Customer's Watches and Straps

Copyright © David Boettcher 2005 - 2023 all rights reserved.

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 don't hesitate to get in touch via my Contact Me page.

Almost all of the words and pictures on this page are the copyright of my customers, please respect that and don't copy words or pictures without permission.

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Pictures of my watch with new strap

Hi David,

I received the new strap a few days ago and it is really good looking and comfortable.

I put it on my silver trench watch which I bought from eBay as a non-runner. It has A. Schild cal. 137 inside. I had to re-pivot the third wheel, adjust the pallets, adjust the hairspring and get a new screw for the ratchet wheel. Quite a lot of work! I should also replace some cracked jewels and the worn-out mainspring in the future. It runs beautifully nevertheless.

It has import hallmarks for sterling silver from Birmingham 1915/1916.

Best regards, Radim. Czech Republic, 20 September 2023

Strap details: Type B design in premium Italian dark chestnut leather with a Type GW hallmarked sterling silver buckle.

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Re: Your Watchstrap Order

Hello David,

Just received the strap, I wasnt expecting if for another week or two so was very excited. I have it on my 1904 (ish) Eglin and its an absolutely perfect match. I bought the watch in the spring and after getting it serviced realized that 10mn straps are very hard to come by. I tried a few ebay options and while they fit they were hardly quality.

Found your site from Reddit and ordered, very glad I did. The strap feels like it will last for many decades, many thanks for making such an amazing quality strap for such a great price. I paid nearly as much for the ebay straps as I did yours and you could easily charge much more! Ha

Thanks again David, I have included some pictures if you like to use them on the site.

I will be recommending you for anyone looking for a strap for trench/conversion watches

Sincerely, Clay. Charlotte, NC, 6 September 2023

Strap details: Type C design with double slots in black leather.

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Re: Details for Order # 95925992XB2836459

Hello David,

Your two-piece straps arrived two days ago and are lovely! I've attached a few photos of the Italian Brandy fitted to my Omega 2292 issued by the British Air Ministry in 1943 - it suits it wonderfully and the strap is supple and very comfortable to wear. My thanks for your excellent product.

Best regards, Marco. San Francisco, 30 August 2023

Strap details: Two Piece strap with straight leather keepers in premium Italian brandy leather.

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Re: Your Watchstrap Order

Hi David,

I just received the band in the mail. It looks amazing! The quality is great and the turn around time was faster than I expected. I attached a photo of the band on my 1935 Omega T17 (Dark chestnut leather w/ white contrast stitching). Thanks again!

Best, Dylan. New Jersey, 29 August 2023

Strap details: Two Piece strap with straight leather keepers in premium Italian dark chestnut leather with white contrast stitching.

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Re: Chestnut strap for my WW2 E.B.E cased Longines

Hi David,

So good when everything comes together on the same day, thank you for turning my order around so quickly.

I received both your strap and the Longines extract letter for my 1942 Longines watch today, the strap is perfect, it fits exactly as I hoped it would, so thank you for going the extra mile on the additional loop.

I have attached a couple of pics showing the watch on the strap, and the Longines extract confirming the Air Ministry order. I am still searching out information on the E.M.E stainless waterproof case.

Kind regards, David. Jersey, 25 August 2023

Strap details: G10 MkII design in standard chestnut leather.

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Re: Your Watchstrap Order

Hi David,

Just letting you know that your GW strap arrived today. Many thanks for the purchase. The fit and quality is excellent David. It is now strapped to my recently serviced Dennison Movado (photo attached).

Kind regards, Dan. Australia, 15 August 2023

Strap details: Type A design in premium Italian brandy leather with a Type GW hallmarked sterling silver buckle.

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Re: Your Watchstrap Order

Hi David,

Thank you for watch strap it is perfect for my watch.

I recently inherited my grandfathers watch which had been badly damaged by a previous repair. I decided that I wanted to repair my grandfather’s watch myself so I purchased a similar broken watch from eBay to try and repair.

I have successfully manage to get the eBay watch working so decided to use and therefore purchased a strap from you.

Many Thanks, Tim. Kent, 9 August 2023

Strap details: Type B design with Double Slots in premium Italian dark chestnut leather.

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Watch strap photos

David,

Just received Italian leather Type B strap for my newly acquired and serviced West End 'Queen Anne' watch, which at 37mm is quite a large watch. As you can see from photographs the strap looks perfect for the watch, and the tan strap complements the white enamelled face.

Thank you.

David; Sussex, 28 July 2023

Strap details: Type B design in premium Italian brandy leather.

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My great grandfather's watch

Hi David,

Thanks for the strap, it arrived today.

It has just made my freshly serviced great grandfather's watch wearable. I believe I there is a photo of him at a convalescent hospital during the war, (my father is digging it out) so I’m hopeful he’s wearing it, but honestly who knows, it probably came along later!

It’s a 15 jewel trench with a Rolex marked ratchet wheel but no markings on the dual (he was British do that makes sense based on the info on your website). It’s in a gold plated case so no markings and not valuable I’m sure — but priceless to me!

Thanks again.

Paul; Australia, 24 July 2023

Strap details: Type B design in premium Italian dark chestnut leather.

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Dear David,

Thank you for your lovely proper watch strap well worth the price that fits the watch beautifully.

Photos inclosed, no relation to me as I got this out of an after sale auction. No doubt my Gt Uncle VC would have had a similar watch but he was never found after being killed in action, as for my Grandfather I’ve no idea what he had as he too was badly wounded at the Somme in 1916 but got re-enlisted in 1917/18!….lived.

Yours Jarvis. 19 July 2023

Strap details: Type B design in premium Italian dark chestnut leather with a Type GW hallmarked sterling silver buckle.

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Hi David

I received my strap yesterday and am very happy with the craftsmanship and passion you have put into it. Thank you very much.

Pictured with my 1918 general infantry watch of unknown maker, maybe you can help? My father traded a squirrels tail for it when he was a boy!

Thanks again,

Andrew. 19 July 2023

Strap details: Type A design in premium Italian dark chestnut leather with a Type GW hallmarked sterling silver buckle.

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Re: Your Watchstrap Order

David,

The watch strap just arrived today. Looks great!

Gretchen. United States, 21 March 2023

Strap details: Type B design in premium Italian dark chestnut leather with a Type GW hallmarked sterling silver buckle.

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Thank you

Hi David,

just just wanted to reach out and say thanks again for the watch strap you did for me. I think it turned out great and I attached a photo for you of it all together.

Tracy. Canada, 10 March 2023

Strap details: Type B design in dark blue leather with red contrast stitching with a Type GW hallmarked sterling silver buckle.

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Hi David,

Thought I would let you know I received strap a few weeks ago figured I would let you know since royal mail been having problems due to a hack.

Mike, 3 March 2023

Type A design in dark brown leather with Type GW hallmarked sterling silver buckle.

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Hi David,

Thank you very much for the beautiful watch strap. I’ve been wearing it for the last week and I couldn’t be happier. Thanks again for the lovely strap which fits my Cyma WWI watch perfectly..

David, 3 March 2023

Type A design in premium Italian dark chestnut leather.

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Hi David

Thank you for your explanatory letter that accompanied the watch strap order - the Type A dark chestnut leather strap and silver polishing cloth arrived in the post straightway the very next day!

To say it was a real pleasure opening the packaging and being rewarded with this very special high quality watch-strap carefully wrapped and protected in tissue paper. The strap and silver buckle are perfect in every respect and as you can see it fits and compliments my late 1920s’/ early 1930s’ family Longines so well. I polished up the silver case with the impregnated polishing cloth prior to fitting - the cloth enabled me to get into ‘detail cleaning’ up the lugs much better than using a standard cloth and liquid silver cleaner.

Thank you also for your detailed guidance prior to the order so that I made the best choice of strap taking into consideration the smaller 32mm diameter silver crown and slim edge to the silver case.

The straps and buckles you have created are a credit to your unique design, research and workmanship skills and enable these historic time pieces to be used and enjoyed by their owners and enthusiasts both now and for the future.

Kind regards

Geoff; 3 February 2023

Type A design in premium Italian dark chestnut leather with a Type GW hallmarked sterling silver buckle.

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Hi David

Thought you might like to see one of your straps looking good on a rather original [Longines] COSD.

Best, Neil. 25 January 2023

G10 Standard design in premium Italian brandy leather.

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Greetings from Singapore! I just wanted to say thank you for the lovely strap which is now fitted on my JLC Mark XI.

Best wishes, Calvin. 14 January 2023

RAF Type design in premium Italian dark chestnut leather.

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1916 Movado Officers watch on its new strap!!

Hello David.

I received my new strap a few days ago and am very pleased with it. I am enclosing a few pictures of it.

"The watch is a 13 L Movado 420 in a A.L.D case. It is very original (even the crown I think) and in lovely condition. Bezel and back screw down easily and completely. Birmingham Hallmark for 1916. Dial has some lume remaining and is perfect. Crystal is now glass so I don't know what it was in 1916. Have not seen another Movado like it so I think it is fairly rare. It looks really nice on its new strap. Thank you, John Willis, Canada"

John says that the case has Birmingham Assay Office hallmarks for for 1916, but assay office date letter punches were changed when new wardens were elected which took place in Birmingham at the end of June. This means that each date letter was used from the beginning of July in one year to the end of June the next year, which means that this case could have been hallmarked at any time from July 1916 to June 1917.

Type B design in premium Italian dark chestnut leather with a Type GW hallmarked sterling silver buckle.

John also included this postscript: if you are interested, I can put you in touch.

PS David: Am going to wear this a couple of times then it will be up for sale if you know of any collectors that might be interested in it. Thanks again for the great service. John; 4 November 2022.

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Hey David,

Watch strap looks great.

I have just rubbed it down with bees wax to soften it before putting it on my 1916 Waltham.

Thanks again, Antony, 1 September 2022

Type B design in premium Italian brandy leather with a Type GW hallmarked 9 carat gold buckle.

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Hi David,

I was able to work the band through the loops. It looks great.

Regards Bill, 28 August 2022

Type B design in dark blue leather.

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Hi David,

Just fitted the strap to the Submarine this morning, it looks absolutely fantastic. Your silver buckle is wonderful, really finishes the look off perfectly.

Thank you again.

Regards Ian; 22 August 2022.

Type B design in premium Italian dark chestnut leather with a Type GW hallmarked sterling silver buckle.

Ian's watch is a Tavannes Submarine. Created during the first world war for two British submarine commanders and sold by Brook & Son jewellers in Edinburgh, the Submarine is the first waterproof wristwatch.

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Thanks again.

LJH, 15 August 2022

Type A design in premium Italian dark chestnut leather with a Type GW hallmarked sterling silver buckle.

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Hi David

The strap arrived yesterday and looks very good. The watch has silver import marks for London 1911/1912. GS, (Stockwell & Co.) Centre seconds with red cross. Movement stamped with cross numbered 22940 inside.

Best regards, Richard, 8 August 2022

Type B design in premium Italian dark chestnut leather with a Type GW hallmarked sterling silver buckle.

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Order arrived in 5 days!

Hi David my watch strap arrived.

Finally the 1914 trench watch looks good with your strap.

The 1st hole was a little short of clasping correctly so I just added another hole.

Very happy with it

Thanks-Joseph, 25 July 2022

Type A design in black leather. Joseph ordered a standard length strap which sounds as if it was a bit long; strap lengths tailored to wrist size can be made as a Custom Order. The headline about the order arriving in only 5 days refers to it being shipped from England to the United States - I can't promise that it is always that quick.

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Dear David

Just messaging you to thank you for the strap. It arrived the day after I ordered it and the quality is extraordinary. Thank you for the service, the workmanship and the advice!

Martin, 12 July 2022

Type A design in premium Italian dark chestnut leather.

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Dear David,

Today 30.06.2022 I received the watch strap and it fits the Longines like a glove and gives the watch back its historical value.

Again, many thanks, Alain, 30 June 2022

Type AS design in premium Italian dark chestnut leather with a Type GW hallmarked sterling silver buckle made to a Custom Order.

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Hi David

The straps arrived yesterday – thank you. Very pleased as usual.

Best regards, Neil, 28 June 2022

G10 Standard design in premium Italian brandy leather.

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Hi David,

Thanks for the quick processing of the order. It arrived yesterday and everything fits as it was intended! My watchmaker also stated today that it is hard to find suitable wristbands for this kind of watch - so congrats again on your website (incl. the clear instructions) and the solution you came up with for this unfulfilled customer need!

