There’s something kind of magical about how a new strap can make a watch feel completely different and uniquely yours. Especially when you're at the local meetups and can immediately tell your watch because it's styled just to your tastes. Some collectors even have strap-watch combos with a story all their own. We asked members of our community to shine a light on how they style their watches (with straps and beyond) through this recurring series, Watch Couture.
The one that starts conversations
Earlier this year, I was ordering a strap as a gift for my boyfriend and decided that I also wanted something for myself. I had been wearing my vintage Root Beer on its bracelet for a while and wanted to switch it up. I asked the strap maker who made most of my other custom straps for some fun options and ended up falling in love with this python strap because of its bold, unique look. Since I’m more reserved with my outfits, I love having my watches and jewelry as statement pieces. I’ve worn this watch to a number of events and always receive compliments on the pairing.
This strap is from @handdn.store on IG. He makes wonderful custom straps and has so many leather options you will definitely find something you love!
This watch was purchased on eBay and came all the way from Egypt on a disappointing but functional brick red woven strap. I knew a vintage gold-filled piece like this deserved an equally nice strap so I started hunting. I decided to go for jewel tone and spent weeks agonizing between a sapphire blue and the emerald green crocodile strap. Obviously, I went with the green and even though I SWORE that I would later pick up the blue one as an alternative, it’s lived on this green beauty ever since (which is extremely out of character for me). There’s just something about this combo, and every time it shows up at a watch event someone comments on what a beautiful strap it is.
This strap is hand made in Germany by Rios 1931.
If you have a watch strap with a great story we would love to hear about it down in the comments.
 Dana Li has always been interested in watches, even from a young age. A few years ago, she inherited her grandpa’s watch, which kicked off her collecting journey. After spending time with collectors and people in the industry, she started Tell the Time, a publication that highlights watches and the watch community from a woman’s perspective. Dana also shares Complecto’s mission of fostering an inclusive community that reflects the diversity of watches and collectors. |  Maxwell L.B. Thorn has been collecting watches for almost 15 years with no plans on slowing down any time soon. What started with a pair of Seiko monsters evolved into an instagram account dedicated to watch straps, a true passion for the industry, and the uncanny (read frustrating) ability to steer any conversation back to watches. |
Really like these posts because I get tons of ideas for new straps. Such a great way to make your collection feel new again.