Complete Leather Watch Strap Guide Pt. 1: Styles & History - Nato, Lined, Panerai, Rally Styles

Thanks for supporting me on Patreon: www.patreon.com/user?u=845171 My first video in a series exploring the world of wristwatch straps. Leather straps are ubiquitous in the world of watches yet are confusing for many new to the hobby because of the variety of terms, types, history, construction, and more.
In this series I begin here with leather straps, outlining popular styles such as the NATO or the Panerai-style and describing their backgrounds in brief. My next video will explain how to judge quality of materials and craftsmanship. I also plan to discuss custom vs. production straps. Eventually I hope to compose a comprehensive playlist with in-depth discussions of wristwatch straps.
Thank you for watching, please like this video if you enjoyed it and please subscribe for more watch related videos!
This video features a number of straps from Wrist Candy Watch Club, which generously sent me samples for this video. Please check them out at: wristcandywatchclub.com/

[@innovativeentertainment4412]

I loved you in all the Ice Age movies.

[@robrojasm]

wow, I learned a lot about straps thanks to you! the panerai were my favorites of the video. thanks to your videos I've learned a lot about watches, so thank you for making them :)

[@hypnovike]

Was close to asking TGV about leather straps...no need anymore! Keep up the great work!!!

[@bradmulholland]

one of the best watch videos on youtube, thanks!

[@TheMacGeek]

Great review of some popular watch straps. A new strap really brings an old watch some new life, and can make it interesting and fun to wear again. I'll be getting a leather nato style strap soon because I love the military strap look. Just got a new gray G10 "nato" style strap this week, it goes with everything.

[@williambirmingham1999]

Another great video. I look forward to your comparison and quality reviews of watch straps. You comparison videos in past have very thoughtful and enjoyable. Cheers!

[@555Gear]

Cheers! I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[@bobfrombrisbane1831]

Great video, really enjoyed it. Looking forward to part two. Cheers.

[@maitrehg]

Really informative. I really like your channel. Can't wait for part 2.

[@555Gear]

Thanks a lot! Glad to have you here.

[@ajtronic]

THANK YOU for this. Awaiting for part 2.

[@555Gear]

I appreciate it, pt 2 is in the works!

[@ajtronic]

+555 Gear I always have trouble finding quality sub $100 dollar straps :(

[@kyleweber1994]

Really enjoyed the historical aspect of this video.

[@555Gear]

Glad you liked it, thanks for watching!

It will be a great series. I look forward to Part 2.

[@555Gear]

Very glad to hear you're enjoying it, thanks for watching!

[@GustavoHernandez1]

No that I'm in finals I should stay away from your channel, I spend a lot of time watching your videos, they're made with a lot of dedication and they show it. Congratulations, Andrew.

[@555Gear]

Thanks Gustavo, best wishes with your studies! The vids will still be here after!! Cheers Andrew

[@GustavoHernandez1]

+555 Gear Where's part II? :(

[@simonb4689]

Thanks for the video. As someone going for a one watch collection with a large strap collection, I'm always looking for more info. Hope you made that second video

[@Claus-L.Mueller]

Nice introduction! Really looking forward to the next parts, because I'm in the market for some nice leather straps! ;)

[@datsunmadman]

Enjoyed your video. On my lower end watches like my Orient's I always change the bracelet.

[@555Gear]

Thanks for watching! It's nice to switch things up

[@ElijsDima]

Thanks, very interesting. Would be interested to later also hear specifically about leather-type resilience and what makes leather (etc.) straps wear out or break, what strap style fits more with what conditions (etc.).

[@dennisdusing7847]

Thank you very informative for this rookie watch hobbyist

[@homerny7901]

thanks for the great video very helpful. Looking forward to part 2. Would love to see what the differences between a $30 or $50 learher strap and say a hodinkee hundred-and-fifty-dollar strap. love all your videos keep up the great work

[@AirmanDan916]

Great video and lots of great info. I do love my WCWC straps

[@555Gear]

+airmandan916 thanks, part 2 is in the works!

[@itskyyuuuu]

Blu shark is better. I have both.

[@2DRINKSMINIMUM]

where's part 2?

[@fearless6947]

Exactly, I want to find a strap that is low cost and last long.

[@TheKansaibogus]

Very concise! Much obliged!!

[@andrewpoon6633]

awesome video thank you. i guess this this means you'll have to do a whole other series of videos now... sailcloth, vulcanized rubber, nylon, steel bracelets, etc... or even all the different clasp types lol!

[@baccloak]

Just what I needed. Thanks!

[@555Gear]

Thanks for watching, I appreciate it!

[@MadAzn53]

Thanks for such an enjoyable and informative video. Waiting for part 2.

[@555Gear]

I'm glad you liked it, looking forward to getting part two done!

[@lychiu828]

Great Video! Where's the promised Part two? :(

[@kryptone3032]

Part 2 please!!!

[@bassfishingwiththeantichri2921]

Strapology fascinating!