Thank you and regards, Christoph, 23 June 2022

Type C design with Double Slots in premium Italian dark chestnut leather with a Type GW hallmarked sterling silver buckle. The Type C design with a hallmarked sterling silver buckle is a Custom Order.

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Good morning David.

The strap arrived this morning. Once again the strap is top quality and looks superb on the watch. I have attached a couple of photos of my Marvin Hermetic watch.

Regards, John, 20 June 2022

Type A design in premium Italian dark chestnut leather with a Type GW hallmarked sterling silver buckle. The strap is 10mm wide with a 10mm Type GW buckle, which is a Custom Order.

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David,

Arrived today and I’m enjoying it already - thank you!

All the best, Graham, 10 June 2022

RAF design in premium Italian dark chestnut leather.

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Dear David

I received the watch strap yesterday which was for my husband's, Peter, 1915 Vacheron Silver Borgel Case watch. He has been hunting for some time now for an appropriate strap but, until he came across your website, was unable to find anything suitable. He is very pleased with the strap you have provided, the quality is superb and it is very authentic and sets the watch off perfectly. We will definitely use your service again and recommend your product to family and friends. I have attached two photographs as requested.

Thank you again. Kind regards, Elaine, 9 June 2022

Type B design in tan Morocco leather with a Type GW hallmarked sterling silver buckle .

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Thanks again David. It looks fabulous and much improved with the correct crystal. And the strap certainly shows it off better.

Steve, 26 May 2022

Steve asked me to help with a difficult screw thread on his S Smith & Son watch with a Borgel screw case. The watch was fitted with a high dome plastic crystal and I mentioned that it would look better with a low dome crystal. Steve agreed so I cleaned up the bezel and fitted a low dome crystal, which does look much better.

Type B design in premium Italian dark chestnut leather.

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Hi David,

Good news! My watchstrap arrived today and it fits my granddad's watch perfectly.

Thanks so much for providing this service.

Cheers, Steve, Australia, 10 May 2022

Details: West End Watch Comany Queen Anne watch bought by Benjamin in 1914-15. Was with him during his enlistment with the Lancashire Fusiliers, both in France and in India.

Type B design in premium Italian dark chestnut leather.

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David,

Looks perfect - thank you very much!

Erik, 5 May 2022.

Type B design in premium Italian brandy leather with a Type GW hallmarked sterling silver buckle

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Hi David,

I received your strap this morning and I'm over the moon with it, I think it complements the watch very well, both in style and colour. I wanted it for my father's Certina. This was the watch he wore as a lad (mid to late fifties).

Kind regards, Jorge, 15 November 2021.

Two Piece strap in premium Italian dark chestnut leather

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Hi David,

Thanks for sending the strap over so promptly, it's perfect and I hope you agree it looks very well with my grandfather's Rolex, made 1916-17. The watch is working again after more than 50 years and I'm delighted.

Thank you, Benjamin R, 11 November 2021.

Type A design in premium Italian dark chestnut leather with a Type GW hallmarked sterling silver buckle

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Dear David,

the straps arrived and they are looking great. I have just one watch, but ordered two straps for having the opportunity to change from time to time.

I have attached some photos of the watch on both straps. Type B became my secret favourite of the two straps.

I don't know much about the watch. It is a Paul Buhre or Pavl Bure, a Russian watch seller and producer of St. Peterburg. It should date back to 1919 as the vendor claimed, but I am lacking experience to validate that. But nevertheless I like the watch and it holds time very well. And now I can wear it on appropriate watch straps. Thank you very much.

Best regards & have a good time, Holger B, 15 September 2021.

Type B design in dark brown leather and Type C design in sepia leather.

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Good morning David,

Thank you for the watch strap and here’s a picture of it with the watch.

Kind regards, Charles G, 8 September 2021.

Type B design in chestnut leather.

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Hi David

Just wanted to follow up to confirm I got the strap and WOW!!! I am blown away by the quality. Here is a wrist shot to show how pleased I am.

Cheers,

Julian, 3 September 2021.

Type B design in premium Italian brandy leather.

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David

The strap arrived today and I am attaching a picture - it's perfect! I can't wait until you are up and running so I can special order one with a sterling buckle. Thanks so much!

George, 2 September 2021.

Type B design in sepia leather.

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Hello David

The picture is not fantastic but you will see this 18mm RAF style NATO is still going strong, despite it being moved around several watches, and the same is true of the 22mm blue and brown ones I bought - so just to say I appreciate the quality - I use them while out jogging and hiking for the added security, therefore they hardly get an easy life, yet they continue to step up smartly for more sedate occasions too.

Take care,

Jon, 5 May 2021.

RAF design in premium Italian brandy leather.

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Hello David

Many thanks for the extraordinary speedy service - only ordered yesterday and here is the new strap on my 1953 ex-RAF Omega - once my father’s.

Thanks again

Jeff, 30 April 2021.

RAF design in black leather.

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Hi David

Please find attached a photo of my grandfather’s WW1 watch on a lovely strap!. He was part of the RAMC and joined up in 1914 when he was 17 years old. I have a diary that he kept for about 4 months from October 1914 when he was around Ypres. He was one of the lucky ones who came home.

The watch strap looks fab.

Thank you. Nick, 7 April 2021.

Type C design with Double Slots in chestnut leather.

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David.

This is my Georges Favre Jacot WWI watch with a case diameter of 37 mm (without crown) on your Type C strap in chestnut with double slots. Looks great !

Georges Favre Jacot was the founder of Zenith.

Regards, Albert, 26 March 2021.

Type C design with Double Slots in chestnut leather.

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Hi David. strap arrived OK. As per my previous purchase from you the quality is excellent and with the silver buckle it compliments the watch. Thank you once again for an excellent service.

John, 15 February 2021.

Type A design in black leather with Type GW hallmarked sterling silver buckle.

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Dear David,

Watchstrap arrived this afternoon. I could not be more pleased. Fits perfectly and in my opinion looks great.

Enjoyed your website. Lots of very helpful and interesting information- thank you!

Best, Fred, 11 February 2021.

Type B design in sepia leather.

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Hello David,

The two watch straps with silver buckles arrived today- thank-you so much!

The quality is amazing, and far surpassed my expectations. I attach a photograph below of the brown strap on my 1916 Longines (For Jay’s of Regent St) Borgel cases watch with articulated lugs. The strap is a great match for it!

Kind Regards, Tobias, 4 February 2021.

Type B design in chestnut leather with Type GW hallmarked sterling silver buckle.

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Hi David,

WW II Luftwaffe Watch

Thank you for the watch strap. Works perfectly. This watch was my dad’s who got it (indirectly) from a downed German airman. Probably a trade with some Russian occupiers who all collected (took) watches during their “liberation” of our country. My family, including myself are all from Prague. My dad wore this watch as long as I can remember until the digital, waterproof watches appeared. We were able to escape to the Los Angeles area in 1969 to get away from communism. My dad was a gunsmith, and soon, this watch wasn’t as practical as an LCD Seiko that was the state of the art a few short years later. My dad passed away a decade later, and I stumbled on this time piece late last year. It sat since mid 1970s. I had it cleaned and repaired and now it is my favorite and very accurate daily watch. I kept it in original condition, other than the improvised chronometer push buttons, and the missing chronometer ring (impossible to find). Your watch band makes it complete and I cherish this connection to our past. I still remember how, long ago, the phosphorus coated hands and numerals would light up at night. Here are a few pictures of the watch, with your band, today. It lights up my day.

Thank you, and, Cheers Phillip R., 1 February 2021.

Two Piece open end strap in dark brown leather.

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Just in. Beautiful strap. Fits a Rolex 1680 perfectly. Thank you.

WWW, 15 January 2021.

RAF design in premium Italian dark chestnut leather.

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David,

I just received your beautiful piece of workmanship that now adorns my old Longines. Rest assured that when I need another strap you will be my first call!

Happy New Year!

Emmanuel, Puerto Rico, 30 December 2020.

Type A design in Tan Morocco leather.

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Good morning,

I have just picked my Ingersol Midget trench watch up after being repaired and serviced since February

The strap looks great on it and I am happy I bought it from you as the one the watch came with looks terrible in comparison.

I have attached pictures of the watch on the strap.

Kind regards,

Antony, 14 December 2020.

Type C design in premium Italian dark chestnut leather with a Type GW hallmarked sterling silver buckle.

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Hello David

Thought I'd send a pic of your double slotted, Italian dark chestnut trench watch strap. As usual, it's an outstanding strap that looks sharp on my very rare 1917 British MOD issued watch.

Thank you again, David, for making such a high quality strap.

Kind Regards, Mike, 24 December 2020.

Type B design with Double Slots in premium Italian dark chestnut leather.

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Hi David

Received the strap today. Back pad is narrower than one I received in the past and I am definitely a fan of that, love it! Your gold buckles are the exact shade of my Omega’s gold-filled case. So bonus, and thank you again!

Tom, 19 December 2020.

Type A design with Double Slots in premium Italian dark chestnut leather with Type GW hallmarked 9 carat yellow gold buckle. I wouldn't normally make a Type A with double slots for reasons explained in the description, but Tom has ordered from me in the past and was very sure that was what he wanted so I just got on with it. The Italian leathers are very soft, which helps.

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Hi David

thanks for the strap this is a JW Benson, I think it has been re-lugged at some point.

thanks, Martin, 5 December 2020.

Type A design in premium Italian dark chestnut leather.

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It's beautiful David. It came today. The photo I am sending you doesn't show its beauty

Thank you gillian, 14 November 2020.

Type A design in premium Italian dark chestnut leather.

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Hi David,

Smiths W10 on my new strap. Really pleased with your quality of work, design and choice of leathers. Italian Brandy G10 MkII. The pictures of customer's straps on different watches gave a real idea and guide to which type of strap to choose. Very helpful and happy for you to use my pictures if you think they're up to scratch. I will return.

Thanks.

Ben B., 2 September 2020.

G10 MkII design in premium Italian brandy leather.

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Dear David,

Delighted with the Albert Watchstrap.

Robert, 30 August 2020.

Leather and Sterling Albert Bow Saver with T-bar + Extra Clip in Sepia leather.

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Dear David,

The strap has arrived. Finally I can wear my watch again, thank you very much!

P.S. It is a Luch, Russian made tiny watch. Your strap makes it shine.

Cheers, Alexei, 1 August 2020.

Type A design in dark brown leather.

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Hi David,

Sorry for writing so late, the watch straps actually arrived [in Prague, Czech Republic] within 7 days.

They are outstanding! Perfect in every way.

The dark Italian Dark Chestnut is especially nice. I am very pleased with how the RAF strap fits and goes with that Omega I was not sure about.

They've given my Omegas a new lease of life. The only question now is, when to order more...

Many many thanks again for your patience with my questions etc.

Review:

Many thanks David for the watch straps. I've ordered 3, so far, and look forward to more in the future. The quality immediately speaks for itself. I am sure I will get a lot of time and enjoyment from the straps. They are far superior to other such designs which I have seen. For those who wish to order straps from David's workshop, the size guide on his webpage is absolutely spot on. Be sure to pay attention to the difference between the Type A and Type C designs, regarding the size of your watch. I ordered Type C for my cca 34mm (without crown) watches. I also ordered one RAF design, which is fantastic. Once again, excellent work David.

Bye for now, Kevin, 30 July 2020.

RAF design centre with Type C designs with Double Slots in premium Italian brandy and dark chestnut leather.

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David,

Just a few lines to say thank you for my custom straps. I've worn them quite a bit now and am very impressed with the quality and suppleness of the Italian leather. Your GW buckles are beautiful and complement my 1915 Longines much better than the usual standard style of buckle. Attached are a couple of photos of my watch and GW buckle on the wrist with the Dark Chestnut strap.

Regards, Christopher, 29 July 2020.

Two Piece strap in premium Italian dark chestnut leather with a Type GW hallmarked sterling silver buckle.

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Hello David,

Sterling job with the straps picture attached.

Best regards, Jonathan, 23 July 2020.

An IWC wristwatch in a gold Borgel case on a Type B design with Double Slots in premium Italian brandy leather with a Type GW hallmarked gold buckle.

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Hello David,

Thanks for the strap, just arrived.

Watch looks great, I will look for a decent crown when it goes for a service next year, too.

Best regards, Jon, 21 July 2020.

