Frequently Asked Questions

A lot goes into ordering a custom watch strap.
Here are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions.

GENERAL

How much does a custom watch strap cost?
Our custom watch straps start at $259, shipped free and insured within the US. Each strap is entirely handcrafted by a sole artisan over the course of several hours and has a wide range of customization options. You will find several strap examples along with pricing in our gallery, or you can use our quote form to explore specific options and get a price estimate.

What is the turn-around time for a custom watch strap?
Custom order turn-around time is dependent on current order load. Please see our quote page for the current estimated turn-around time.

I’m not sure where to start with a custom watch strap. Can you help me?
Of course. We’d be happy to help guide you in the right direction. We will most likely still need a completed quote form, but feel free to reach out via our contact page for initial consultation.

How do I place an order?
The best way to place an order is to complete a quote form, which will guide you through customization options, pricing, and billing information. We will follow up via email to confirm your selections and send an electronic invoice for payment once we’ve finalized the order details.

I’ve placed an order. When will my order ship?
Each invoice includes a “ship date,” by which your order will be completed and shipped to you. We ask that requests for order status be kept to a minimum if more than one week in advance of your ship date.

How long will my custom watch strap last?
While we use only the highest quality materials and techniques in crafting our leather watch straps, the longevity of any leather good will depend on its use over time. With the right care, your leather watch strap can last for many years. We recommend avoiding moisture exposure and rotating through different straps to maximize longevity.

How do I care for my leather watch strap?
Most leather watch straps require minimal maintenance. If you find that your strap needs additional attention, we recommend cleaning the leather with saddle soap and applying a gentle leather conditioner, using the directions included with the product. *Please note that using these products may alter the color or finish of your watch strap.

SIZING

What size watch strap should I get?
Properly sizing a watch strap requires a lug width, buckle width, and length measurement. Unless you are fitting the watch onto an existing buckle, the only hard-constraint for sizing is the lug width, which will be determined by the watch onto which the strap will be fit. We stock buckles in 16 - 24mm wide (in even sizes) and length is best determined by your wrist size. Please see our watch strap sizing guide for more information and guidance.

I’m not sure about my measurements. Can I send a photo with my watch/strap next to a ruler?
We ask that all measurements be sent directly in numerical form, preferably in metric units. Deciphering exact measurements from photos is not a reliable method, especially for lug and buckle widths, which must be precise. Please use our sizing guide for help with measurements.

My watch has an uncommon lug width. Can you make a strap for my watch?
Most likely, yes. We do all of our own templating in-house and can accommodate most requests including fractional lug widths (e.g., 21.5mm, 18.8mm, etc.).

I have an uncommon wrist size or can’t find off-the shelf straps that fit. Can you help me?
Yes. We have developed a scalable sizing methodology and make all of our own templates in house, which can be adjusted to fit most any wrist. To date, we have made straps for wrists as small as 5 inches and up to 10 inches in circumference.

CUSTOMIZATIONS

Should I get a watch strap with curved ends?
We only recommend curved ends on watches that require it by design (JLC, FP Journe, modern Rolex, etc.). When used on watches that do not require a watch strap with curved ends, there will be a prominent gap between the watch strap and the watch case. In most circumstances, a curved end watch strap will not fit flush against the watch case.

Can you make a watch strap that fits flush against the case of the watch?
Unfortunately, no. This type of strap requires custom molded inserts to be placed inside the strap, which must be specifically designed for the watch in question. This is outside the capability of our atelier.

Craftsmanship

What all goes into making a custom watch strap entirely by hand?
All of our custom watch straps are hand cut, hand stitched, and hand finished. This process is completed by a sole artisan from start-to-finish over the course of several hours. You can find a video highlighting this process here.

What are the benefits of hand stitching over a machine sewn strap?
Hand stitching ensures the highest level of durability. The traditional saddle-stitching technique used at Velle Alexander ensures that each individual stitch is locked in place. This means that if a stitch were to ever be worn down to the point of breaking, the remaining stitches would still be secure and the thread would not be able to be pulled out. In contrast, if a stitch were to break on a machine sewn strap, the entire thread could be relatively easily pulled out in its entirety.