3 Tier Strap Comparison: Bark & Jack, Teddy, EBay

[@BarkandJack]

Really glad you liked the details on the strap. Just an extra note, but the sealed stitching should be on the underside of the strap. I've since made a change to the Mocha strap to make it more obvious which way round it goes. Thanks so much for the feedback on the spring bars, it's a very valid point and I've just order some spring bars right now. From now on our leather straps will now be shipped with spring bars. Cheers, Adrian

[@allthingsrandom8137]

Thanks for the comments. If that’s the only thing I’d say they are still told notch!

[@allthingsrandom8137]

JaSolo Gaming completely agree

[@billmuir4897]

Really good that you’re open to constructive criticism Adrian. All Things Random clearly rate your Straps highly; which is brilliant..... but when we think we’re perfect; that’s time to Bark and Jack it in....... sorry, couldn’t resist that one. Great to see your high Rating.

[@hyssean12]

That's one piece strap should cost $40 tops. $5 of material and almost no stitching and single layer.

[@andrewciebrant5789]

Sold me on it, will check out your site and pick one up for my 300m

[@KingNothing5711]

Clearly the Bark and Jack straps are the best of these 3 but for that amount of money I think quick release springs should be an option. Some independent watch crafters like hdstraps are also really good options

[@WookieChewie13]

Great content, if I may suggest one thing though, more camera time on the items being reviewed would be better.

[@RegalPrintUK]

Great video. I received the mocha strap from Bark & Jack last week. It has totally changed the look of my submariner and I love it. It came with integrated spring bars and I was also impressed with the hand written note from Adrian. I would definitely buy from them again.

[@u.u.u9969]

Etsy is the King of straps...

[@tobytayles1]

Adrian is a great guy and he goes the extra mile with his channel and company

[@allthingsrandom8137]

I’m trying to do the same, but more in detail. I was so impressed with his knowledge and product I decided to do one better. Maybe one day I’ll have a constant revenue, but I started building my own straps, sourcing the leather and products myself for the builds

[@GJames007]

The Teddy straps are great. They also have a bunch of different price points too.

[@dflash0]

the color changing on the $20 strap maybe due to the dying process. If leather is oil dyed, it will change shade when bent. Lots of italian oil tanned/dyed leather do that. I have made a couple of straps like that.

[@jonboy8181]

The leather changing colors doesn’t necessarily mean it’s cheap, it’s just a different process used to make it. The oils are just moving around.

[@arancourt5623]

That’s called pull up, it’s natural with leather goods, and creates a patina that makes each piece of leather unique, this is actually a sign of good leather particularly in boots

[@Toyotas_n__Tools]

I ordered a "Made in the USA" American Saddle Leather Nato style band for under $17 shipped off ebay, from the pictures it appears to be a quality leather strap we'll see tho it will arrive today. A lot of these straps look so similar from $15-$100+ my thing is I don't want to buy a $15 strap off a boujee looking website for 800% markup.

[@1969bogdi]

Try shinola leather straps! They are 115$ , with built in quick release pin, custom logo and high quality leather.

[@allthingsrandom8137]

Actually, I think you should try chasestraps.com…. Which is my own personal watchstrap brand

[@TheBigWrist]

Good video. Since I have a super cheap NATO and a Tudor NATO, I'm just waiting on the middle level one. Should be here by Monday.

[@DWilliam1]

I’ve been collecting watches longer than most of these guys have been alive and the best straps are Hirsch straps, hands down with better price points. Also, to get the most life out of any leather/exotic strap use a deployment clasp.

[@allthingsrandom8137]

Since this video I have actually created my own watch strap company called chasestraps.com. I missed several key things in the video, that I know now

[@drzaius844]

I agree on Teddy’s website - I went on there expecting to buy a strap, ended up leaving without buying anything and haven’t bothered to go back. I’m partial to Benchmark Basics, Jack Foster, and Colareb. All 3 are amazing. Bark and Jack was sold out of almost everything last time I went on.