Type C design with Double Slots in dark green leather with black stitching strap and Type GW hallmarked sterling silver buckle.

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Dear David -

Thank you so much for my watch strap. I’ve had many straps on this watch but I’ve never found one I was perfectly happy with until now. The deep blue colour is beautiful.

Even better is the fit. I have quite small wrists and any strap usually has a long “tail”. As I could specify the length this strap is a perfect fit and all the better.

I can’t thank you enough. Please find the pictures below of the strap on my Smiths PRS-29a.

Kind regards, Jamie, 17 July 2020.

Two Piece strap in dark blue leather.

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David,

Thank you for your help with selecting the perfect strap for my 6 size Elgin watch. It looks fantastic!

I am glad you talked me out of a back pad. This is definitely the way to go.

Have a good day!

Rick H., 7 July 2020.

RAF design in chestnut leather.

Rick needed a 16mm wide strap for his 6s Elgin with a Philadelphia nickel case and was thinking about a Type A design, which will not actually take a 16mm wide strap. Although the Type C design will take a 16mm strap, this looks a bit bulky so I mentioned that I don't think a 16mm strap really needs a back pad. I suggested that Rick have a look at the RAF straps, which was his final choice with this satisfactory result.

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Dear David,

Wales was finally freed yesterday and I have collected the watch from the watchmender - cleaned, mended and working!

Best wishes, Elizabeth, 7 July 2020.

Waltham wristwatch on Type A design in dark blue leather.

NB: In this image the dark blue leather looks a lot lighter in colour than it really is; the images of Stewart's watch are a better representation of the true colour.

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Hi David,

I received the black strap for my Elgin star white dial watch today. As usual I am very happy with this purchase. The strap really shows off the watch in comparison to the skinny strap that I was using before. What a difference. Included are two photos for your site. Thank you again.

Harold, 1 July 2020.

Type B design in black leather with a Type GW hallmarked sterling silver buckle.

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Hi David,

The strap arrives and I am absolutely DELIGHTED - so beautiful and fits perfectly. Many thanks also for your wonderful letter and details, makes your work and wearing one so much more special.

Here I am wearing it 😁

Thank you so very much. The Waltham 1918 trench watch lives on.

Kindest wishes, Rebecca, 1 July 2020.

Type BS Design in premium Italian dark chestnut leather with a Type GW hallmarked 9 carat gold buckle.

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Hi David,

Strap arrived yesterday and looks good on the 1953 Omega and on an RAF WWII watch. Leather is lovely and soft and feels and smells great. And the design means it stands proud on the wrist. As with all leather it will no doubt acquire a patina with age.

Best wishes, Paul, 13 June 2020.

RAF Design in premium Italian dark chestnut leather.

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Hi David,

Here is my Tavannes Signal Corps on your perfect strap for this type of watch. I could not be happier. Thank you very much.

Harold, 13 June 2020.

Type B design in chestnut leather with a Type GW hallmarked sterling silver buckle.

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Hi David,

strap received and looking great on my 1912 Mappin and Webb campaign.

Thanks, Andrew, 12 June 2020.

Type B design in black leather with a Type GW hallmarked sterling silver buckle.

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Dear David,

Many thanks for the lovely new strap - it was a wise move to go for the 10mm strap as it is an absolutely perfect fit. I’ve attached a couple of photos for your interest or use (very bottom of email). What I’ve discovered so far as it’s a Stauffer with either an Orion movement, or one of Stauffer’s own movements; there’s a nigh-identical one discussed on the watchuseek forum, and the case is well made for it being an Orion movement. The import mark on the case is for London 1915, with a Charles Nicolet sponsor mark. I’ve just had it serviced by someone who knows about vintage watches and is is maintaining amazing timekeeping for a 115 watch (something the repairer also commented upon).

Thank you once again for your assistance.

Regards, Mark, 4 June 2020.

Type A design in premium Italian brandy leather with a Type GW hallmarked sterling silver buckle.

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Hi David.

The watch strap arrived earlier today as promised.

Please find attached 2 photographs showing my latest acquisition and the new Dark Blue Type A strap. The watch is a 1929 Silver Zenith and in my humble opinion the combination works very well.

All the best and thanks, Stewart, 2 June 2020.

Type A design in dark blue leather.

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Hi David.

Strap is perfect for my watch. I love it. Thank you very much. This is my Zenith which I have for about thirty years. Never had a strap that suited this watch until now. Looking forward to wearing. I hope you like it.

The best, Harold, 27 May 2020.

Type B design in sepia leather.

Harold's Zenith watch is branded Favre Leuba & Co. on the dial. According to Kathleen H. Pritchard “Swiss Timepiece Makers, 1775-1975” Favre Leuba was founded in 1815 in Le Locle by Fritz Favre-Leuba. Until 1900 the company specialised in exporting watches to India, and it remained oriented towards the Orient even after appointing a representative in New York. It appears that the company was engaged in exporting watches rather than manufacturing. Harold's Zenith watch has the same one piece case with screw bezel as the Zenith watches sold by Birch and Gaydon under their Land & Water brand. Birch & Gaydon used the name Land & Water for different watches over many years so I have called this particular design the Land & Water Type 1.

---

David,

Strap and buckle look great. Here's some photos.

Nigel, 10 March 2020.

Nigel's watch has a Rotary branded movement in a silver, fixed lug, cushion case with 1929/30 Glasgow Assay Office import hallmarks. I supplied a 16mm two piece open ended strap in premium Italian brandy leather with a Type GW hallmarked sterling silver buckle. This is the widest Type GW buckle that I make, they just don't look right in larger sizes, but two piece straps can be made tapered and an 18mm to 16mm is possible.

---

Hi David,

Thank you very much for the strap. It arrived Friday, and I have been enjoying my 1915 vintage Waltham on it. Love the colour and the feel of the leather! I will be ordering another one soon!

Best, Paul, 9 March 2020.

Type A design in premium Italian brandy leather with a Type GW hallmarked sterling silver buckle.

---

Hi David,

This is my Rolex Trench Watch on the new strap. The watch has 15 jewels, the silver case is hall marked 1918 in London. It has a mechanism with the initials WD. I hope that this is of interest.

Kr, Stewart, 2 March 2020.

Type B design in premium Italian dark chestnut leather with a Type GW hallmarked sterling silver buckle .

---

Hello David,

Here are some photos of my watch with the wonderful strap you made for me.

I love the strap, it fits the watch and me perfectly, thank you for your time and trouble.

Kind Regards, Julieanne, 14 February 2020.

A Two piece strap in red leather. Julieanne was able to give me the lengths of the two pieces from an old strap to copy, hence the perfect fit.

---

Hi David,

Very pleased with the strap, please see a photo of my 1914 Omega trench with it attached.

Kind Regards, David, 12 February 2020.

Type B in premium Italian dark chestnut leather leather with Type GW hallmarked sterling silver buckle .

---

Satisfied customer!

Hi David,

I got back from Japan yesterday and opened your parcel this morning to find a great strap. Perfect fit. I’m very pleased how my 1926 Longines looks with it. Many thanks indeed for all your trouble.

With kind Regards, Brian, 11 February 2020.

Type A design with Type GW hallmarked 9 carat gold buckle Black leather for gold Longines wristwatch.

---

Hi David,

Thanks for sending me one of your beautiful straps and GW buckles for my silver "hunter" trench watch. Moreover, thank you for all your efforts in faithfully reproducing the straps and buckles for these beautiful and historic watches for us owners. My watch now looks so much better on the correct type of strap, rather than the incorrect and rather effeminate looking strap previously fitted.

My watch is a full hunter which, I understand, was less popular than the open faced watches in the trenches due to the need for two hands to read the time. However, I really love this watch because, not only is it more unusual, but it is extremely practical to wear, being very well protected from the rigours of daily life 100 years after it was made! Fortunately, I do not have to worry about two handed time telling, as I am not dodging bullets and shrapnel unlike my great grandfather and grandfather (who lied about his age)!!

Kind Regards, Dominic, 1 February 2020.

Type B in premium Italian dark chestnut leather with Type GW hallmarked sterling silver buckle.

---

Hi David,

I am happy to report that the watch-strap arrived today and fits the watch perfectly. Like you, this watch was passed down from my Grandfather, who was given it as a birthday present in 1918. It is described in family lore as a “Naval Style” watch. That is all we know about it. However, it looks so much better with a proper watch-strap so thank you for that.

Another satisfied customer!

Kind Regards, Anton, 20 January 2020.

Type B in dark brown leather with Type GW hallmarked sterling silver buckle .

Anton's watch looks like a Borgel wristwatch.

---

David,

the strap is gorgeous! Smells great, too. Here’s a wrist shot for you on my Smiths 6B, fresh from its service. With your RAF strap, I now have leather, NATO, Bonklip and Perlon options for this little beauty...

I’m aware that civilian advertising for this watch shows Perlon, but do you think it likely that the RAF were still issuing leather straps of your style design in 1968? It’s still a few years before the G10... just wondered if you knew.

Thanks again, Mark, 14 January 2020.

RAF design in premium Italian dark chestnut leather.

I can't answer Mark's question about whether the RAF still issued leather straps in 1968, it's a later period than I have studied but I suspect not: it was after all the era of Bri-Nylon drip dry shirts. If you know, please get in touch.

---

Hi David,

Received the strap, perfect job, it´s amazing.

I send you a picture of my 1915 Borgel trench watch in the dark blue leather strap. I bought both, the watch and the strap, to honor the memory of those British pioneers on the Everest, Irvine and Mallory.

Thanks a lot, Jorge, Spain, 14 December 2019.

Type AS design with Type GW hallmarked sterling silver buckle in dark blue leather..

For the story of how a Borgel wristwatch could have been the first watch on the summit of Mount Everest, see George Mallory's Watch.

---

Hi David,

A picture of your fantastic 18mm G10 Mk ll in dark chestnut leather, fitted to my MOD issued WWW Vertex ‘Dirty Dozen’.

Vertex rolled out 15,000 units of the Cal 59 to those on front lines during WW2.

Picture shows your G10 secured to the 35mm case, with lug width of 18mm.

Watch and strap wears comfortably to my average 7.25” wrist.

Best Regards, Dean, 9 December 2019.

G10 Mk. II in premium Italian dark chestnut leather.

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Hello David,

Received the strap. Extremely impressed with the quality and design. Thanks for the speedy service.

I have mounted an early 1900s, brass “Fabrique Du Parc” (32.4mm case dia).

FYI, I was so impressed, I’ve just ordered another strap in the Military Tan for a 20s Elgin I have awaiting repair of the lug.

Cheers! Scott NJ, USA, 14 November 2019.

Type C design with Double Slots in tan Morocco leather.

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Hi David,

thanks for the strap which actually arrived the day after your email. Just to say it is great, and exactly what I wanted. The watch is a mid-1950s Ingersoll Triumph - a simple 5 jewel - cheap and cheerful back in the day, but still in mint condition and deserving of a decent strap.

thanks again, Paul, 11 November 2019.

RAF in black leather with white contrast stitching.

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David,

1913 Illinois watch with shrapnel guard on your strap looks fantastic. Better than I imagined. Great product and price.

Thank you, Rodney, 8 October 2019.

Type A design in chestnut leather.

---

Hi David,

Here is a photo of my Tavannes Submarine from 1917 on the Brandy Italian leather Type B strap you have created, it looks just how I hoped it would look. Your strap is beautiful and very high quality. I was able to identify the watch by referring to your brilliant website, the case back revealed JW (James Weir, jeweller and agent for Tavannes) the Glasgow silver import mark, the 'u' stamp to date it to 1917/18 and your history of the submarine watch was fascinating to read.

Many thanks, David, 8 October 2019.

Type B design in premium Italian brandy leather.

The Tavannes Submarine is a waterproof wristwatch created during World War One in 1915 at the request of two British submarine commanders. It is described in detail at The Submarine Commanders' Watch. Information about the British assay agent for the silver case can be found at James Weir.

---

Hello David,

I’ve attached a picture of Great War watch and the band you made me. I wanted to wait to break it in before I sent you a picture.

Love the band! It’s exactly what I was looking for.

Thanks, Wesley, 3 October 2019.

Larger than standard Type B design in black leather with Type GW handmade hallmarked sterling silver buckle .

