The ultimate calf-cow leather strap for Apple Watch thread

[mhoutman]

I wonder how they make it water resistance. If so, then do these calf leather achieve patina over time? I just showed my brother this...thanks, he will get one for his LG Urbane.

The Apple Classic Buckle saddle brown patina is quite nice...mine is ever getting it.

Believe it or not, but in the old days some strap makers used shark leather. Might be still the case but I am not sure.

 

[jasie02]

I wonder how they make it water resistance. If so, then do these calf leather achieve patina over time?

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The Apple Classic Buckle saddle brown patina is quite nice...mine is ever getting it.

I did considered Apple leather band, but I wash my hand all the time, and I do get my band dirty all the time.
Now when my leather band get dirty, simple wash it with warm water under sink. 100-meter waterproof protection will ensure no water is in the leather itself, and dirt is gone in seconds. Always looks like new, no aging on the band, specially with stainless steel deployant, there is no bending on the band also, always straight as new.

 

[Thai]

Because of above, i googled "remborde". This is a BIAS link i am sure but it does teach me about leather and what to look for: http://ankhstrap.com/leatherpage1.html

5 pages...good reading...again, i am sure bias (against cheap Chinese stuff). Page 5 is the best.
[doublepost=1455499388][/doublepost]

View attachment 616457
[doublepost=1455493623][/doublepost]

I did considered Apple leather band, but I wash my hand all the time, and I do get my band dirty all the time.
Now when my leather band get dirty, simple wash it with warm water under sink. 100-meter waterproof protection will ensure no water is in the leather itself, and dirt is gone in seconds. Always looks like new, no aging on the band, specially with stainless steel deployant, there is no bending on the band also, always straight as new.

So basically, all leather are waterproof to a degree...but all cow/calf leather let in water after a while. Air dry. The only band that is truly waterproof are those that are covered with a compound to prevent water from ever touching leather part, such as silicone.

So, i am interested in how Di-Modell does the waterproofing. Given its economical price, i wonder if they are using some sort of silicone compound.

 

[jasie02]

Because of above, i googled "remborde". This is a BIAS link i am sure but it does teach me about leather and what to look for: http://ankhstrap.com/leatherpage1.html

5 pages...good reading...again, i am sure bias (against cheap Chinese stuff). Page 5 is the best.
[doublepost=1455499388][/doublepost]

So basically, all leather are waterproof to a degree...but all cow/calf leather let in water after a while. Air dry. The only band that is truly waterproof are those that are covered with a compound to prevent water from ever touching leather part, such as silicone.

So, i am interested in how Di-Modell does the waterproofing. Given its economical price, i wonder if they are using some sort of silicone compound.

What ever I say is never going to justify how good it feel with Di-Modell waterproof (not water resistant) band feel.

I would recommend you get one yourself and make your own judgement, after wear it for couple days.

 

[mhoutman]

Interesting read on making of the Hermès strap https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/a-first-hand-look-at-the-making-of-an-herms-watch-strap

"While my strap is black on the outside, the lining is different. Called “Zermatt,” it is beige in color and tanned with a special treatment to prevent allergic reactions. The artisan in charge of this step glued the inside and outside together for me (also inserting a thin sheet of paper between them), as well as traced the holes for the stitching, while I went off to inspect the types and colors of leather that Hermès offers."

Why this thin layer of paper ?

part 1

part 2

 

[Thai]

Maybe the paper provides an even uniform surface for the glue?

At least, now we know why Apple chose two tone on Classic Buckle 2nd gen. Anti-allergic inner lining like Hermes.

 

[mhoutman]

Maybe the paper provides an even uniform surface for the glue?

At least, now we know why Apple chose two tone on Classic Buckle 2nd gen. Anti-allergic inner lining like Hermes.

Not sure here. Besides that the Classic Buckle band leather is not on par with Hermès. Well there must be something to justify the price difference...

BTW got the Pad & Quills today. Lovely and again another league...

 

[nicho]

What ever I say is never going to justify how good it feel with Di-Modell waterproof (not water resistant) band feel.