[@GMT-3]

Awesome vídeo

[@Sloogy82]

Thx for your videos when does part 2 is coming?

[@tommytran7775]

thanks for the video !

[@davidmichienzi101]

Great review, it's true one you have become a watch collector the next thing is straps. 👍🇮🇹

[@555Gear]

Exactly! Cheers.

[@WillyMcCoy50]

I went to that "watch candy" link in the description. They only had straps for hockey puck sized watches.

[@axlguy19]

Hi! was wondering if you could tell me the specific brand name or kindly give me a link of that 1st panerai brown leather strap on the left side? cheers mate!

[@LastStarfighterAJ]

Really enjoy your in depth watch videos on subjects like this and the value levels of watches series. It was interesting hearing how these straps came about historically. Were these originally waterproof leather straps somehow for the frogmen? It kind of seems strange that they'd use leather if it's not going to hold up in constant saltwater exposure.

[@laureanovarvasini6100]

Nice!! wich brand is the watch you show in the video?

[@TheBRad704]

So how's Part 2 coming along? :D

[@RampartPh]

i grew up using leather straps but grew to sort of detest it because of the humidity where i live. but lately, i've been entertaining the thought of replacing the bracelet of my vostok w/ a leather strap once again. we'll see how it goes. nice video! btw, you sound like mark ruffalo of the avenger's hulk fame .

[@adrianghisan7]

Hi! Can you tell me what is the make and model of the watch? thx in advance

[@tshorts94]

Can you please tell me,how to clean paneria strap watches.

[@yourdata2478]

Very good 👏👏🖒 part two iis it out?😏

[@bdcochran01]

Thank you.

[@amitfromisrael5006]

looking for part 2, hope to learn about Cordovan straps in luxury watches

[@royward1952]

Cordovan leather is made from horse hide and is made using a specific process to acheive it's tell tale appearance

[@richardseekins24]

Honestly if your into watches learn to make your own straps. Working with leather opens up a whole new world adding new life to your watch. It's really not hard to do. The colour options are limitless too.

[@bdcochran01]

My hobby. Collect unscathed retirement a wrist watch that operate on a battery. Then replace and upgrade the band. No one sees the engraving on the back side of the watch. Now I have a simple, formal watch that looks new.

[@relosapulso]

How about the hirsch strap what can u tell about it?

[@1959Berre]

For some time I am looking for a leather strap with a double internal reinforcement lenghtwise, that looks like the strap on the left starting at 7:05. I remember having seen one like that about twenty years ago on a rather bulky Cartier watch. The internal double 'bracing' looked quite thin, like if two metal wires wire inside the strap. It is a rare design; no idea where I could fine one or who made that model.

[@hyssean12]

If you buy a veg tan leather strap like I make (seanh863 on instagram) they don't need any sort of bracing. My straps are thick double layer veg tan for $65.

[@seanpollard4844]

Nice history and detail in this video! Thanks for making it. I have the cheap generic leather nato band in your video in a lighter shade and it is one of my favorite straps despite the low price. I am excited to see how it compares to higher grade leathers as I believe it is most likely a PU bicast leather type which is great for those who do not want to harm animals but like the leather color style and feel. I find a thinner leather works better for 1 piece straps like nato or zulus styles to clear spring bar and cases without having to use curved springbars. While a thicker leather is better for a two piece leather strap. I also would like your thoughts on traditional pin buckles vs deployment clasps whether its single fold, butterfly, foldover or push button. Thanks!

[@555Gear]

You'll be amazed at the difference in person with a higher grade leather. Well worth the extra money in my opinion. I like a variety of clasps, it really depends on the watch. Thanks for your questions!

[@seanpollard4844]

I recently got some genuine leather straps from Clockwork Synergy and it is true there really is a difference in the quality. I got 2 piece straps because the leather is very thick. It is interesting the differences between suede texture and regular leather. The benefits in my opinion of real leather is the smell of quality leather and the way it ages. The quick release pins make changing straps so much easier. Looking forward to part 2.

[@donjuandemarco9]

Please let me know the make and model of the watch?! Thanks

[@redbird963]

Not all watch straps with integrated spring bars are found on cheap watches. I was at a Patek dealer a while back, and several models of theirs have integrated spring bars. Apparently the company had noticed a lot of marks from strap removal tools damaging the soft lugs(made of precious metals), so Patek started using integrated spring bars on some models. I actually wish all straps had integrated spring bars(except natos of course). That would make strap changing very quick.

[@555Gear]

Absolutely right, many of the very high end brands utilize an integrated strap system. I would love to see them on a lot more straps as well!

[@Corndog4382]

What is the name of the cheap leather nato you showed early in the video?

[@555Gear]

Honestly I don't know, I bet you could find one on eBay though

[@mannysingh6618]

Part 2 please!