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Dear David

Thanks David for the crafted one-piece ‘RAF’ watch straps. Great quality. Until now, my 1943 6B/159 lived on a grey Nato (which was OK) but as soon as I put it on the chestnut strap it really brought the watch alive. The mere smell of the leather evokes that vintage feel and is so comfortable to wear. I have to be careful about the occasions I wear this vintage Omega but it’s a bit of a wrench to take it off. I’ll be back as soon as I can afford another timepiece. All the best,

David G, 29 September 2019.

Leather RAF in premium Italian dark chestnut leather.

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Dear David

The strap I order arrived and it is fantastic. The quality and workmanship are excellent.

The watch is a 1916 Cyma that belonged to my great grandfather. After having been hidden away in a box for 80 or more years and spending over a year to find the correct period replacement parts and do repairs it is great to wear it!

Thank you.

Kind regards, Brendan, Johannesburg, South Africa, 13 September 2019.

Type A design with Type GW hallmarked sterling silver buckle in premium Italian dark chestnut leather.

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Hi David

Pictures of my 53 thin arrow Omega RAF watch and G10 strap.

Peter, 11 September 2019.

G10 Mk II in premium Italian dark chestnut leather.

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Hello David

Me verry happy 😉

Thank you for everything

Greetings, John, 10 September 2019.

Type A design with Type GW hallmarked sterling silver buckle in premium Italian brandy leather.

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Dear David

Thank you for the excellent bow saver Albert in Italian dark chestnut leather with 9 carat gold fittings. I have attached it to my 1853 Patek Philippe hunter pocket watch in 18 carat gold.

Kind regards Martin, 25 August 2019.

Bow Saver design in premium Italian dark chestnut leather with 9 carat gold fittings.

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Hi David

strap arrived today. It’s absolutely top quality, delighted with. I purchase the watch recently so it has no affinity to my family. The strap sets the watch off and if looks superb. I will be looking to purchase some more of these watches so I will be looking for replacement straps.

Regards John, 21 August 2019.

Type B design in premium Italian dark chestnut leather

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Hi David,

Received the strap this morning and am very pleased with how it suits my 1908 s. silver trench watch. The dark chestnut even matches my phone case.

Thanks very much, J, 11 May 2019.

Type A design in premium Italian dark chestnut leather with Type GW handmade hallmarked sterling silver buckle.

---

Hi David,

Thank you so much, I received the strap today and it is superb. The strong smell of leather became quite apparent as soon as I opened the envelope. I've now fitted it to my Smiths A404 and it looks the bee's knees. I'll try to take some photos, but here's a couple of quick ones. I have a few other Smiths that I'll need straps for so I will definitely be placing more orders.

Thanks again, Gary, 9 May 2019.

Two piece open ended strap in premium Italian dark chestnut leather with straight leather keeper.

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Hello David,

I just got the strap in a couple days ago and wanted to send a couple pictures. The strap is better than I could have hoped for. It is the perfect compliment to my A. Reymond trench watch with original “unbreakable” crystal and patina on the sterling case. Thanks again and feel free to post on your customers page.

Adam, 5 April 2019.

Type C design with Double Slots in premium Italian dark chestnut leather with Type GW handmade hallmarked sterling silver buckle.

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David,

Strap is amazing! Really makes my 1915 Tavannes Submarine watch stand out. Attached is a picture for your website.

Thanks again, Evan, 04 April 2019.

Type B in premium Italian dark chestnut leather with Type GW handmade hallmarked sterling silver buckle.

The Tavannes Submarine is a waterproof wristwatch created during World War One in 1915 at the request of two British submarine commanders. It is described in detail at The Submarine Commanders' Watch.

---

Hi David,

Just received the strap today it looks and feels beautiful and the design is spot on I shall be definitely ordering more of this design for my other watches. I have included some pictures you can use if you want.

Thanks, Akbar, 3 April 2019.

Leather NATO G10 Mark II design strap in premium Italian dark chestnut leather with red contrast stitching.

---

Hi David,

The fob arrived safe, lovely, thank you.

It's been attached to a 1914 H.Samuel 'Everite' sterling silver double half-hunter, swiss-made workings.

Images attached, looks lovely, feel free to use.

I will be ordering another one for me!

Lee, 29 March 2019.

Leather Albert fob Bow Saver design strap in premium Italian dark chestnut leather with hallmarked sterling silver fittings.

---

Hi David,

The strap arrived today. Goes very well indeed with my 1944 Kirovskie. Beautifully made as well I might add!

Cheers, Gareth, 13 March 2019.

Type C design in premium Italian dark chestnut leather.

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Hi David,

I received the watch band today for my grandfather’s S. Smith & Son WW1 watch. I’ve attached two photos that you’re welcome to show off on your website. It looks and fits beautifully. Thank you for the recommendation and fine work. I’m glad I chose the military tan color. Now that I know it fits so well, I’ll likely order another!

Cheers, Mark, 26 February 2019.

Type B in military tan leather with Type GW handmade hallmarked sterling silver buckle .

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Hi David,

I just wanted to let you know that I’m very happy with the recent purchase on your website. I finally found the perfect strap for my 1916 Omega Trench Watch. I really like the quality and design! I’ve posted it on my Instagram account and included your website as well. Please feel free to use my photos on your website, and keep up the good work!

Cheers, Kevin, 16 February 2019.

Type A design in premium Italian dark chestnut leather.

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David,

Strap received today, and it’s as lovely as I’d hoped, great quality. Some pics attached for inclusion on your website together with some interesting background. I’m a collector and amateur horologist and I obtained this watch in a batch of broken watches bought at auction, I attach a photo of what it looked like on receipt. It was not working, suffering a broken jewel in the main bridge plate, and generally looked sorry for itself. However, on the reverse is an inscription of one AF Kent, his service number and RAF, from which I managed to establish he was an engine fitter born in 1900 who enlisted in the newly formed RAF on its inception in April 1918, aged just 17. I considered the watch worth some effort so replaced the jewel, serviced the movement (a very early Schild AS54), changed the mainspring, cleaned the dial and hands of radium and repainted in something less offensive, and replaced the crystal. The articulated lugs were missing so I had a local jeweller make up some new ones in silver based on photos of a similar Zenith watch. The watch runs superbly well for a 100yr old watch and your strap very beautifully completes an interesting odyssey for me and prepares the watch for its second life in my hands.

Many thanks. Mark, 4 February 2019.

Type A in chestnut leather.

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David,

After looking around forever, and buying one really junky strap, and one I like that's just not period correct at all, I stumbled onto your site and I'm glad I did. I very much enjoy this strap, it's of good quality, and I'm already thinking in the future we may have to talk about a really nice custom one. You had stated in the letter that you would like to see pictures. I've included a few on my nice new strap. It's a Waltham, 13 jewel Gilt 0 size movement, in a Sterling american watch case co. It dates from 1914. The case just came back from getting hinges fixed, and your strap came at the perfect time. Thank you very much, and I will certainly recommend you to anyone that would be looking for a strap like this.

Sincerely, Rick, 2 February 2019.

Type A in dark brown leather.

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Dear David,

Thank you so much for the leather Albert you made for me. I absolutely love it and appreciate the craftsmanship and quality materials.

I attach a photograph of it attached to my watch and think that you will agree that my elderly Harris Tweed sets it off nicely.

With kind regards, a not so elderly Peter, 25 January 2019.

Leather and Sterling Silver Albert fob in tan morocco leather.

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Hi David!

My watchstap arrived today and I couldn’t be happier. I have attached a photo of my watch mounted on your strap.

Thank you, Randy, 17 January 2019.

Type A design in Italian dark chestnut leather.

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Hi David!

This is the story of my Eterna WWW

I am really happy with the strap and with your service. Thank you.

Best regards, Lajos, 11 January 2019.

NATO G10 Mark II in Italian dark chestnut leather.

Click on the link to read the extraordinary story of the discovery of an Eterna WWW wristwatch by Lajos when metal detecting and its restoration by John Senior to the condition shown in the image here.

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Hi David!

I received my new strap yesterday and you asked if I would like to send you a picture for the website. Here you go!

The watch is from 1910's first World War English officer's Omega that I just bought from an internet auction site.

Lauri, 13 December 2018.

Type A design in dark brown leather.

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David,

Thought you would like a picture of my Patria with hand painted Sacred Heart on dial (for good luck?) on one of your Type A straps. It’s laying on my 1916 BSA SMLE that might have been used by the person who originally wore it.

Thanks, Evan, 2 December 2018.

Type A design in military tan leather.

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Good afternoon,

I have received today the quality pocket watch strap. It is perfect. I love English things, English is synonymus of well made. I have an English pocket watch but is in the watchmaker for a overhaul, it needs oil. This is a Spanish Olten watch with Swiss mechanism.

Thank you very much, Germá, 28 November 2018.

‘Bow Saver’ leather Albert fob strap in dark brown leather with sterling silver fittings.

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Dear David

Trust all is well and that you had a good weekend.

Already received today your package... and couldn’t be any happier! Thank you very much for a great job done, I let the quick and dirty taken pics speak for themselves.

Kind regards Daniel, 26 November 2018.

RAF straps in premium Italian dark chestnut leather.

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Hi David,

Thanks for your very prompt service. The strap arrived this morning and I'm absolutely delighted with it.

Bit of background. My father had an old, broken watch, with no crown or strap and a dirty-looking face. It was left in a drawer and, after he died, I did the same thing with it. Recently, however, I started to get more interested in some of the things he left behind and the watch was one of them. Under a magnifying glass, I saw "Sir John Bennett Ltd - London" on the face. Quick search threw up plenty of information about Sir John, who was quite a colourful character, and the watch went away for investigation by a professional. Turns out it's 9ct gold, hallmarked 1925, and the movement is by Longines. The crown has been replaced and it's been ticking away merrily for days, keeping very good time. All it needed was a strap.

I wasn't getting anywhere until I found your website and then I could see exactly the design I had imagined. I was relieved to find you're in the UK and the prices seem very reasonable for the care and materials that go into the straps. I was expecting to wait at least a week, so delivery next morning was a real bonus.

Kind regards and thanks, Phil, 24 November 2018.

Type B design premium Italian dark chestnut leather.

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Hi David

My watch strap arrived today. Opened it to a lovely smell of leather. Some months back I had tried a different leather strap. I returned it because it appeared so thin at 9mm. Yours being 12mm is so much more appropriate to my size 16, 118 year old Waltham ‘Riverside’ pocket watch.

Thank you, Regards, Joe, 21 November 2018.

‘Bow Saver’ leather Albert fob strap in tan morocco leather with sterling silver fittings.

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Dear David

THANK YOU for the RAF strap, which arrived this morning. I have to say, it's PERFECT and is precisely what I was looking for to match my old Omega 6B/159. It's great quality, fits perfectly, and I absolutely love it!

Thanks again for your help!

Very best regards, Mark, 20 November 2018.

RAF in premium Italian dark chestnut leather.

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Hi David

Strap arrived yesterday safe and sound. Thank you.

Have attached a pic of my watch attached to the band. I think it looks brilliant.

Many thanks, again. James, 20 November 2018.

Type A design in premium Italian brandy leather with black contrast stitching.

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Hi David

The watch strap arrived yesterday and it looks great with the watch. I thought I’d send you some pictures.

Thanks again. Steve, 15 November 2018.

Type AS Italian dark chestnut leather.

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Hi David

Many thanks for the strap, as you can see it sets off my old watch nicely. I had been looking for ages for a suitable replacement strap and as a result the watch was sitting in a drawer unloved until now! Thanks to your dedication to your "craft" it is now seeing the light of day again.

MR, North Wales, 11 November 2018.

Type B Italian dark chestnut leather.

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David

I love the watch bands that I received. Attached is a photograph of my father’s Rolex Oyster Speedking wrist watch.

My father received this watch in 1947 from his father who was an Engineer for the Railroad. My Dad wore this watch during his 28 year military career that spanned two wars and many tours in Europe. A few years ago I inherited the watch and had it reconditioned by Rolex.

I was excited to find your high quality watch bands. I hope the watch does justice to your work!

Take care, Ray, 20 September 2018.

Leather NATO G10 Standard Design, military tan leather.

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Hi David

I'm just writing to thank you for my great watchstrap which arrived today and for your help a few weeks ago in identifying the movement (a Revue 38) in my recently bought J.W.Benson watch.

I took a while trying to decide which strap option to go for..particularly with the colour of the leather as the watch has a black dial and I wanted it to stand out a bit from the strap but not in a jarring way.

The colour is ideal and the Italian leather is nice and soft -and no doubt will quickly take the shape of my 18cm wrist. The strap really shows off the watch and is a big improvement on the thin original. I think.

