best Regards, Pete Weston.
weston1 (29K) weston2 (24K)
David,
Please find attached a couple of photos of the strap you sent me with my Zenith. The watch is quite rare in that it has the blue 24 hour track around the outside. The case was made from by George Stockwell of London in 1915 in imported silver. It never looked right on the thin ladies strap and as such I rarely wore it. Thanks once again for the fantastic strap.
Regards, Daniel Sinfield
sinfield2 (47K) sinfield1 (45K)
A Ferrero wristwatch belonging to Thomas Kreuger on a Type B chestnut strap. krueger (33K) A superb Rolex full-hunter wrist watch belonging to David Inglis on a Type B chestnut strap. inglis1 (31K) inglis2 (23K)
Two watches belonging to Jay IntrenUK. A Record Elin Rowe on Type A black and chestnut straps, and and a Longines on a black Type B strap. cust1 (22K) cust2 (21K) cust3 (16K)

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