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The dreaded-strap-tail thread aka resources for custom/short straps (slim-wristed folks unite!)

Discussion area for watch straps, boxes, winders and other accessories.
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The dreaded-strap-tail thread aka resources for custom/short straps (slim-wristed folks unite!)

Post by pdsf »

Many thanks to [mention]recapt[/mention] for the idea. 

With wrist size of 6"-6.3", pretty much all OEM straps are too long for me.  Some people don't mind a long strap tail (when the strap is so long it sticks out), but I do...:  
Helm strap tail.jpg
:(

Hence, for non-bracelet options, I have had to go the custom route. I thought I'd share with you some places I like:

Watch Strap Heaven (https://www.watchstrapheaven.com/) - many places offer made-to-order leather straps; I have found Watch Strap Heaven's straps to be of excellent quality at a very good price point.  It does take relatively longer for shipment to arrive if you live in the US/outside of Europe, but it's worth it.  I have had several cordovan straps made by Jan, the owner, and they have all been wonderful.  Jan is very good at giving advice on what type of leather would suit what style of straps, watch cases, etc.  One bonus thing - there is no branding on their straps and buckles. 

Yellow Dog (https://www.yellowdogwatchstraps.com/) - I always wear a watch with a 1-piece Yellow Dog rubber strap during sports. Alex, the owner, custom makes all the straps, and you can even work with him on a special design.  Check his IG for some ideas. https://www.instagram.com/yellowdogwatchstraps/ These rubber straps are strong and very comfortable.  Branding is very discrete and not intrusive.

Erika's Originals (https://erikasoriginals.com/) - this one needs no introduction.  One of the best straps out there.  Pricey though, but there is nothing else like it.  If you can, wait for the Black Friday code, but increase in order volume means it'd take much longer for her team to get the order out.

Other places that offer shorter strap lengths:

Barton Watch Bands (https://www.bartonwatchbands.com/collec ... ck-release) - their silicon straps come in two lengths, and the shorter strap fits me perfectly.  They are affordable and very comfortable straps.  They come with quick-release pins as well!

Holben's offers a lot of options with shorter lengths (https://holbensfinewatchbands.com/colle ... ort?page=1).  I recently bought the Hirsch rubber in short (still a wee bit on the long side but acceptable; quality is very good).

Helm's nylon straps (https://helmwatches.com/nylon.html) - this came as a surprise to me.  I bought a nylon strap together with my Komodo because it's shorter than regular NATOs or Zulus (11") so I thought I'd give it a go.  It's worked out well. You fold the end back on the other side of your wrist, so from the top, you won't see any extra strap like you would with a NATO, so it still gives you a slim strap profile.
Helm strap in action.jpg
That's all I can think of at this point.  Feel free to add to the knowledge base and/or share your dreaded-strap-tail stories!

I am open to learning how to embrace the strap tail if you have any good ideas. :)
Last edited by pdsf on Wed Aug 19, 2020 9:27 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: The dreaded-strap-tail thread (slim-wristed folks unite!)

Post by Boourns »

I've had Colareb and Chris Ward short size straps and they are both perfect.
I wish that watch were 38mm?
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Re: The dreaded-strap-tail thread (slim-wristed folks unite!)

Post by TheJohnP »

Definitely check out our Brand Showcase member [mention]trinhlemai[/mention] at https://7strap.com/
She can custom make a strap to a length as small as you need.

You can also order from https://pattini.eu/ for affordable custom straps.
They take a little longer to deliver from Poland, but well made.
Smallest size you can choose appears to be 110/145mm
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Re: The dreaded-strap-tail thread (slim-wristed folks unite!)

Post by recapt »

Thanks for starting this thread, [mention]pdsf[/mention]!

6.25” wrist here... I love Erika’s straps and have purchased 3 from her over the years. One “hack” I’ve been using (to avoid going broke on straps) is to order AliExpress MN straps and have my tailor shorten them for me. I just give her my perfectly sized Erika’s strap as a template and she’ll do them for $3 each, so they come to about $12 each all-in.

The quality is not as good as Erika’s but it’s close. The main difference I’ve noticed is that I seem to have to tighten the fit more often while I’m wearing them. It’s a pretty minor annoyance and well worth it IMO.

Link: https://a.aliexpress.com/_dY0XAE0
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Re: The dreaded-strap-tail thread (slim-wristed folks unite!)

Post by Sussa »

I’m with you, slim-wristed kin. I have to punch at least one extra hole in most standard straps and then the tail is practically touching the 12 side of the watch. This is why I love NATOs so much. My favorite sources for short straps:

Nomos offers their straps in short (105/70) and extra short (95/60).

This eBay seller has Horween straps in the same sizes and styles for half the price. I’ve heard they are selling Nomos straps that didn’t pass QC, but can not confirm. I do have their Horween Nomos-esque brown strap and can vouch for the quality. https://www.ebay.com/usr/sandtuhr. Other short straps available as well.