I'm glad to say my new watch is running well and will be doing some research in order to find a good watchmaker familiar with these great old pieces.

Martin, 20 September 2018.

Type B in Italian brandy leather with black stitching.

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Hi David

Thank you for the superb watch strap. It sets of my watch perfectly.

My watch is a Swiss made timepiece fitted to a 1914 silver hallmarked case by Rotherham and Sons, Coventry.

I attend local fairs and events portraying a piper of the Seaforth Highlanders, 1916 overseas battalion.

The watch has gone a long way to help complete my uniform.

Thanks again for a quality strap that suits my watch perfectly. Unfortunately I do not know the history of the original purchaser other than it is engraved with the name Billy, which is also my first name.

Yours William, 16 September 2018.

Type B in chestnut leather with sterling silver Type GW buckle.

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Thanks David for the beautiful strap. Below a picture of it attached to my MIDO Multifort, a small watch from the 40‘s (about 28mm without crown). The strap brings the watch really to presence, I don‘t have a small wrist at all. Kind regards from Switzerland,

Frank, 18 August 2018.

G10 NATO in Italian dark chestnut leather.

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Dear David

Please find attached photo of your lovely strap on my 1922 Longines.

Warm regards, Jason, 23 July 2018.

Type B Double Slots in tan Morocco leather with sterling silver Type GW buckle.

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Hi David

Please find attached the “Matchless” watch made by the West End Watch Company, my father bought back in 1943 during the second World War whilst he was in Burma. It had stopped working, but he never threw it away, he has since passed on and he left it to me and it never worked until this father’s day. I loved this watch and a real fascination for it, and out of the blue it suddenly started working on Father’s day this year.

I did a bit of research and came across your web site and as you can see it has been restored onto a superb new watch strap, one watch I can now where with pride.

Many thanks, Chris, 3 July 2018.

Type A design in premium Italian brandy leather with black contrast stitching.

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Hello David

I have just received my watch strap for which many thanks.

The watch it is for is a 1940s? Cyma with fixed wire lugs which was bought by my late father in Durban South Africa during the war and the quality, size and colour of the strap are exactly what I was hoping for.

Kind regards, Keith, 27 June 2018.

Type A 12mm Italian dark chestnut

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Hi David

My new strap I bought from you looks very well on my 1920s Rolex full hunter, thought you would like to see them teamed up.

Ian, 23 June 2018.

Leather Albert Fob in Italian dark chestnut leather with sterling silver fittings.

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Hi David

Arrived today...great strap thanks ! It’s extremely satisfying to be able to wear a period watch like this. Long may you provide such a quality product to keep the tradition alive!

Kind regards Marc. 4 June 2018.

Type B design in Italian dark chestnut leather.

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Hi David,

Many thanks for the strap! It fits perfectly and is of excellent quality. Much appreciated. Here's a pic of the strap on my old Vertex Allproof (which has a screw down case marked FB, the history of which you've done a great job of covering on your site).

Best wishes, Martin. 26 May 2018.

RAF strap. The case is a Taubert Decagonal. The origins of Vertex are a bit of a mystery, which has been further clouded by some dubious claims issued by the "new" Vertex company. Claude Lyons registered the name Vertex in the UK in 1916 and, according to some versions, created Vertex S.A. in La Chaux-de-Fonds at the same time. However, Kathleen Pritchard says that the Swiss company Auriole S.A. became Auriole & Vertex 'by' 1920. At some time Thommen S.A. acquired the use of the name Vertex, and the London Vertex company became the UK distributor of Thommen's Vertex and Revue watches. (Thanks to David Read for this info.)

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Hi David,

Here's a couple of photos of watch and strap. Cheers.

Gary. 12 May 2018.

Type A Italian dark chestnut leather with Type GW handmade hallmarked sterling silver buckle .

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Hello David,

I recently purchased a watch strap from you, I wanted to email a reply and say how beautiful it is. the watch in question is a 1916 (I believe, waiting on conformation from w.e.c) Queen Anne, which looks completed by the strap. As a watch enthusiast, more often pocket watches, I say thank you.

All the best, Myles. 7 May 2018.

Type B Italian dark chestnut leather.

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David,

The watch strap arrived and it's perfect.

Thanks so much, Nate. 20 March 2018.

Type A 12mm black leather.

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Hi David,

I have received the strap just over a month ago. It is every well made and comfortable, and have received many wonderful comments so a VERY BIG thank you.

I couldn't wear this vintage watch for a long while but this new strap, I am now wearing it on regular basis and loving it!

Attached are some photos to share.

Kind regards, Henry. 16 March 2018.

Type A 12mm black leather with sterling silver Type GW buckle.

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Dear David,

that was worth waiting for! And I just love the smell of these watchstraps! :-)

Attached please find a pic of my 1916 Longines with cal. 13.34.

Kind regards, Gerd. 20 February 2018.

Type B 12mm tan morocco .

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Hi David,

Thanks for the strap which is now fitted to my 1940's 'Dirty Dozen watch which belonged to my wife's grandfather who was a gunnery petty officer on HMS York. It is the perfect compliment to this historic and sentimentally treasured timepiece.

Kind regards, Nigel. 07 February 2018.

G10 MkII design in Italian dark chestnut leather - now available from stock.

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Dear David,

I've received my RAF strap today and it is very beautiful! I am so glad to have this piece. Thank you very much.

The watch is STOWA Flieger Ikarus 40mm.

Best Regards, Haruko. 17 January 2018.

RAF design in sepia leather.

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Hi David,

Just wanted to drop a quick note to let you know that the strap arrived and it’s just perfect. I’ve attached a photo of it with my 1916 Elgin watch.

Many thanks again David, and I’ll be sure to reach out to you again if I pick up another watch that needs a strap such as this.

Vince. 1 December 2017.

Type B design in chestnut leather with sterling silver Type GW buckle.

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Hi David,

my strap arrived and I'm very pleased with it, and it makes my watch very wearable, it is quite large for its year of 1917, at 40mm. I think it looks great on your beautifully made strap, thank you.

Best wishes, Nigel. 1 December 2017.

Type B design in chestnut leather with sterling silver Type GW buckle.

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Hi David,

Received the strap today great work as all ways well made. Here are a few photo's – WW1 zenith US Army Signal Corps.

Mike. 25 November 2017.

Type A design in sepia leather with sterling silver Type GW buckle.

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Hello David,

Received the straps and they are awesome. Thank you so much. I've attached a photo of both watches on their new straps.

Thanks again. Oliver. 12 November 2017.

Type B design with double slots in black leather and Type C with double slots in sepia leather.

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Dear David,

Thank you for the watch strap.

I looked at your website on several occasions, for a few weeks, prior to buying this strap. I gave up wearing a wristwatch a few years ago because I use a computer frequently throughout the day and found that the winder and horns dug into the back of my hand when I was typing leaving red marks. I had only ever had standard 2 piece straps on watches and wasn't sure whether your NATO G10 Mk2 was really me. A lot of the G10 photographs on your customer's watches page show quite large watches with chunky looking straps. My own watch is only 30mm in diameter so I was not sure that it would suit either the watch or me.

I have to say that I really am pleased with your strap. It does not appear chunky and I think that it suits the watch perfectly. I have had the strap for quite a few days now and am pleased to report that I have started wearing a watch again. The G10 design holds the watch horns and winder clear of my wrist and this allows me a much fuller range of wrist movement before the winder touches the back of my hand. This is the most comfortable watch strap that I have owned.

I have attached a few photographs for you.

Best wishes Peter. Jerry. 10 November 2017.

Leather NATO G10 Mark II in Italian dark chestnut leather.

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Hi David,

I just received my watch strap. It is perfect. My watch is a Imperial watch made by the Buren Watch Co. Switzerland with a Fahys sterling silver integrated face guard. I believe that Fahys offered only a black or khaki woven strap, but I am a fan of leather. I will proudly wear my watch with your absolutely beautiful strap.

Thank you. Jerry. 8 November 2017.

Type B design in premium Italian dark chestnut leather with sterling silver Type GW buckle.

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Hi David,

Having received one of your straps as a birthday present from my wife (copied), I wanted to contact you to offer thanks for your craftsmanship and to send pictures of my watch on your strap.

Like many of your customers I have family members who served in World War One. I have a particular interest in military history (as well as in vintage watches) and am a founding member of a local Great War “reenactor” group, which represents the 27th (City of Winnipeg) Battalion CEF. I can tell you that a period watch worn on a correct strap adds much to the impression we put on at public events. I’ve found members of the public to be quite interested in the history of the wristwatch and I try to work it into the information I relay in presentations. Of course a watch was invaluable to the junior officer in timing artillery barrages etc. but people are also impressed with how the wristwatch in particular developed as a practical instrument.

In any case, I also want to say that while there are others who make cheaper period straps (and I have owned them), none I have seen come close to the quality and authenticity of yours. Congratulations once again in offering a superlative product and know that mine will be worn not only with my West End Watch Co “Queen Anne” but with correct period attire as well!

Kind regards, Dallas, Canada. 7 November 2017.

David remarks: Although a watch was useful for timing artillery barrages etc. this did not require a wristwatch. The most notable requirement for having a wristwatch in trench warfare was to ensure that everyone was ready to attack or go "over the top" when the signal was given. See Wristwatch Use for more details about this.

Type B with sterling silver Type GW buckle, Italian dark chestnut leather.

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Dear David,

Very nice strap indeed!

Best wishes, Giuseppe. 24 October 2017.

RAF in Italian dark chestnut leather with red contrast stitching to tone with the red on the Sturmanskie dial.

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Dear David,

Thank you very much for the watch strap, I am very pleased with it. Please find attached two pictures of my watch wearing it - the second is alongside my Great-Uncle’s Great War sword, so you can see it’s a pretty good match for ‘Military Tan’.

Kind regards, Peter. 4 October 2017.

Type A, military tan leather with Type GW handmade hallmarked sterling silver buckle .

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Hi Roger [????]

Watch strap arrived fine today. Very happy and have put a post up about on Calibre 61 extolling your virtues !

Cheers Mate, Mark. 29 September 2017.

Type B, Italian dark chestnut leather.

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Hi David,

Thanks for the G10 MkII straps that arrived yesterday. The finish is excellent and the straps look great with their respective watch. It is a luxury to wear a strap that is perfectly sized to fit the wrist.

I enclose a few pictures of my Precista and Smiths PRS-29A with straps fitted. Both watches are replicas from Timefactors.

Thank you for executing my order swiftly and with such high quality.

Best regard, Klas. 5 September 2017.

Leather NATO G10 Mark II in dark brown and Italian dark chestnut leathers.

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Hello David,

The watch strap arrived today and I am very impressed with the high quality of the strap, especially the buckle. It is great to finally get to wear my great grandfathers watch!

I have attached a few photos for your website.

Thanks again for all of your help, especially for all of the new information that you were able to provide about the watch and its history. It has been an absolute pleasure doing business with you.

Regards, Owen. 2 September 2017.

Type C design in dark blue leather with Type GW handmade hallmarked sterling silver buckle .

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Hi David

Can I just say what a fantastic strap you make, I've just fitted it to my Omega A M 6B/159 it feels great the authentic look I was looking for. I've included some pics for you if you would like to use them I would be very happy for you to do so.

I will be placing an order in the next couple of weeks for a brown strap to compliment this one.

Many thanks again.

Jason. 2 September 2017.

G10 MkII in black.

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As promised is a photo of a Boettcher buckle on a Zuni Indian turquoise and ostrich leather watch band. Looks great!.

Robert, 19 August 2017.

Robert bought one of my Type GW handmade hallmarked sterling silver buckle s and a local craftsman created the leather parts to complete his unusual strap with the Zuni Indian turquoise-inlayed sterling silver partial bracelet.

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Hello David. Strap arrived safely, it's as expected perfect in every detail. Thanks very much, a pleasure to deal with someone who really " knows his stuff".

Phil, 19 August 2017.

A Type B design with double slots in tan morocco leather with Type GW handmade hallmarked sterling silver buckle .

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Dear David,

The watch straps arrived this morning and I am delighted with them. Both these wristwatches, for far too long, had no straps that were in keeping with their age.

I think that the Longines on the type A strap looks great but I am even more pleased with the black type B that I think works particularly with the 35mm half hunter.