I would recommend you get one yourself and make your own judgement, after wear it for couple days.

i have a question for you; are you familiar with hirsch watch straps?

i was going to get the same di modell strap as yours, but the only seller i found out here doesn't have it in the right size and probably won't get more stock for a long time. he pointed me towards the hirsch mariner strap which has many of the same properties - http://www.hirschag.com/en/hirsch-bracelet-assortment/#/191 ; do you think it looks like a good replacement?

 

[Mac2me]

Not sure here. Besides that the Classic Buckle band leather is not on par with Hermès. Well there must be something to justify the price difference...

BTW got the Pad & Quills today. Lovely and again another league...

A while ago I was considering either their blue or brown band. Don't think I've seen user photos of them. Can you put up a few of your. Very curious how the stitching looks. Thanks.
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Because of above, i googled "remborde". This is a BIAS link i am sure but it does teach me about leather and what to look for: http://ankhstrap.com/leatherpage1.html

5 pages...good reading...again, i am sure bias (against cheap Chinese stuff). Page 5 is the best.
[doublepost=1455499388][/doublepost]

So basically, all leather are waterproof to a degree...but all cow/calf leather let in water after a while. Air dry. The only band that is truly waterproof are those that are covered with a compound to prevent water from ever touching leather part, such as silicone.

So, i am interested in how Di-Modell does the waterproofing. Given its economical price, i wonder if they are using some sort of silicone compound.

I read somewhere (wish I could remember the source again) that waterproofing is done by application of a wax on the leather.

 

[Thai]

I read somewhere (wish I could remember the source again) that waterproofing is done by application of a wax on the leather.

Yeah, i read that too...beeswax i think. Hermes does that. But that means that this is just a coating that wears off, right?

 

[jasie02]

Yeah, i read that too...beeswax i think. Hermes does that. But that means that this is just a coating that wears off, right?

Are Hermes claimed waterproof or water-resistant, or neither?

 

[Mac2me]

Pretty sure I saw the wax reference elsewhere but Hirsch also uses wax. Here's a link to their Mariner band: http://www.hirschag.com/en/hirsch-bracelet-assortment/#/191

 

[Thai]

Are Hermes claimed waterproof or water-resistant, or neither?

No claim. Wax wears off I imagine. So cannot make claim. Cow Leather by definition is porous. So the only way that it waterproof is with a coating.

 

[jasie02]

By the way, I just realize Hermes band actually cost more than Apple Watch case itself, $600 for single tour or $700 for double tour, vs $550 for the SS watch case.
I understand what does Hermes leather good represent, but when is last time anyone buy a watch band is more expensive than a brand new mechanical watch case used on?

 

[nicho]

By the way, I just realize Hermes band actually cost more than Apple Watch case itself, $600 for single tour or $700 for double tour, vs $550 for the SS watch case.
I understand what does Hermes leather good represent, but when is last time anyone buy a watch band is more expensive than a brand new mechanical watch case used on?

When you factor in the cost of the extra years warranty into the case I think they end up being closer in price, probably $550 or $650 to $600 for the watch.

 

[Mac2me]

No experience with these companies but perhaps you guys might like their product. Horween leather.

http://www.strappingfellow.com

http://www.stonecreekstraps.com/Gallery.php?view=thumbnailList&category=3

 

[mhoutman]

No experience with these companies but perhaps you guys might like their product. Horween leather.

http://www.strappingfellow.com

http://www.stonecreekstraps.com/Gallery.php?view=thumbnailList&category=3

Thanks for the links. I like the option of customization at http://www.strappingfellow.com

Yet I haven't seen much double layer bands made from Horween leather as they probably would become too thick like these ones ? http://www.stonecreekstraps.com/Gallery.php?view=preview&category=3&image=385 and http://www.stonecreekstraps.com/Gallery.php?view=preview&category=3&image=411

Most Horween made bands (seen on for example Etsy) are single layer and look IMO quite basic. If you like that style you get great quality leather from America's eldest tannery. In the EU Horween is not very well known).

You aso asked on the Pad & Quills. I received the ‘old’ model in tan, whiskey and galloper black.