I’ve been very happy with custom lengths from Martu. https://www.martuleather.com/

On the cheaper end of the spectrum, Cheapest NATO Straps has some short (105/65) two-piece leather straps.

Watch Band Center has a decent amount of short straps too: https://www.watch-band-center.com/shop-watchstrap.html
Last edited by Sussa on Sun Aug 16, 2020 7:19 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: The dreaded-strap-tail thread (slim-wristed folks unite!)

Post by tommy_boy »

Great thread.

My strap length spec for 40mm cases is 180-185. 200 is too much.

Andrea (Martu) is my go-to for custom straps.

There is such a thing as too much tail. ;)
Just my $0.02 USD as always.
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Re: The dreaded-strap-tail thread (slim-wristed folks unite!)

Post by recapt »

Has anyone ever found a short tropic-style rubber strap? I love that vintage look.
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Re: The dreaded-strap-tail thread (slim-wristed folks unite!)

Post by pdsf »

Thank you all for the recommendations. One great find - Martu offers custom denim straps! Always wanted to give that a go.... :)

The Aliexpress MN idea is ingenious!
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Re: The dreaded-strap-tail thread (slim-wristed folks unite!)

Post by pdsf »

recapt wrote: Sun Aug 16, 2020 8:38 pm Has anyone ever found a short tropic-style rubber strap? I love that vintage look.
I have a tropic 1-piece zulu 23cm in length with slim hardware by Yellow Dog. I think a rubber NATO would be too thick and lift the watch case too high for my taste.

His pic, not mine:
Annotation 2020-08-17 051127.png
I can take a pic of mine later when the sun is out.
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Re: The dreaded-strap-tail thread aka resources for custom/short straps (slim-wristed folks unite!)

Post by pdsf »

Another accidental find: anOrdain, apart from producing beautiful enamel dials, offers many of their straps in short. I have 3 pairs and they are of excellent quality and fit my slim wrist well. They come with quick-release pins!

Edit: Forgot to say - I think they offer free worldwide shipping but double check with them. They offer excellent customer service.

https://anordain.com/collections/watch- ... -bracelets
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Re: The dreaded-strap-tail thread aka resources for custom/short straps (slim-wristed folks unite!)

Post by recapt »

Just received two of these single-pass adjustable straps from AliExpress (gray and green). I was curious to see whether they were still wearable when adjusted for my 6.25” wrist and I’m happy to say they are.

I think I finally found a strap I like on this Timex MK1, despite the different finishing between the case and strap hardware.

The quality seems pretty good considering the price (I paid $18.88 delivered for two straps). Hopefully they are durable. We’ll see. So far I’m very happy with the purchase.

Here's the link: https://a.aliexpress.com/_dXkZQOm

Now some pics!

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Re: The dreaded-strap-tail thread aka resources for custom/short straps (slim-wristed folks unite!)

Post by recapt »

recapt wrote:Just received two of these single-pass adjustable straps from AliExpress (gray and green). I was curious to see whether they were still wearable when adjusted for my 6.25” wrist and I’m happy to say they are.

I think I finally found a strap I like on this Timex MK1, despite the different finishing between the case and strap hardware.

The quality seems pretty good considering the price (I paid $18.88 delivered for two straps). Hopefully they are durable. We’ll see. So far I’m very happy with the purchase.

Here's the link: https://a.aliexpress.com/_dXkZQOm

Now some pics!

Image

Image

Image

Image

Image

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Update... just ordered 3 more [emoji6]
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Re: The dreaded-strap-tail thread aka resources for custom/short straps (slim-wristed folks unite!)

Post by pdsf »

recapt wrote: Tue Aug 25, 2020 12:32 pm
recapt wrote:Just received two of these single-pass adjustable straps from AliExpress (gray and green). I was curious to see whether they were still wearable when adjusted for my 6.25” wrist and I’m happy to say they are.

I think I finally found a strap I like on this Timex MK1, despite the different finishing between the case and strap hardware.

The quality seems pretty good considering the price (I paid $18.88 delivered for two straps). Hopefully they are durable. We’ll see. So far I’m very happy with the purchase.

Here's the link: https://a.aliexpress.com/_dXkZQOm

Now some pics!

Image

Image

Image

Image

Image

Image
Update... just ordered 3 more [emoji6]
Haha they look nice! I might get some as well. I think they will look really good with our BB58!!!! yes, well, eventually we will have it. 8-)
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Re: The dreaded-strap-tail thread aka resources for custom/short straps (slim-wristed folks unite!)

Post by recapt »

pdsf wrote:
Haha they look nice! I might get some as well. I think they will look really good with our BB58!!!! yes, well, eventually we will have it. 8-)
Definitely!
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Re: The dreaded-strap-tail thread aka resources for custom/short straps (slim-wristed folks unite!)

Post by recapt »

Anyone have any experience with Haveston natos like this one? Interested to hear how they wear on small wrists.

https://www.haveston.com/service-series ... m_polished

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