I found the descriptions and illustrations on your website extremely comprehensive, making any choice so much easier. I also enjoyed reading the history that you have clearly researched very well.

Once again many thanks.

Best regards,

Richard, 17 August 2017.

Type A design in Italian dark Chestnut leather and Type B design in black, both with Type GW handmade hallmarked sterling silver buckle s.

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Hi, the strap came, fits well to watch and wrist, see picture.

Best Regards, Meinrad , 11 July 2017.

An early IWC wristwatch with calibre 64 movement and 18 carat gold Borgel case on a Type B design in Italian brandy leather with black stitching and a nine carat gold Type GW buckle.

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Hi David

Got strap today. Here is a photo if you want to use it in customer photo's.

Mike , 6 July 2017.

NATO G10 Standard with standard 22mm hardware in brown leather. The watch is a Zenith with black dial, a conversion from a pocket watch. The case is 41mm with 22mm lugs.

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Dear David,

Thank you for the strap which I have just received. The watch looks really good with your hand-made strap (see picture). I will have no hesitation to recommend your straps to my fellow collectors.

Best regards, Thierry, 14 June 2017.

NATO G10 Mark II with ZULU hardware in black leather. The watch is an Omega Pilot 1929 with black dial, a conversion from a pocket watch.

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Hi David,

Your watch strap is absolute perfection in design, fit & workmanship! I know my grandfather would be proud.

Thanks, again,

Dan, 11 June 2017.

Type A 12mm with Type GW handmade hallmarked sterling silver buckle in Military Tan leather.

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Dear David,

Please see attached a photo of my late father’s watch with your strap fitted. It completely changes the appearance and proportions of the watch. I’m delighted.

My father died almost 50 years ago and his watch only resurfaced when my eldest brother died in December – it had been in a drawer for all that time but started after a few winds.

The photo of the movement shows the strap that was fitted when the watch was first rediscovered.

I know nothing of the watch except the word “Bulla” on the movement – if any of your network can help with information I’d really appreciate it.

Thanks again for your superb workmanship,

Keith, 5 June 2017.

Type A 12mm in Italian Brandy leather with a gold coloured buckle.

The brand name Bulla was registered by Emile Juillard S.A. of Porrentruy and Biel, Manufacture de Montres Bulla. The company was founded in 1872 and registered its name in 1887, when the first registrations of this kind took place in Switzerland, as J. E. Juillard. The brand name Bulla was registered in June 1903. The origin of the name Bulla is interesting. In Latin bulla means ‘bubble’ and was the name given to a round seal attached to a papal bull, an edict issued by a pope. The first registration of the name Bulla shows just such a circular seal with a four armed cross in the centre. A later registration of the name in 1928 shows a figure of a bull. Kathleen Pritchard "Swiss Timepiece Makers" says that a company advert in 1917 said that the workshop was run under modern mechanical principles and that all materials were interchangeable. Bulla was listed in 1974.

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Hello David,

Please find attached a picture of my (vintage style) Smiths (Timefactors) PRS29a on an RAF chestnut strap.

I think it suits it very well. It is a lovely strap, thank you very much indeed.

Kind regards, Jamie, 2 June 2017.

RAF strap in chestnut leather.

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Hi David,

Love the strap. In addition to looking great as well as authentic: it's also exceedingly comfortable! Here's a pic with the watch.

Thank you again!

Best, Jeff, 1 June 2017.

Type A 12mm with Type GW handmade hallmarked sterling silver buckle in Sepia leather.

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Hi David,

Here is a picture of new watch strap on my Omega......It's perfect!

Best Regards. Peter, 11 April 2017.

Leather RAF in Italian dark chestnut.

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Hi David,

Strap well received. Thank you so much. Sending you a couple of pictures to show how well the strap looks. I think my great-great-grandfather would have been impressed :)

Watch is over 100 years old Swiss made HY Moser in gold for the Russian Empire market. This watch managed to survive untouched through the WWI period, Russian Revolution, Great Patriotic War (WWII) and until now in my family.

You might find pics useful for your site or just to see how well your work helps get these family pieces come to life.

Thank you again. KY, 25 March 2017.

Type C design in dark blue leather with a nine carat gold Type GW buckle.

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Hello David,

Attached please find your strap on a 1920's 9k Borgel case with an IWC caliber 64 that I was able to verify through your site. The case lugs were not "tipped" down so the strap is not a perfect fit but I like it quite a bit. The watch came in a period looking Cashmore & Co of Birmingham coffin but I cannot tell if the box is original to the watch.

Best - Karl. 11 March 2017.

Type B design in tan Morocco leather with nine carat gold Type GW buckle.

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Dear David,

Beautiful strap. It really, *really* makes the watch come to life. It gives it a “presence’ it just didn’t have with the small strap it had been on. Perfect.

Your craftsmanship is second to none and the leather is lovely — and also thank you for the letter that you sent with it. I am always interested in the story behind things… and this is so much more than an anonymous off the shelf number.

Best - Anton. 17 March 2017.

Type A design in Italian brandy leather with a Type GW handmade hallmarked sterling silver buckle .

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Hi David,

Just received my black RAF strap with silver stitching and must say that I am more than delighted with it. I'm using it with my father's WW2 RAF pilot's Omega 6B/159 watch and it compliments it brilliantly.

Please find attached below a picture of the watch and strap alongside the original nylon strap that it replaces.

Kind regards, John. 11 March 2017.

Leather RAF in black with silver stitching.

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Hi David,

As promptly as you said, I received my strap this morning. It looks great and will be even better when I have worn it in a bit.

Thanks you for all your help

Regards, Richard. 17 February 2017.

Type B in Italian brandy leather with a Type GW handmade hallmarked sterling silver buckle .

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Hi David,

The strap this morning and looks fantastic! Attached is a photo of it on my 1918 Trench Watch with a Borgel case and 15-jewel Gallet 'Electa' movement sold through Robert Pringle & Sons of Clerkenwell Road. I’ve posted a pic on my Facebook page too, so I hope you get some extra business from it - I have 1500 ‘friends’ and many of them collect vintage records and wear vintage watches!

Many thanks for the prompt service and excellent product!

Regards, Mark. 15 February 2017.
Mark Berresford Rare Records
www.Jazzhound.NET
www.facebook.com/Mark Berresford

Type A in Italian dark chestnut leather with a Type GW handmade hallmarked sterling silver buckle .

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Hi David, The strap is perfect! Looks great with my Waltham trench watch. No real story about finding the watch, I just picked up from Ebay. The crystal was missing and I was told by a jeweler that the bezel was too bent to replace it but I simply went to somebody else and they replaced it for me without issues. The watch keeps very good time for having a movement that was made around 1912. Thanks again! Rowan, 16 November 2015. Type B design with double slots in dark brown leather with Type GW handmade hallmarked sterling silver buckle .

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Dear David, thanks for the watch strap, which arrived today. I’ve attached a picture of the strap on my circa Great War date Waltham silver half hunter. It looks really good now! Thanks Dick and Jane, Todi, Italy, 11 November 2015. Type B dark chestnut.

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Dear David, Attached you'll find two photographs of my Steinhart Ocean Vintage Military on my new NATO G10 leather watch strap. I love the strap. Your Mark II design is superior to standard NATO strap designs. It is very comfortable on the wrist. Moreover, I also appreciate the 2mm strap thickness. Thanks for such a high quality product. Stephen. 2 November 2015. Leather NATO G10 Mark II, Colour: dark chestnut, Width 22mm. See how different the same colour looks in the two photographs, with the red background it looks much lighter, the wrist shot shows the dark chestnut colour truer.

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Hi David, This is a Galco watch that we corresponded on regarding your watch straps. I think the watch strap sets off the watch brilliantly and I am delighted with how it looks. The only problem is the glass on the watch face cracked the first time I wore it. I suppose that's what can happen to a watch that is 100 years old. Would you have any idea where I could get a replacement for the cracked glass front? Regards John. 18 August 2015. Type B in military tan. Galco was a brand name used on watches by Gallet, it is simply a contraction of Gallet & Co. It was first registered as a trademark by Gallet on 24 March 1916. John's remark about the glass cracking the first time he wore the watch puzzled me as I had not previously heard of a glass cracking just from being worn, but any competent watch repairer would be able to replace it. For some suggestions on how to find a competent watch repairer see the "servicing" section towards the bottom of my Contact Me page.

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Hi David, has arrived strap and is perfect, the clock is also repaired and works perfectly, not cost me much repair. and I am very happy with the result, thank you very much. José. 6 August 2015. Type B design in dark chestnut with a 14mm strap.

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Thanks David. I love it David. 5 August 2015. Type B in black, custom 14mm strap to fit 1912 Omega wristwatch.

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Hi David, Many thanks for the recent swift delivery of this watch strap, I thought you might be interested to see a couple of images of the strap with the watch and also to hear the short story behind it. My family were watch and clock makers and jewellers in Suffolk from 1831 until 2000 when my father retired. The business remained in the same premises for that entire period and my father had, over the years, discovered many old items of interest. This particular watch is a Swiss silver full hunter wristwatch with import hallmarks for Glasgow 1917. What makes it especially unusual is that it was taken into stock by my Great Grandfather at our shop in 1918 at a cost price of £2/1/6 but was never sold. It is therefore 'new' old stock! You can see in the photograph that the dial, having been protected by the cover for 98 years, is just as it was when it left the factory. My father has just presented it to my wife as a birthday present. As you can imagine - she is absolutely delighted with it and also with the strap. As I have a number of other interesting WW1 wristwatches, (including my Grandfather's 1918 silver half-hunter and a couple of Borgel cased examples), I will undoubtedly be in touch again for further straps. It is wonderful to be able to wear these watches occasionally without fear of the old straps failing. With many thanks again and kind regards, Jonathan. 26 July 2015. Type A design in Italian dark chestnut with Type GW handmade hallmarked sterling silver buckle .

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Hi David, The strap arrived yesterday. WOW! I love it! It's such a NICE strap! I love the smell of the leather. Excellent quality! The buckle is AWESOME! Thank you so much!!!! Chris. 16 July 2015. Type AS in chestnut with Type GW handmade hallmarked sterling silver buckle .

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Hello David, The strap fits both the watch and my wrist perfectly. I am very pleased with how the strap picks up the vintage look of the watch. The watch is an Omega RAF53 Thin Arrow which has been restored by John Senior. Many thanks Pieter. 15 July 2015. Leather RAF in black, 18mm. Maintaining an authentic vintage look and feel by making things the way they used to be made is one of my goals.

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Hi David, As promised a picture of my Elgin 1911 watch with new strap fitted. The strap looks great and I have another trench type watch being serviced at the moment which in due course will require a strap.I will place an order then. Many thanks again, Bill. 14 July 2015. Type A in military tan, 10mm strap width, gold coloured buckle.

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Hi David, Strap’s looking good! The trench watch is Zenith, made in 1916/17 for the US Signal Corps, out of a base metal alloy (german silver). Original but probably restored at some point, as the lume is just visible in the dark and the wire lugs which would have measured 12-14mm across originally have been replaced with wider spaced lugs of 16mm. The dark chestnut strap complements it well. Nick. 30 June 2015. Type B in Italian dark chestnut with a Type GW handmade hallmarked sterling silver buckle .

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Hi David, Sorry for the delay but a quick note to say the watch strap arrived - VERY nice! Thanks again, Mark. 24 June 2015. Type B in brandy with Type GW handmade hallmarked sterling silver buckle .

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Hello David, Thank you very much for making/sending the watch strap. It fits perfectly and compliments my 1916 watch very well. I have attached an image which you may share with others. I hope it displays your product well and encourages others to get one from you. Best Regards John. 24 June 2015. Type B in dark chestnut with Type GW handmade hallmarked sterling silver buckle .

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Hi David, The strap has arrived safely. Using the information on your site I have found out that the silver case is import marked London and date letter for 1917/18 with a sponsor mark, A.G.R for Robert Pringle and Sons. I think I have identified the movement as an A Schild 137 as it looks identical the example illustrated. Sadly there is no family history with it. I have always fancied a "trench" watch and I thought this one was attractive. It looks so much better now on your strap than it did on the grotty ladies strap it came with. Thank you for making proper straps available and the amount of work you have put into your website. I have had several enjoyable hours reading up on the history of these timepieces. All the best, James. 28 May 2015. Type B in brandy with Type GW handmade hallmarked sterling silver buckle .

