Bespoke leather watch straps.
Made by hand in Minneapolis, one commission at a time.
Recent Commissions
A selection of straps I've made this year. Each one started as a conversation - the watch, the client, and what they wanted it to become.
What Collectors Say
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Velle Alexander straps are the finest leather watch straps I have ever encountered in 30 years of experiencing watches on leather straps. The aesthetics, fit and feel are second to none. The care and attention to detail are amazing. Perhaps the best endorsement I could give is that after trying on the two I had ordered, I immediately decided to order two more.
Bruce B.
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The results exceeded my expectations. The materials are the best of any OEM strap. One of them was for an [A. Lange & Söhne] and it’s so much nicer than the OEM alligator. I highly recommend him. It’s worth the price.
Michael S.
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When my father passed away I inherited his Cartier Tank watch. I discovered Alex's website and have worked with him now to create three different bands. He understands the significance of my inherited watch and genuinely seems interested in helping me maintain its classic look. I think the bands speak for themselves!
Drew M.
Why clients commission with me
Conversation, not a configurator.
Every commission is a collaboration — emails, sometimes a call, revisions if you need them. I'll ask the questions you didn't know to ask, and tell you honestly when I think a choice won't work. Most returning clients say that's why they came back.
The straps other makers decline.
Unusual lug widths. Vintage proportions. Inherited pieces. Client-supplied leather from an heirloom jacket or a piece of luggage. Much of what I'm best at doesn't fit a standard order form.
Work that outperforms the OEM.
Clients have told me my straps beat the factory pieces on their A. Lange & Söhne, IWC, Cartier, and Glashütte Original. I'm not the cheapest option. I am, for the watches I've taken on, the best-made one.
As Seen In
Featured in leading watch publications and podcasts.
"Alex produces each bespoke strap with great attention to detail and years of experience."
— Balazs Ferenczi, Fratello, 2021
"If you truly care about craftsmanship, or have a watch with unusual lugs or an unusual shape, you should absolutely consider this route."
— Oren Hartov, Gear Patrol, 2022
"His passion, attention to detail, and meticulous process never cease to amaze me."
— Balazs Ferenczi, Fratello On Air, 2022
Commissioning a Strap
The process is simple and personal — a thoughtful exchange until the design is right.
Every strap is handcrafted in Minneapolis. Commissions begin at $320, with most bespoke work ranging $350–$500 depending on materials and construction.
Step 1
Submit Details
Share your watch, wrist size, and material preferences. Photos or notes help me understand what you have in mind.
Step 2
Review & Align
I'll review your submission and respond with questions, suggestions, or honest pushback if something won't work. We'll settle the design together.
Step 3
Quote & Timeline
Once the design is set, I'll share your final price and a completion timeline. Typical turnaround is 4–6 weeks.
Step 4
Handmade to Order
Your strap is crafted by hand in my Minneapolis studio and shipped worldwide, fully insured.
About Velle Alexander
I started Velle Alexander in 2019 on my dining table in Minneapolis, making straps for fellow collectors who wanted something the big houses couldn't make. Seven years later it's still me at the bench, but the commissions now come from 27 different countries — from local enthusiasts with their first serious watch, to some of the most prolific collectors and dealers in the world.