[@allthingsrandom8137]

I’m looking forward to reviewing Bark and Jacks NATO soon. But seriously the best I’ve found so far. And I’m very happy with the customer service. He’s got my business, that’s for sure

[@kyuubinokitsune4270]

I'm studying about leather straps. How they are made. I think it's not important if it's made in a single piece of leather or more pieces glued and sewed. This it's only the different method to work leather. What really matters it's the quality of the leather used. For example now a customer ask me to make a strap for an old Swatch for woman. Now I saw the original one and I'm not sure it's real leather. But I plan to use 2 pieces of Tempesti leather glued. This because I want that the reverse it looks good as the front. That's doesn't mean it's less quality, it's simply made different. Of course in this case the glue you use it's a lot important! You need a glue that it's elastic when dry

[@allthingsrandom8137]

Trust me, I know a lot more now than I did then. In fact I now own my own watchstrap company called Chase Straps:chasestraps.com

[@kyuubinokitsune4270]

@@allthingsrandom8137 Can I ask you which glue do you use? As I said, I'm not an expert in straps... And Because I'm not sure I will can make seams, I need the right resistant glue. For other thing I use ecostick 1816B by Intercom.

[@enjoywatches6717]

Impressive attention to detail from Adrian in response to the video. Cool that you get a handwritten note from him. Aside from that, one thing I’ve found is lower quality straps do not last and you really are better off paying more for better quality. Good content. Thank you.

[@allthingsrandom8137]

Totally agree. The cheaper it is the less you’ll actually get out of it. But I’m also in the mind set that I don’t have to spend more just because it’s going on an expensive watch. Which is why I like Bark and Jack. It’s a bit pricey but only a little. It’s not unreasonable. And the Natos, which I’ll be getting a reviewing soon are a quarter the price of the one I bought.

[@TLR28]

Thank you very much for the review. I was just looking to buy a Bark and Jack Mocha but wanted to know if it was worth the extra money. You answered it thank you! just purchased.

[@allthingsrandom8137]

For sure! Happy to help

[@Alias_Anybody]

I'm surprised you have a bunch of AliExpress watches but no straps from them. Got something in this style for, I don't know, maybe 6USD and it's of a similar quality as the eBay one. Though of course nothing beats nylon straps in price/performance.

[@allthingsrandom8137]

Aliexpress is fine, but I’ve never actually ordered from them. The affordable watches I have are sourced from eBay, Amazon, or direct like Strapsco. Agreed with nylon straps, but prefer parachute straps instead

[@Alias_Anybody]

@@allthingsrandom8137 But why actually? With Chinese watches you tend to overpay by 30-50% when buying on Amazon. AliExpress has a strong immediate buyer protection but no long term warranty, so you could argue that a mechanical device is a risk, but straps? The quality will be very clear very quickly. IMHO *the* platform for accessories of any kind.

[@butapioka]

Honestly as a watch enthusiast, I appreciate this kind of videos which shows the small little details. Very nice video my man. Keep it up.

[@aussie8114]

Quality gets my vote.

[@chicodominicano]

B&R Bands are my go to straps

[@paul64774]

Excellent review. Definitely get what you pay for there and the customer experience from B&J is top notch. Well done them. But why aren’t ALL straps QR? Madness, the best invention since…….. wrist watches! 🤣 Fixed are far too fiddly and have to find a tool. QR pins are the reason I buy so many straps, so easy to change. That’s why I wouldn’t buy any of these. But, if the B&J did QR I’d buy one on that back of this review. At least offer a choice? Again a good, articulated review. 👏🏻

[@garyradley5694]

To me it seems that the Teddy strap is better quality, better looking and better value.

[@billmuir4897]

Excellent. Thanks for sharing your insights and comparisons. Really pleased with your positivity about Bark and Jack and the excellent Adrian. It was then great to see that Adrian picked up on your constructive criticism on the Spring Bars and has now adjusted his Product accordingly. Looking forward to your next Video. All the very best, Bill.

[@canadianwatchmonkey3992]

The fact that bending the leather and if it changes colour is an indication of poor quality is completely wrong. I like the fact that the leather strap develops patterns it gives it the distressed look

[@Knubz]

8:39 isnt that lower strap part reversed? i think we shouldnt see the glue?

[@jsnyder0512]

Looks like you have the 6 side of the Bark and Jack strap upside down ?

[@DE480FC]

Teddy's straps are made in USA at Roma factory Florida... Hand made brother...Last strap factory in US. I like your hat.

