When looking for the perfect strap for your watch, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer amount of choice out there. Between materials, shape, design, texture, fastening mechanism and lug sizes there are a lot of details to choose from and be aware of. Fortunately strap experts Watch Obsession have got you covered with their new Premium Watch Strap Collection, handcrafted by their Belgian counterparts, LIC, which covers the core fundamentals and essential styles you should consider for your watch.
Watch Obsession Flat Epsom, £119
The Flat Epsom strap is highly regarded for its combination of durability and style thanks to its characteristic embossed pattern. Made from calf leather it’s sleek and classic, ideal for a wide range of watches. Available in chocolate brown, cognac and black, it particularly suits vintage tool watches in the daily beater, pilot’s watch and field watch categories. Perhaps as a strap alternative to the bracelet on the Carl F. Bucherer Heritage World Timer.
Watch Obsession Polaris Padded Baranil, £135
With its padding, the Polaris Padded Baranil is a thicker strap, making it a great choice for watches that are themselves thicker to account for the natural taper of the lugs and design. It’s also very comfortable when attached to those heavier sports watches. At the same time, the smooth finish gives it a subtlety that doesn’t detract from the style of the watch. It would work great for something like the Tag Heuer Carrera if you aren’t a fan of the perforated racing straps they’re supplied with.
Watch Obsession Lunar Deployment Baranil, £142
In the watch industry there is one timepiece that rises above all others when it comes to extra-terrestrial aspirations, the Omega Moonwatch. That’s particularly relevant here because the ‘Lunar’ in the name of the Lunar Deployment Baranil refers to the fact that this strap is designed specifically with the Omega Moonwatch in mind – although it’s perfectly suitable for a host of other chronographs too. Baranil leather is produced exclusively at the renowned Tannery Degermann.
Watch Obsession Classic Gallo, £125
Exotic leathers are always a contentious topic and so Watch Obsession have found alternative materials that recreate similar aesthetics. The Classic Gallo has a scaled pattern similar to alligator leathers but instead uses material that might otherwise go to waste: rooster feet. Rooster leather actually pre-dates the widespread use of alligator, making this a vintage throwback. It’s available in classic black and brown as well as a more intense petrol blue. It would make a great alternative for something like the Orient Bambino.
Watch Obsession Classic Saffiano, £76
Saffiano leather is a classic watch strap material with a crosshatched texture made from goat leather. It’s ideal for daily wear with an easy to clean surface and great durability. It’s also one of the most versatile, suitable for all varieties of wristwatch from dress to pilot to daily beater. Something which is reflected in its wide array of colours, including black, brown, blue and forest green. The green would be a fun twist for the Studio Underd0g x Fear The Gimlet.
Watch Obsession Classic Apple Fibre, £95
Watch Obsession’s Premium Strap collection isn’t limited to leather numbers as they have vegan alternatives as well. The Classic Apple Fibre is made from waste material from the apple juice industry combined with cotton, polyester and viscose to create a textile with a similar texture to leather, complete with a cork lining. Whether you want a non-leather strap for ideological reasons or just prefer the look and feel of this strap, it’s an important option to have available.
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