WatchGecko｜Vintage-Stitched Genuine Leather Watch Strap (Burgundy & Cognac)
Embrace the art of slow living with the WatchGecko Vintage-Stitched Genuine Leather strap, a masterclass in British elegance and functional luxury. This accessory marries the rugged, oil-rich durability of Horween Chromexcel® (Burgundy) with the artisanal sophistication of premium Berluti OAK leather (Cognac). Each strap is a curated piece of heritage, designed to develop a rich, personalized patina that deepens with every journey—from coastal kayaking trips to the quiet comfort of a vintage car. The tactile pull-up effect offers a sensory experience that transcends mere utility, allowing the natural grain and oils to shift and settle as you move. It is more than a watch strap; it is a testament to craftsmanship designed for the authentic lifestyle of the modern explorer.
The Perfect Strap For Your Watch
To find the perfect strap for your watch, there are a few things you will need to know: the lug width, the length, the buckle and whether you need curved spring bars or not.
Lug Width:
The lug width is the distance between the two bars which hold the strap in place, as shown in the picture below. The easiest way to check the lug width would be to Google the brand and reference/model number of your watch followed by "lug width". If you have an older watch or are struggling to find the lug width online, you could use a standard ruler to measure by hand. Please Note: the measurement must be exact in millimetres.
Strap Length:
All our straps are standard sizes however we do have a few smaller and larger straps available. In order to work out the perfect size for your wrist, you must measure the circumference of your wrist and the distance between the top and bottom lugs of your watch (please see picture below). Once you have these figures, you can subtract the distance between the lugs from the circumference of your wrist to give you the length needed. As long as the length needed is within the figure, the strap should fit you perfectly.
Buckle:
We currently have five different buckle options available: silver, black, gold, rose gold or Brass copper. All the buckles come with a brushed finish or a polished finish. Most buckles are held on with spring bars so it's very easy to switch to the buckle supplied with your watch if needed. Please note, all our straps are provided with a taper which can be seen in the items description.
Spring Bars:
Most of our straps are provided with "quick release" spring bars as standard which makes it easy to change over the strap on your watch. Most watches require straight spring bars however some hold the strap closer to the watch. Therefore the strap requires a slight curve in order to hug the circular watch case. This is a reasonably uncommon option but is more prevalent in dress watches. The easiest way to check which type of spring bars you need is to look at your current strap and see if there is a slight curve where it meets the watch. Please note: we would recommend curved spring bars for Rolex watches, as the cases can be sharp and can damage the leather.
How To Install A Nylon Watch Strap
How do you remove a Quick-Release Strap?
If you find that the watch strap you want to replace is pre-fitted with quick-release spring bars, you’re in luck. You won’t need any tools at all and the spring bar is retained in the strap, so there’s no chance of losing it, or having it ping off across the room. If for any reason you want to remove the supplied quick-release spring bars, you can check out this easy video guide.
Lay the watch face down on either a padded mat or soft cloth, ensuring there is a firm surface such as a table or bench beneath.
Then, using your spring bar tool, carefully position the v-shaped end so that it slots between the end of the strap and the inside of the lug. Applying light pressure against the spring bar, gently pry the spring bar out by pulling to towards the centre of the watch until release.
Reverse the steps to fit a new replacements straps. Enjoy!