[@allthingsrandom8137]

I’ve watched Teddy go through the factory. I would say “handmade” is loose. More hand finished 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@zoomvidsjc1]

Just subbed. This is good info. I bought a few nato from various places with differnt prices and they were pretty much identical (cheap nato straps, crown and buckle base and premium same style . I like the variety on your channel (wife's watches and non collector viewpoint, survival tents, and this strap tier comparison for example). Good honest reviews and candid style. Keep up the good work man.

[@leetmango]

As a leather expert you missed a ton of key details. You didn’t cover burnishing, hand stitched versus machine stitching, top versus bottom grade leather. What tannery the leather is from. The leathers you’re comparing aren’t even apples or apples. And your statement about leather pull up and change in color is completely inaccurate. As pull up leather is actually considered high quality as many of these leathers take months of hot stuffing with tannins / hot waxes to create that look. Truth be told - There are way better options on the market and something like the B&J strap is actually considered mid to low tier. There are higher quality + more affordable options. I’m guessing you just haven’t gotten there with your watch game yet or someone has paid you to do this review (very common). Easy to spot a paid review nowadays.

[@allthingsrandom8137]

leetmango it’s funny, because when I do this video two months ago I knew nothing about leather. As a non-leather expert it’s very difficult for me to go over burnishing and everything else. However, last few weeks, I have gotten into making my own straps. So now I do know about burnishing, in fact my own straps I do a few things when it comes to burnishing. Like first I do water burnishing, then after that dries, I’ll use beeswax, or I’ll use an edge dye and burnish it further. Also I know more about leathers, for example I use things like 2-3 oz horween leather for some, I’ve purchased leather that’s already dyed and then I’ve purchased leather that’s natural and I’ve dyed myself. I’ve use things like sheep skin on the underside to make a leather strap more comfortable, and I know far more about handstitching and using things like waxed linen stitch. My point is, when I reviewed the straps, I didn’t review them from the angle of an expert. I reviewed them from the point of enthusiast who loves Watches. I could easily redo the video now that I know worlds more about leather making, but I won’t because that’s not what it was designed for.

[@b2themfeto]

If there something you can recommend to me? I was interested in purchasing a Teddy strap, but now I'm curious to see what else is out there.

[@allthingsrandom8137]

Alberto Navarrete teddy straps are still pretty good for the price: Vario also have very good straps. And Strapsco have different tiers and I own several

[@brunolang210]

Hello good sir, could you reccomend some brands which produce such or higher quality watch straps, at a lower price, thank you

[@99jasonhooper]

Great reviews and have 3 NATO’s from Bark & Jack and agree quality and customer service excellent from Adrian. Listen to a recent podcast on Standard H and he explains why customer service is important for him.

[@thesaint8400]

Great quality, except no spring bars included with a $100 strap.

[@thomasjaeger2577]

Great Video extremely informative and just what I was looking for. I ordered the B&J Mocha moments ago for my BB58 - can't wait! Thanks again for the great video.

[@allthingsrandom8137]

Thomas Jaeger no problem! Adrian has been talking up his nato straps 2.0, and I will be reviewing more soon.

[@TheGopNik___]

There's a leather called "Pull-up leather" that changes color when you bend it and it can be a high quality leather... So your statement isn't really on point 🤷‍♂️

[@mikaxms]

I do find the glue on the B&J strap ugly.

[@maxstatic]

B&J NATO’s aren’t the cheapest but in the end I feel like they’re the best overall.

[@tomybaskoro908]

Do you know pull up leather? Point stitch strap is weak, only glue to make them stronger. But, great commercial video 👍

[@simplevoicereviewssvr6418]

Threaded is nice to

[@bastieniezzi6539]

Great video, a much needed comparison for leather straps. Cheers 👍

[@allthingsrandom8137]

Thanks!

[@mikes41720]

Check out Colareb straps!

[@olivierorban787]

One of the best

[@tracephoto1823]

The best quality strap and customer experience I’ve ever had was from Nomos. Just stellar in every way. I’ll have to try Bark & Jack though. I’m a big fan of great customer service. Worth the extra $ in my book. Great vid! Subbed 👍🏼

[@allthingsrandom8137]

Thanks!!

[@jjswitch887]

The bend test doesn't necessarily indicate low quality leather. A full grain pull up leather will change colour on bending but is very high quality. ...saying that, the 'genuine leather ' ebay strap isn't good quality.

