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New Member And Watch Bands

Hamish

By Hamish
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Hamish Member

Hamish

Posted
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Hi folks,

 

New member from Australia. I have been following your forum for a couple of weeks and have really picked up some good tips. I really had a life long interest in watches, but started getting into repairs around 6 years ago. Before that I was the guy who was on the couch Christmas day fixing all the broken toys as I guess some of you were as well. I became a fan of Marks videos and really learnt a lot, like you I find them relaxing as he seems to employ minimum effort in what he does (read skill). Mark, you make a good instructor.

 

I started with pocket watches and have steadily tried to better myself. Like all of you I sure have had my share of frustration...lost parts, breaking things etc, but like anything I guess, if you persist you will get better.

 

What I really like though, is to repair old watches that belonged to fathers/uncles etc and see them being worn again. I have done many over the years. It really appeals to me and most people too, that these fine pieces of machinery are resurrected from the backs of drawers and do their original job again. People ask me what the cost is and I always say no charge as long as you wear it from time to time.

 

Anyway on to the topic of this thread. I have recently (past two years) branched out a bit and started making watch bands. I found the ones on the internet either costly or poor quality. I use exotic skins, maybe a little pricey, but they go a really long way. There are many challenges to get a band right and I would be happy to pass on tips that seem to help me to any members. Crocodile is my favourite, it as tough as anything, but cuts like butter. The set up is straight forward and does not cost much. It takes me around 4 hours per band including the hand stitching. Here is a photo of some examples.

 

post-1190-0-22732500-1436956017_thumb.jp

 

The orange one (yes a bit out there, is ostrich and it has a soft kid backing), the dark ones are crocodile, and the brown is ostrich neck. I experimented a bit and changed the band on a chrome seiko hi-beat to a patchwork (eel, toad, sea snake, ostrich etc) one which my wife likes. Friends have them and wear them regularly and they seem to last well so far.

 

So, glad to be aboard and looking forward to learning more.

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Geo Distinguished Member

Geo

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Posted

Thanks for the excellent introduction Hamish, it's always good to get an idea of what others are doing. Your foray into watch straps is indeed excellent. It would be great to see how you go about it. :)

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oldhippy Distinguished Member

oldhippy

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Hello Hamish and welcome.

You have a talent for making your own watch straps and very good they look. When I started my own shop I stocked Apollo watch straps and I found them to be good. The best seller would be the croc straps followed by pig skin. I assume you buy the buckles. Have you thought of setting up on your own and making it into a full time job. Don't go giving your secrets out.    :D

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Vich Distinguished Member

Vich

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Posted

Hello Hamish and welcome,

 

You certainly are gifted, they are excellent.

I look forward to your posting describing how you make the bands.  Your hand stitching looks smart as well, you must be a patient type - well suited to watch repair :thumbsu:

Cheers,

 

Vic

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