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David, Great strap. Excellent job on the Sterling buckle. Attached my 1914 Waltham Riverside 17 jewel Sterling Illinois case trench watch. Thanks. Regards, David. 12 May 2015. Type C design with 14mm strap in tan morocco with Type GW handmade hallmarked sterling silver buckle .

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Dear mr. Boettcher, It's taken some time before I had the opportunity to thank you for the wonderful strap. The watch has had some TLC and has only recently been fitted to the strap. I've enclosed a picture of the watch and strap. Kind regards, Eelco. 2 May 2015. Type BS design in military tan leather with Type GW handmade hallmarked sterling silver buckle .

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Hi David, I have just received my Type B Brandy watchstrap. That must be the fastest I have ever had anything delivered ordered through the Internet. The watchstrap looks great with the watch and is really well made. I found the watch at the very bottom of a jumble of watches in a display case in an antique shop whilst on a recent road trip to New Zealand. My Watchmaker, the Glasgow horological legend George Davis, gave it a service and states that it is from around 1915. Your watchstrap is the final piece of TLC required to bring it back to its former glory. I have attached 1 photo with previous strap & 2 with the new strap. What a difference! Once again many thanks and rest assured that I will be telling my other watch obsessive friends about your great product. Wills. 1 May 2015.

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Hi David, Many thanks for the lovely 16mm one piece leather strap you made for me, it looks great with my gold Waltham trench watch, thanks again for all of your effort. Cheers, Martin. 30 April 2015. Leather NATO RAF in chestnut.

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Thank you for my watch strap. My husband is delighted with it. Here is a photo for your web site. June. 6 March 2015. G10 Mk. II 20mm black.

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Hi David, Many thanks for the Watch Strap. It looks absolutely terrific with my 1915 Rolex Trench Watch. I have attached some photos for you to post to your website if you wish. My story is quite similar to yours in so much as I inherited my Trench watch (among others) from my Grandfather. It was in rather poor condition and I had it restored thanks to a terrific Jeweller in Glasgow (Martins of Glasgow, many thanks Martin and Gail). After a service and new crystal and clean up it works exceptionally well and keeps great time. I had swithered about which watch strap colour to go for (it was either the Brandy or the Chestnut), but I am delighted with my Type B Strap in Brandy with World War One sterling silver Buckle. My Grandfather's watch (or according to my mother, most likely my Great Grandfather's watch) was made in 1915 and has a Factory case and workings with the W&D markings inside. It is hallmarked silver imported through London in 1915 with case reference number 663108, the second wheel is also marked Rolex. I must admit it took me about about 18 months to get round to having it restored but I am now in the process of having the other watches I inherited repaired and restored for my own pleasure and future generations too, therefore I shall most likely be back for another strap at some point in the future! Quite by chance Martin the Jeweller had recommended your straps to me during our discussions in the shop but during my research prior to putting the watch in for restoration I had already come across your website and had read up on the history of your Grandfathers watch (which is very similar to mine) and was already intending on buying a strap from you, however as Martin had ordered his strap for a trench watch he had in his shop and was wearing his when I picked up my restored trench watch it did give me some guidance on my colour choice. Anyhow once again many thanks for the great info on the website and the excellent watch strap. Best Regards Gareth. 7 April 2015.

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David, My 1929 Omega is singing! Better than I could dream. Your work is magnificent!! Matt. 7 April 2015. Type B design in dark brown with Type GW handmade hallmarked sterling silver buckle .

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Hello David, I received the type B navy strap with sterling silver buckles and it's a superb combination with my silver Omega 1915 watch. Thanks for your detailed work and craftsmanship. Nori. 2 April 2015. Type B design in dark blue leather with light green stitching and Type GW handmade hallmarked sterling silver buckle ; it makes a striking combination.

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Dear David At last I have a proper leather strap for my late Father's watch, I am delighted with it! the thin strap which Father had cut down to fit the 12 mm lugs never looked right, now it looks perfect thanks to you. So pleased I found your web site. Sadly Father's watch is not a Rolex but I love the sentimental value it has. It is silver and on the works it has SWISS MADE and 15 jewels. On the case a number 407 2 00 AB. I am going to order a replica silver buckle at a later date, you were out of stock with this order, Yours sincerely, Audrey. 6 March 2015. David notes: Audrey has fitted her father's watch with a Type B strap in chestnut.

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Hi David, My watch strap arrived today and delivery was sooner than expected. Thank you very much, my FB watch is now looking great again. Regards Graham. 5 March 2015. Type C design in chestnut with Type GW handmade hallmarked sterling silver buckle .

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Hi David, I've received it and love it. My watch isn't vintage or particularly expensive but think the strap you made suits it well. Ed. 4 March 2015. David notes: Ed's strap is my G10 NATO MkII design in chestnut with red stitching.

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Hi David, I would just like to let you know that I have finished refurbishing my trench watch and have now fitted the strap. I am delighted with the quality and it sets the watch off beautifully. As per your letter, I have attached a photograph of my watch complete with strap. Many thanks for an excellent service, it is greatly appreciated. Kind regards, George. 27 February 2015. David notes: Ed's strap is my NATO G10 MkII design in chestnut with red stitching.

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Hi David, I just received the custom made leather nato strap. Really superb work! I'm very pleased with it. Thanks. Kind regards, Robbie. 20 February 2015. Robbie's watch is a Björn Hendal. About it Robbie says: It's new and not in full production yet and it's made by an friend of mine. If you are interested then you should get in touch with Willem Kamerman at bjornhendalwatches.

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Many thanks for the watch strap - here's a picture. It's given my old Rolex a new lease of life! Kind regards, Trevor. 20 February 2015.

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Hi David Just received my strap from you and it fits great, and smells great too! I thought I'd send you a picture of my black dial Dennison watch for you to add to your website. It's hall marked 1916, Birmingham, sterling silver and has the Dennison and ALD stamps also. The movement is a Tavannes 330 with pearlage. The case also exhibits tarnishing or faint black paint consistent of military usage. Look forward to seeing it on your website as you already have a picture of my Borgel's movement on there too (Tavannes 370 from Marc). Cheers mate! Nick. 19 February 2015. David notes: Nick's watch has the same movement as Oleg's watch shown immediately below. Oleg's watch has conventional stem setting - you can see the little setting lever screw next to the ratchet wheel - whereas Nick's watch has negative or American setting; there is no setting lever screw. Tavannes movements with negative setting are usually stamped "U.S. Pat. 24 May 1904" where the setting lever screw would normally be, but Nick's movement doesn't have this. I doubt that the case was deliberately tarnished or blackened for military use, I think it is just a sign of age. There is no pheon or broad arrow military marking, but a 1916 wristwatch with luminous dial like this one would certainly have been used by a military man, most likely an officer, during World War One. It would have been a private purchase rather than officially issued, officers were expected to supply most of their own kit as I explain on my page about trench watches.

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Hi David As promised- please find attached a few shots of my watch with your strap. Please feel free to post them on your website. If you do so - I think it would be great to point out that it is Type C design with double slots in dark brown color. I am more than happy with the quality and design. The watch doesn't come off my hand- I love the fact that I can now wear my 103 year old watch! Thanks, Oleg. 14 February 2015. David notes: Oleg asked me if I could identify the movement of his watch - as shown on my movement identification page it is a 13''' Tavannes calibre 330 series.

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Hi David Thanks for the quality G10 strap. In my personal view, It's suitable with my smiths astral divers watch and happy to share with you some photos. I will order another one for my new vintage watch shortly. Regards, Nori. 10 February 2015

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Hi David Thank you I received the strap the other day. Needless to say, I am very happy with it indeed! I have attached some photos, but I'm sure you have many sent to you already from previous content customers. Thank you again. Kindly, Louis. 7 February 2015

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Hi David I received the watch strap today and it looks great thank you. Thanks again, Mark. 7 February 2015

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Good Morning David Quick note to say the strap arrived and is now fitted to my 1919 Stauffer & Co./IWC, looks wonderful and feels really nice to wear so much more secure than the 12mm strap that was on it before which felt like it would snap at any moment. So thanks and I'll be back for more no doubt once my collection expands... Photo attached as requested. kind regards, craig. 3 February 2015

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Here is your strap on my 1915 triple signed Omega trench watch with guard. Dial, case, and movement are all Omega. Case is Sterling Silver with Swiss Hallmarks and German half moon and crown import mark for Silver. I assume it therefore served in the German trenches during the war. Very pleased with your work and service. Dr. Tony B. 29 January 2015

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Hi David, I received my strap today, and I'm delighted with it. It fits my watch, and my wrist, perfectly and the quality is first class - infinitely superior to a single thickness leather Zulu strap that I bought recently. My watch is not vintage, but I attach a couple of photos to show how well the strap fits. Best regards, Ian. 15 January 2015

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Hi David, The strap arrived on time and looks and fits great. You were recommended to me by john senior and would recommend to everybody. Thanks Douglas. 29 December 2014

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Hi, Thanks for this amazing strap for my WEST END watch secundus ! I am so happy :) Nicolas. 16 December 2014.

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Hello David, your watch strap is magnificent. Thank you. I'm going to try and upload photos for you in this email, bear with me as I work it out. If you need more photos please let me know. Thank you again, I'm so grateful. Peter. 15 December 2014.

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David, Thanks for the prompt dispatch of my strap. It looks great on my Borgel cased watch. Regards Pete. 13 December 2014

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Dear David My three new watch straps arrived here safely today - and I couldn't wait to try them on! I am absolutely thrilled and delighted with the result you've achieved. Not only do the straps perfectly show off my vintage watches, but they are a work of art in themselves: they look bold and masculine when worn, and they give off the aroma of the leather workshop where you crafted them. Best of all, they speak of robust craftsmanship, and the fashionable transition from one era (peacetime elegance) to another era (wartime pragmatism). Though the modern expression of meaning, in a single word, had not yet then evolved, these watch bands - and the timepieces they served to exhibit on the wrists of young men - were conspicuously 'cool'. Wartime was no time for fancy gold chains and watch fobs at the midriff; the telling of the time was to be snatched on the run - by a quick glance at a purposefully crooked wrist. And, of course, the men who went off to war in 1914 were mostly young men, with all the bravado and swagger that we would later gratefully recognise - on the field of battle - as valour. So, good on you for your timely enterprise, and may it bring countless opportunities for others like me to realise the eternal importance and true meaning of the pledge "We will remember them". All good wishes, Garry B., OAM LLB, Mittagong NSW Australia. 8 December 2014 Although Garry didn't send me any pictures, describing himself modestly as "a fully-paid-up member of the Australian Society of Luddites" I thought his words were sufficiently important that they deserved a greater audience than my email inbox. Garry accurately captures the spirit of World War One, when for the first time men realised that wristwatches could fulfil an important, even vital, function, and those that returned home from the mud and blood were not afraid of being thought effeminate for wearing a wristwatch - not after what they had been through. And those that didn't return, who died doing their duty for their King and their country, and for their families, we will remember them. And we should also remember those who through their hubris and stupidity sent young men who would otherwise have been friends to kill each other - and are still doing it today. David.

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Hi David, Just to let you know received the strap today, great service and product here it is on the watch. Steve. 25 November 2014 Type A design in chestnut with Type GW handmade hallmarked sterling silver buckle .