[@allthingsrandom8137]

Yes, before I made this video, I didn’t know much about leather, however I know a lot more now. In fact I started my own watchstrap company using higher quality leather. So I completely understand what you’re saying

[@hrs.ai2018]

Thin or thicker does not matter, as far as the quality is better , the leather would be last longer and look better

[@hawkeye50]

The differences in these straps are in the leather and only the leather. Whether the leather has pull-up, distressing or a lining/backing is not an indication of quality. If you buy a thick Horween CXL leather strap it will be better than composite leather made in China regardless of the brand or where you purchased it. It's the same thing goes for buying a quality belt. Everything else he mentions is purely aesthetics and subjective depending on a person's preferences.

[@MrThekikster]

Teddy’s watch straps always seemed fishy to me. I’ve seen a lot of the same designs on Amazon and other cheap $20 and below companies. So I’ve long suspected he’s selling rebranded cheap straps and up charging for his name on them. The fact that he chooses not to state what grade of leather is used says a lot. Granted I have never bought any of them, but I guess I can’t knock them until I try them.

[@allthingsrandom8137]

FriscoFloHorology overall the strap was not bad. $40 is not a lot to pay for that strap, but that’s the most I would’ve paid.

[@danwilkinson5239]

I’ve bought 4 from teddy 1 is the rolls Royce leather and it is amazing ... possibly the most comfy strap I’ve ever worn. I have 2 of the fat cheaper $29 vegetable died leather so far they have been really great only 2 gripes are no slot to use a quick release spring bar and they are a bit short for my 8 inch wrist any bigger and they wouldn’t fit. The 4th is a canvas and leather I grabbed for a seagull 1963 but I haven’t worn that still waiting for the watch. But teddy straps are definitely better than the cheap ebay ones. Overall I’m happy with all 4 straps from teddy I don’t feel like I overpaid or that they are just rebadged ebay or AliExpress straps.

[@allthingsrandom8137]

Dan Wilkinson the quality is definitely better than the cheap cheap one. I think for the price they are definitely reasonable quality. Let me know about the Seagull 1963. I’ve always been curious about it. I’m interested to hear what you have to say about it

[@Janet_Airlines802]

Most of Teddys straps are made by Hadley Roma, they're out of Massachusetts. Pretty sure it's the only large watch strap makes in USA

[@paulmartinez9908]

New subscriber here! Totally appeals to me as I’m always looking at such random shit! Thanks again keep it up!

[@Amar-vi8ht]

Hmm,i am wearing Fortis Flieger Chronograph and for 110$ i can get official Fortis leather strap with buckles. 100$ is a little too much for 1 'me' brand I believe it's high quality but...

[@executivecars7695]

Thank you for this video

[@jd4062]

Made in turkey, is basically saying that it’s made in China. At least teddy straps are made in USA.

[@ManoloVintage]

I bought a new watch that didnt have spring bars but came with two nato straps. So I bought a leather strap, thinking it will come with spring bars, but it didnt come with any😡 I had a new $600 watch, 3 straps, and I couldn't wear it🤬 There must be a spring bar shortage.

[@americanpaisareturns9051]

Bought some Barton’s, Ritche, Blueshark and they all went to shit. Hadley Roma is the one that outlasted them all. 🤦🏻‍♂️😂 Damn…

[@LauraKnotek]

Sorry, but I'd expect pins to be included with a $100 strap. A tiny personalised note doesn't make up the difference. What if the watch had quick change pins that can't be put in a different strap? Then you're left with a useless strap that is expensive and can't be used until you go buy some extra pins yourself.

[@blurayauthority]

So...in essence, you get what you pay for?

[@NicholasPan]

Quite confused at 3:00... Bend test isn't an indicator of quality. Any tanned leather will discolour once you bend it... If it's vegetable tanned leather, it's cow skin, which would most likely discolour. If it doesn't discolour, it's probably already "broken-in". Like if you "break-in leather shoes".

