Journal

XILUGS artisans in navy polo shirts working at long benches in the Ha Noi workshop

Handmade Leather Watch Strap: 18 Steps in Our Ha Noi Workshop

Inside our Ha Noi workshop: the 18 steps behind a handmade leather watch strap, what each one means for you, and how to check quality at home.

Handmade Leather Watch Strap: 18 Steps in Our Ha Noi Workshop

Inside our Ha Noi workshop: the 18 steps behind a handmade leather watch strap, what each one means for you, and how to check quality at home.

Navy perforated rally watch straps with silver buckles in a wooden box at the workbench

Omega Speedmaster Leather Strap: 20mm Picks That Fit

Which leather strap suits an Omega Speedmaster? Lug width, taper, length, profile and four handmade picks, from racing rally straps to chocolate alligator.

Omega Speedmaster Leather Strap: 20mm Picks That Fit

Which leather strap suits an Omega Speedmaster? Lug width, taper, length, profile and four handmade picks, from racing rally straps to chocolate alligator.

Padded honey waxed cowhide watch strap with cream stitching and a brushed steel buckle

Padded vs Flat Watch Strap: How to Match Case Thickness

Flat or padded? Match strap thickness to your watch case: under 10 mm, 10–13 mm or over 13 mm, plus lug-gap checks and four profiles to choose from.

Padded vs Flat Watch Strap: How to Match Case Thickness

Flat or padded? Match strap thickness to your watch case: under 10 mm, 10–13 mm or over 13 mm, plus lug-gap checks and four profiles to choose from.

Togo vs Epsom vs Babele: grey, sky blue and tan calfskin hides compared

Togo vs Epsom vs Babele: Which Calfskin Watch Strap Suits You?

Togo vs Epsom vs Babele calfskin watch straps compared: grain, feel, water resistance, aging and the best flat or padded build for each, from $69.

Togo vs Epsom vs Babele: Which Calfskin Watch Strap Suits You?

Togo vs Epsom vs Babele calfskin watch straps compared: grain, feel, water resistance, aging and the best flat or padded build for each, from $69.

Hand-dyed patina alligator skins in teal, blue, red and gray at the XILUGS workshop

Alligator Watch Strap Guide: Scales, Finishes, Fit and Care

How to choose an alligator watch strap: belly or flank scales, classic, patina or Himalaya finish, flat or padded build, CITES paperwork for the US and simple care.

Alligator Watch Strap Guide: Scales, Finishes, Fit and Care

How to choose an alligator watch strap: belly or flank scales, classic, patina or Himalaya finish, flat or padded build, CITES paperwork for the US and simple care.

Navy cowhide watch strap with two red leather keepers and a brushed steel buckle on slate

Watch Strap Keepers: What the Two Loops Do and How to Color...

Keepers are the two leather loops that hold the strap tail. What each loop does, fixed vs floating, what they say about fit, and how to color them in our...

Watch Strap Keepers: What the Two Loops Do and How to Color...

Keepers are the two leather loops that hold the strap tail. What each loop does, fixed vs floating, what they say about fit, and how to color them in our...