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Hi David, I have just received the strap and I am absolutely delighted with it. The quality is 1st class and it really shows off my grandfather's watch which he wore in the 1st World War. My father also wore it in the 2nd World War including when he was involved in action at D-Day. So as you can imagine I am delighted to be able to wear it again. Many thanks, Steve. 14 November 2014

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Dear David, Many thanks for the 2 further watch straps just received. They are as well made as ever and look great. I attach a photo of the 3 watches I have with your straps on, if you want to add this to your 'customer's watches' section. They are, from left to right or bottom to top, (1) a Swiss Made but maker unknown / not marked 1917 Trench Watch with spiral trench guard and a Type A 12mm Red Chestnut strap, (2) a J W Benson of London silver Half Hunter from the 1930s I think (as it is some 35mm across without crown) with a Type A 14mm Chestnut strap, and (3) a Vertex WWW with a Standard NATO Chestnut strap. Thank you so much once again; your straps do these vintage watches proud. Nick. 30 October 2014

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Hi David, Got the band yesterday and fitted it today, I'll attach a photo for you but my watch is not pretty, I rather the aged look personally, the watch has no markings other than its swiss made, no makers mark or dating possibilities and its history is unknown, so you never know it may have seen some action? It's not running perfectly as I haven't serviced it yet, I've only cleaned and lubricated as best as possible without any dissembling but it now runs well but not perfect, I also custom ground a new crystal to fit it personally myself and pretty happy with the results of my effort. As a watch enthusiast and a former leather worker I am extremely pleased with the authenticity of the construction... A wristwatch is not a wristwatch without a band and the band is very important to the overall watch... So I'm extremely pleased that I found you for this band... Doug. :-) 21 October 2014

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Hi David, Just wanted to send you a photo of my 1945 Benson on your strap. Looks great! Best, Michael. 11 October 2014

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Dear David, I have just fitted my trench watch to your strap and I thought you might like some pictures for your website. Nick. 9 October 2014

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David, I received the strap today in good order, thank you. Enclosed is a picture with my 17j Sterling Silver 1916-17 Gallet trench watch attached. I am still in search of a proper onion crown, but the watch times great after my watchmaker did his magic. Richard. 4 October 2014

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Hi David, Here a some pictures of your NATO strap on my 1968 W10 Smiths military watch. I've worn it now for about 2-3 weeks and found it not only suits the watch military background but most comfortable on the wrist. Best regards, Robert. 18 September 2014

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Hi David, Thank you very much for the supply of a black leather G10 (Mark II) Nato strap which has now been fitted to my 1956 vintage Omega military watch. My watch now looks very classy and is once again in daily use. I was never that keen on the nylon G10 strap and like yourself I hated the way the buckle ended up on the side. Your Mark II design is exactly what I was looking for. Regards, Torquil. 31 August 2014

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Hi David, The strap arrived today - many thanks! Details: Watch - Smiths Deluxe model A453 (in a A153 case). Made in Cheltenham in 1954. This one of the first 17 jewel centre seconds movements -- basically the same as the earlier cal.1215 which had the subseconds at 6 o'clock -- this one even has the "15" overstamped with "17" and a low serial number making it an early example. Horn lugs - not as nice as the heavy Dennison screw-back cases but nicer than the simple snap-back Smiths ones. Lovely blued steel "sword" hands with lume infill (though oddly, the seconds hand is missing). Retailed for £11 in 1954 (about £240 today) Strap - Vintage Watch Straps Co. by David Boettcher. Hand-made in England, 2014. Dark brown two-ply leather, parallel (no taper) 16mm closed-ended two-piece strap with silver-coloured buckle and keeper. Oliver. 15 July 2014. The Rev'd. Oliver Harrison, Holy Trinity Church, Wilnecote, Tamworth. www.holytrinitywilnecote.org.uk

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Hi David, Please find attached a few photos of your two-piece strap on my 1940 "Economy" 6B/234 aircrew watch, as promised. The strap looks just like the original issue straps, and works perfectly with the watch's fixed lugs. Cheers, Dave. 26 June 2014

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Dear David, Many thanks for the watch strap ! I'm extremely pleased with it and have been wearing my grandad's watch since it arrived. I've sent a couple of pictures, my grandad in the war in India early 1940's wearing the watch and today with the new strap, still in working condition after all this time. My grandad's initials were JC, engraved on the back and these are the same as my first and middle name, so seems fitting I've done this. I sent these pictures to my brothers and sister and mum, (who's dad it was from) it has brought back many memories and a few tears, I am the youngest and he died when I was 3 in 1974 and I was given the watch just this last month. I'm so glad I did not jump at the first strap I saw and opted for this one from yourself ... Would definitely recommend. Many thanks Jane D. 25 June 2014

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Hi David, Here's a photo of the watch (my grandfather's which I have had reconditioned) and strap as requested - looks great, thanks Thanks, Paul. 18 June 2014 Paul's grandfather's watch is one of the wristwatches Omega supplied, beginning in 1945, to the British military under the "Watch Wristlet Waterproof" (W.W.W.) military specification. Paul has chosen one of my Type B designs, which I think looks a lot more "period" than the nylon G10 straps these watches are usually fitted with. You can read more about the Omega W.W.W. watches on my Omega page.

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Hi David, Strap recieved and it's just the job. I find it difficult to get anything to fit my wrist. Photo attached. Regards, Steve. 1 June 2014 Steve's strap is a leather NATO G10 in black with yellow contrast stitching, which makes a very striking combination. Because each leather NATO G10 strap is custom made we made the strap to Steve's wrist measurements so that it fits him exactly.

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Hi David, The G10 MKII arrived today and as you can see looks great on my D Day era Omega WWW.....this watch will be with me for a long time! Best Regards, Simon. 28 May 2014

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Dear David Thank you so much for your prompt and efficient service in providing a well crafted strap. Slightly speedier than my tardy reply. I my defence I had wanted the quiet moment to just give you a little of the recent history of this lovely watch that I have had the privilege of owning for over a quarter of a century. I found it in a box of oddments in the Portobello Road and bought it for 50p. It looked like a misty sun in a matted dark sky. Black with a yellow lens in the half hunter outercase, the inner glass removed and blobby luminous paint daubed thickly over the figures and hands. Also upon the enamel face dial was the name 'Russells of Liverpool'. It had a silver 50's strap and I thought at the time was possibly some sort of a conversion into a ladies watch. Perhaps it always was? Foolishly, whilst clearing the grime from the exposed face, I began to remove and successfully did, all the radioactive paint and consequently the jeweller's name details too. This was done in ignorance. It is the watch, perhaps like yours that has taught me so much. The cleaning did however reveal the beautiful numerals and the red twelve o'clock, previously indistinguishable. It was in the mid eighties and I was on a placement in Liverpool based at the Walker Art Gallery, my studio in the old Bridwell where incidentally they filmed one of the key scenes of 'Boys From the Black Stuff' by Alan Bleasdale...... It was the furthest north I'd ever been at the time. Miners strikes, Deryk Hatton, a bankrupt council, cages in grocery and liquor stores, a different world to a naive southern boy! Hence regular trips to London and the Portobello fix. The watch seemed to have something of this about it as well. It had been on a journey. I found the original Jewellers, Russells, still then in Liverpool and took the shining watch in. They said that if they had time it would be possible to trawl through their records and find the original purchaser of the watch. They didn't, they were too busy surviving and trying to make a living and couldn't do anything to repair or restore the watch either. I took it to one of those original working watchmakers in Clarkenwell, London, where nothing is on display, and the mahogany counter is smooth with questioning and thoughtful elbows of time. They restored the watch and told me that there would have been enamel in the outer case's figures, apparently there were traces still. That eluded my unskilled eye. "It's not going to be cheap mind", I have deliberately forgotten quite how much it was. They re-enamelled it and possibly put new hands on too. They told me that it should have a "military strap", which was the first time I had any idea that the watch might of had another life other than being worn by someone else before, like a teenager listening to a Dansette record player in the Sixties. It hadn't occurred to me that it recorded a turning point in history. Not just that of a watch going from a chain and fob to the wrist, but the probability of a young officer's eyes scanning in the half light of dawn as he waited for the second hand to sweep the final seconds away before he blew a whistle and headed with his men 'over the top'. I have used that term to describe those type of men I'd like to call my really good friends, the one's I climb with, and work with when I'm fortunate enough to. The type of person you could entrust your life to; be it on a rope, a machine, or in the mists of a muddy field in Flanders. It's strange how objects can be the touchstones for deep collective historic emotion. This watch is one of those stones. Thank you for allowing me to wear it once again. Yours sincerely, Jonathan. 20 May 2014

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Hi David I received my watch band today! Boy was that fast! Thank you so very much! My old band had nearly disintegrated and this arrived just in time. My watch is a 1917 Waltham with a beautiful silver case made by the Dennison case company in England. With hallmarks, The lion passant, an S and an anchor. Any idea what the S and the anchor mean? Thanks again! Chris. 15 May 2014 I do know what the S and the anchor mean. The anchor is the town mark of the Birmingham Assay Office, and the "S" is the assayer's mark (date letter) for the Birmingham hallmarking year 1917 - 1918. For more information on hallmarks on native British items see my British Hallmarks page.

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David Thank you for supplying my watch strap. As you can see from the attached photo, it displays my grandfather's watch to perfection. The watch was found in his effects along with a brief handwritten account of his war service from 1914 to his ultimate discharge as unfit for continued military service in September 1919. He enlisted as a private and was a captain on discharge. He was wounded twice and gassed! In Home Guard service in WW2 he achieved the rank of major. As you can see the watch has a plain face, but has a Rolex movement in a silver case. It dates from 1917, the year of his commission. I have had it cleaned and restored. It keeps perfect time. With kind regards, Lachlan. 3 May 2014

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David I am delighted with the strap, I will send you a photograph of it in a moment paired with a VERY special watch to me, it was owned by a WWII spitfire pilot who loved his issued Omega but wanted a Chronograph. Best wishes Tom. 26 April 2014

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Dear David, Thank you so much for my new watch strap, I believe the word that best describes it is handsome! Regards, Will. 27 March 2014 Type B design in dark brown with 18mm strap on c.1940s R.A.F issue Omega 6B/159 with fixed 17mm bars.

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Hello David, Thank you for the watch strap. I have attached a photo' to show a black dial on military tan leather. Regards Chris. 27 March 2014

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Hi David, Watch strap received this evening with your letter. Interestingly, like you I was struggling to find an authentic strap. This strap was for a watch owned by my grandfather. I know little about the watch, except that it is a West End Watches Co Secundus and that he wore it when he was in the British Army - it saw him through all the campaigns of El Alamein, D-Day landings, Sicily, Italy, Burma and some time in India. He also wore it at Dunkirk. I do not know when he acquired it, but I do believe it was a favourite watch of the Indian army - so maybe he got it there. It is great to see it on a strap that is as close to the one I remember it on when he gave it to me many years ago. The watch itself is in need of a service - been too long in a box and that is job number one tomorrow. Great strap - watch looks great to be on a strap again. Picture attached. James. 21 March 2014

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David, Strap arrived today. It's fantastic and suits the watch perfectly! Thank you very much. This is the information regarding the watch :- This is a wristwatch "Sturmanskie" made at "First Moscow Watch Factory". The First Moscow Watch Factory is first not only by name. Throughout its more than 70-year history, it has been and still is the leader in developing and manufacturing highly accurate watch movements. These movements have been used in the army and aviation, in the navy and even in space technology - in other words, anywhere where a high level of accuracy and reliability is essential. The NAVIGATOR, (or STURMANSKIE in Russian,) which had been issued to new graduates of the prestigious Orenberg Flight School along with their diplomas since the late 1940s, was a logical choice, due to the high quality of the movement and inherent accuracy of the watch. Gagarin would have been supplied with such a 1st Moscow Watch Factory Sturmanskie upon graduation from Orenberg as well, but it is doubtful that he would have received the Sturmanskie he wore into space at that time. These watches were produced specially for Russian Air Force officers in very limited quantity (the order of the Ministry of Defence of the USSR, not for mass sale). "Sturmanskie" were the first wristwatches have visited Cosmos with Yuri Gagarin. Very reliable mechanism - in conditions of weightlessness the watch worked faultlessly !!! Superb watch for collection !!! Year of manufacture approx 1954-59; body diameter(size) - 34mm; mechanical manual movement( hand winding); wristband size - 16mm Many thanks again for a high quality strap. Best regards, Mike. 11 March 2014

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Gorgeous strap David ! Thank you David for the beautiful strap ! The quality and attention to detail is certainly evident in its construction. You've given my not so old, (20 years) Swiss Army Victorinox 'Calvary' series watch a whole new look. The watch really comes alive now with your classic "Trench" band. While not "Worthy" to be seen among your true vintage classics: I've enclosed a couple of pictures for your consideration. Well done and thanks again! Type C 18mm strap Military Tan Greg R. 26 January 2014

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Dear David, Dear David thanks for the watch strap which I think you would agree compliments my silver trench watch. I just love the hallmarked buckle. Best wishes John E. 21 January 2014

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Dear David, Thanks very much for the watchstrap, My wrist is rather big, but the strap just fits on the last hole. I've attached a picture of the strap on my father's 1916 centre seconds Stauffer in a silver "CN" case. He volunteered for one of Lord Kitchener's Liverpool "PALS" regiments in 1914 and probably bought the watch when recovering from a wound at the battle of the Somme in 1916. He was wounded again in 1918 but survived the war and gave me the watch. Best wishes, Richard. 16 January 2014

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This page got so long that I decided to split it at the point. If you want to see older customer's images, follow this link: Old customers.