[@allthingsrandom8137]

Nick P so I get what you’re saying, however, since I made this video I’ve started building my own leather straps and I actually know quite a bit about leather itself. Now when you bend leather it shouldn’t discolor so much that it’s noticeable instantaneously. It’s OK if there’s slight discoloration on the wear marks, which is natural. But when you bend something and it completely changes the color and aesthetic immediately to such a drastic degree it just shows lower quality

[@RorytheRoman]

when you talk about the color change in the leather that isn't really an indicator of quality, in the leather world it's called "Pull Up" it's just an idicator of the amount of oils infused into the leather, many high-quality types of leather present this color change. the best way to tell if its quality is simply to make sure the maker tells you what leather this is, Vegetable tanned leathers are the highest quality.

[@pricetilghman2217]

its $100 they better tell all that. hell i want the damn cows name for that price.

[@jimzartman]

Genuine leather is not ground up and press glued together. That’s bonded leather. Genuine leather is a slice of the hide but it is the one below top grain and full grain. Lower quality version of the real thing.

[@rockinginafreeworld3256]

Bark and jack at that price. No wonder they are called bark . He is barking mad if you think I would pay that price.

[@olivierorban787]

Colareb from Italy are so nice.

[@jasonlim1409]

I like all three straps. I especially like the $20 strap with the tonal color effect when it is bent. Just like the Horween leather characteristic.

[@BuffaloNickel9]

That's not a characteristic of horween at all. I take it you're not very familiar with leather or shell cordovan. When you say horween, you do realize horween is just a Tannery and they make many different types\ methods of leather from English Dublin to chromexcel to latigo to the most expensive shell cordovan... If a leather changes colors when bent it is normally at4 leather and it is normally a sign it was oil tanned not veg tan... But sometimes then bending color change characteristic is pretty cool. I like oil tanned sometimes.. the gentleman in the video was right though it's normally going to be on inexpensive leather watch bands..

[@meirharel4258]

$100 and no spring bars? That a deal breaker!

[@allthingsrandom8137]

This is an old video. They do have spring bars now… Along with my own watch strap… chasestraps.com… shameless plug…lol

[@MrPyroblastic]

Glue spots on an 100 dollars strap ? You should check with Colareb to understand what quality is. The watch / straps combo is awful

[@allthingsrandom8137]

I now own a watch strap company chasestraps.com. Definitely have a better understanding now

[@albertmanuel5028]

Very well done. I personally like Finn watch straps. You choose the leather, length, and buckle. They custom make it for you by hand. It’s a short wait, but we’ll worth it.

[@fedor6595]

Great video

[@saxofonistacr]

Genuine leather is the cheapest kind of leather you can get. It isn´t about authenticity. You should be looking for full grain leather or top grain If it reads genuine leather that's the quality you are getting, the worst. 1 full grain 2 top grain 3 genuine leather and suede Any strap made with full or top grain will state that

[@thesaint8400]

$100 strap and he didn't include 3 cent spring bars. Lovely.

[@allthingsrandom8137]

He is now. So at least there was a change

[@hyssean12]

Lol you think when you bend the leather the color change means low quality? That is not an indication of cheap leather. Pull up is what the color change is called and is desirable, for example Horween chromexcel is known for this color change and it is one of the highest quality leathers out there.

[@allthingsrandom8137]

So I have a video, a few maybe where I actually build my own straps. I source my own leather, whether it’s Horween, which is ok, or Buffalo, or even a sheep skin, none have an immediate color change like the cracking of the cheap brand. The reason for that is the grain, the dye, and the quality of the leather. Horween will change slightly, over time, but you are comparing apples to bananas

[@hyssean12]

@@allthingsrandom8137 pull up as in a color change when bending is a property of chromexcel. I'm just saying the color change when bending is not a mark of low quality.

[@pudster1960]

Wow $100 when I can get a Seagull 1963 Chronograph for $300.

[@philagee]

One thing I never understood is why this style of strap is called "vintage." It's not vintage... at all. Vintage to me is ultra-thin, ultra-tapered. I don't think I've EVER seen an actual vintage strap or vintage watch with a strap like this.

[@allthingsrandom8137]

I guess even a more vintage style would actually be a bund strap

[@hulkingmass]

Imagine buying a strap from a KZbinr

[@allthingsrandom8137]

Whoa… hold up. I’m starting a straps business….

[@tiempodesobrahn]

Does not look vintage to me at all. Who makes the straps for Adrian? It's probably best to go straight to real manufacturers with a history, perhaps you can do another comparison video among $100 straps.