[@555Gear]

+Manmeet Anand in the works'

Good thing you precised about the breaking time. I have small wrist, so the strap has to bend a lot. A too rigid strap would be very uncomfortable. Yup, I made it that far, so I commented. 😊

[@555Gear]

+Jean-René Boutin nice haha

[@royward1952]

On my "military" style 2 piece leather straps, I massage barbasol shaving cream into them, maybe 3 to 4 times over a 2 day period.... BOOM! .... Insta-supple and has the feel of a nicely broken in strap that has been worn for months. I have only ever done this with "regular" leather, not suede or nubuck. And I have also learned if you like the look of a "vintage style" distressed leather strap, then treat yourself to a strap made from Horween leather. Very soft and supple from day one, and it'll only get better over time.

[@williamwoody7607]

I keep running across "rubberized leather" straps-can they be used swimming or diving?Does anyone make a rubber strap that could pass for leather or croc?

[@nickknack4606]

the "under part" of nato strap is so when moving watch to outside of wetsuit, removing it etc the watch cannot slip off. nice vid

[@555Gear]

Right on, thanks for watching!

[@Belemrys]

Still waiting for part 2!

[@user-gr3rk6ur2p]

very informative

[@Foodiedad17]

Check out Jack Foster leather straps. Awesome. I love mine for the price.

[@555Gear]

Will do, thanks for the suggestion!

[@turOoOoO999999999999]

Do a.nylon NATO one please

[@royward1952]

On my "military" style 2 piece leather straps, I massage barbasol shaving cream into them, maybe 3 to 4 times over a 2 day period.... BOOM! .... Insta-supple and has the feel of a nicely broken in strap that has been worn for months. I have only ever done this with "regular" leather, not suede or nubuck. And I have also learned if you like the look of a "vintage style" distressed leather strap, then treat yourself to a strap made from Horween chromexcel leather. Very soft and supple from day one, and it'll only get better over time.

[@blurayauthority]

So John C. Reilly is doing watch strap reviews?

[@Renulin]

Watch video drinking game; take a shot every time someone says "robust"

[@Spaeckli]

every time he says strap... fucked up in 2 minutes

[@Renulin]

Well considering it IS a video ABOUT straps, if that's your game, I think you have a thinly veiled alcohol problem ;p

[@EpicLockdown]

I WILL NOT BACK DOWN FROM A CHALLENGE

[@dimitristsagdis7340]

Yeah but G10 straps do not prevent clasp-bar failures only lug-bar failures, could you show case some double clasp or in general more secure-clasp straps

[@jmf2274]

man this guy watched too much Star Trek " The final frontier to explore"

[@Kxji]

How many mm does have the strap the Seiko had?

[@555Gear]

20mm

[@Kxji]

555 Gear Thank you!

[@senorkaboom]

I just walk into my local K Mart, Walmart or Target and go up to the watch counter and find a Speidel leather strap with the proper lug width and pay upwards of $17.50 for a strap. Or, I may splurge and get a Hadley Roma for $22.50. In fact, the last 2 straps I bought were from eBay and they were $15.00 each, with free shipping.

[@fearless6947]

which one last longer? Ebay or the other ones

[@hyssean12]

The panerai straps are different leather the one you say is broken in isn't it is just a chrome tan leather. The more stiff one is the more desirable veg tanned leather.

[@franksalazar4576]

Where is part 2? 😞

[@fashygoyim3481]

there will never be a pt 2

[@hyssean12]

You can make those 1 piece straps out if veg tan for less than $10 of material. That shell strap would cost like $25 to make and 10 minutes of time.

[@logwind]

Content starts @ 3:00

[@hyssean12]

Traditional buckles are the enemy of leather straps. Either get a deployant clasp or my favorite a sam browne button stud closure. No more bending the strap to get it through the buckle.

[@RamJi-iu5qg]

Start 3:00

[@SceneArtisan]

Can anyone name a 24mm wide leather strap that's very pliable (think: paper rather than cardboard) made from dull, (not shiny) genuine leather that's no thinner than 3mm thick?

[@Myrslokstok]

True one pice leather strap with no stitching are to reare I thing.

[@baileymoto]

Part 2 ever happen?

[@tingleyip6787]

James Bond wore a Zulu strap not a Nato strap in Gold finger. Get to know your straps.

[@wedge240]

Wow you sound just like Kermit the frog! Pretty funny, great vid.

[@Emirtjuuh]

the anonying thing is, if u wear a watch with an leather strap ure wrist is starting to sweat

[@capitalphotographer]

This is a brief video but he keeps saying huge variety most the video, good quality video but can be way much shorter and clearer

[@hyssean12]

Genuine leather is literally trash.

[@michigancane4883]

all those straps look very cheap and low quality

[@Tim0909]

I don't understand, why do people want their watches to suspended by animal skin? I know this post is going to be assosciated with perhaps being social justice or whatever but people wouldn't use their pets flesh to host their watch. Calf skin is soft & supple because it is baby cow skin. i.e. a baby when it was killed, instead of maybe saying that it is wrong, people want to dress themselves up in this?

[@MatthewMonaco17]

Giving us the history of the straps? How boring can you sound and be. Nice straps though.

[@Nbr1PHaN]

Where's part 2?