[@hyssean12]

Support the small makers dude.

[@LTTang]

Positive affirmations matters. Haha.

[@steelsteez6118]

THat hat is from Dick's sporting goods :D

[@allthingsrandom8137]

I don’t have a Dicks in Alaska. So maybe.

[@hilight1819]

This person has no real knowledge of genuine leather, nor does it have an opinion that leans into some kind of product. There are many kinds of genuine leather, some with an oil coating. Bending the leather will cause the color to fade, but some leathers soak in the color, keeping the color always on both sides. When bent, the color does not fade. Single-layer strap-making section Two layer, three layer It depends on the technique. Price doesn't always tell you the quality, but it always makes people paying more expensive feel better.

[@allthingsrandom8137]

How old is this video? Years later I have a way better understanding, so much psi on a watch strap company that deals in high-end Italian calf leather watch straps This is coming from a novice, now I’m somewhat of an expert. Perhaps check out newer videos Just saying…

[@sobeit712]

$100 strap on a $50 watch.

[@allthingsrandom8137]

A good strap can upgrade any watch. Not everyone can afford a more expensive watch. Love my 30 dollar Casio world time, and just got in Vario Straps for them. Should I toss them out because they are cheap?

[@vadominiqueenpunkt6589]

When your strap costs more than the watch ...... bruuuhh.

[@allthingsrandom8137]

🤣

[@nealriordan6802]

Spring Bars, they're called "Spring Bars" not pins, jeez

[@allthingsrandom8137]

Well, yes. They are. Try looking at a video that’s not two years old, and looking at one of the other hundreds of watch videos since. People make mistakes, to include yourself

[@allthingsrandom8137]

In fact, just to clarify, I actually own my own watchtrap company now. So I’m well aware of the intricacies of the hardware.

[@36424567254]

It boggles my mind that people worship brands just for sending a thank you note that's handwritten. As if that means that "they care about you" unlike all other shops. It's so fake. They don't even know you, it couldn't mean anything even if they wanted it to. And more and more of the higher priced shops are starting to do it now, guess why? Because people fall for it, not because they suddenly started caring about you. Just stop personalizing businesses and judge the product, and *meaningful* service.

[@allthingsrandom8137]

Good points

[@aspergeblanche9502]

69 l.sterling for an hand-made leather strap made in turkey, LOL

[@allthingsrandom8137]

Check out more recent videos. In fact in about 2 hours a video is scheduled for the best watch straps on the market

[@bg365]

Too many views of you talking, not enough of the products.

[@allthingsrandom8137]

Check out a more recent video. This is like 3 years old, lol

[@jeanlefranc3817]

Very good vid. When choosing a leather strap, go for quality. It really changes how you enjoy your watch, which might be 40 times the price of the strap. Bought a couple of cheaper ones from French Company Esprit NATO. Were not that much cheaper but a real disappointment. B&J is top drawer, Watch Gecko sales section is also worth checking.

[@allthingsrandom8137]

Hervé Chretien totally agree. There are some vintage brown leather straps that cost upwards of $300, which I just can’t do so I’ve been shopping around for quite a while. That’s why I like Bark and Jack; reasonable with good quality. I’ll check out Watch Gecko and see what they have.

[@Sodabp]

Lots of misinformation in this video...

[@allthingsrandom8137]

Yeah, this is an old one. I own a watch strap company now and am clearly more informed. A update video is already in the works

[@АртемйПухов]

Feels like payed off video. This burned needle looks horrible. This guy is very low on his leather knowledge. Dont take this video serious.

[@Wa-wk6qk]

First two minutes I watched your face. Bored me a little bit. Otherwise nice video!

[@benficaM8888]

I've got them all (teddy and bark) unfortunately. they just aren't any better to something you can get from watchgecko or something. i like their channel, but their pricing is just not worth it. something you get from Delug. would destroy them.. The lack of customization.. is just not on for that price tag

[@allthingsrandom8137]

And I made this video, I had no idea about the intricacies of watch straps. I still think that The bark and jack strap from Adrian is just a little too pricey. I now own a watch strap company called Chase straps, and it’s hard for me to justify an Italian leather strap for over $100 when I know the manufacturing cost, and I sell mine for less than half 🤷🏻‍♂️