It is quite a long story to write now but I bought all three on their Etsy store as I wanted the black one. (black is not available in their own web store anymore).

Last week I ordered the whiskey and black and half a day later I also ordered the tan. At that moment I noticed a price difference between different models.

I was then told that I ordered the ‘old’ model. When I asked about any differences I was told (quote):“It’s basically the same band but the leather is a little softer and the band is slimmer “.

Well Etsy is not very clear on any differences at all !

So my initial impression is made on the ‘old’ style which is still available on Etsy https://www.etsy.com/shop/PadandQuill.

I wil write a review later but if your wrist measures 160 mm plus I would not recommend the ‘old’ style as the strap is too short. (check reddit here https://www.reddit.com/r/AppleWatch/comments/3yx9t6/pad_and_quill_leather_british_tan/? for more complaints).

My point is that since I do not know the exact details on the ‘new’ style improvements I feel a bit cheated…

Yesterday I send an email with some questions on the ‘new’ style but haven’t received an answer yet. So the question remains if the ‘new’ style is longer. If not your are safe to go with a wrist size of 160 mm max…

 

[Mac2me]

I noticed on the Strapping Fellows website this comment about thickness at the lug end:

"Two-piece watch straps use leather that is 2.1-2.3mm thick. This leather is thinned to 1.75mm thick where the watch strap interfaces with the watch so it can fit between the spring bar and the watch case."

I'm guessing that thick bands like 4-5mm would do the same? no? Obviously you need your band to fit the spring bar and watch case space. Certainly would be a question to ask though I guess.

 

[mhoutman]

I noticed on the Strapping Fellows website this comment about thickness at the lug end:

"Two-piece watch straps use leather that is 2.1-2.3mm thick. This leather is thinned to 1.75mm thick where the watch strap interfaces with the watch so it can fit between the spring bar and the watch case."

I'm guessing that thick bands like 4-5mm would do the same? no? Obviously you need your band to fit the spring bar and watch case space. Certainly would be a question to ask though I guess.

I suggest you watch this

video and see from 3.25 min how this is one

The Pad & Quills are from real thick leather so you do not see much space between leather and watch case.In fact you need quite some force to turn the leather around the adapter....but it is still stiff so that we change over time.

Today I got the info that length of both the old and new Pad & Quills Classic band is the very same.What is your wrist size in mm ? (I do not recommend this band if they measure > 160mm

 

[Thai]

The Pad & Quills are from real thick leather so you do not see much space between leather and watch case.In fact you need quite some force to turn the leather around the adapter....but it is still stiff so that we change over time.

Not sure if this is a good thing. That type of friction is not good for the leather in terms of wear and tear. And if your lug adapter is ill-fitting, then this create a sharp lip along the bottom of watch case where the leather rubs repeatedly.

To be honest, that is a sign of poor (basic) R&D.

 

[mhoutman]

Not sure if this is a good thing. That type of friction is not good for the leather in terms of wear and tear. And if your lug adapter is ill-fitting, then this create a sharp lip along the bottom of watch case where the leather rubs repeatedly.

To be honest, that is a sign of poor (basic) R&D.

fully agree but they probably like to represents some heritage..

 

[Thai]

fully agree but they probably like to represents some heritage..

Heritage of poor designs?! Just kidding, i know what you mean. They need to individualize the products though...it may end up biting them in their rear end from consumer feedback.

 

[mhoutman]

Heritage of poor designs?! Just kidding, i know what you mean. They need to individualize the products though...it may end up biting them in their rear end from consumer feedback.

A bit the same as with some Twelve South and DoDoCASE cases.

BTW, I have found this great YouTube channel on leather:

https://www.youtube.com/user/satansbarber/videos

have a look at some of these videos as it will give so much info on this beautiful product

 

[bmac4]

When you factor in the cost of the extra years warranty into the case I think they end up being closer in price, probably $550 or $650 to $600 for the watch.

I see the extra year warranty thrown in a lot with the Hermès and editions of the watch. The only problem I have with that logic is shouldn't that just be part of buying the product? It should not be calculated in cost. It's a bonus feature right? I truly believe Hermès and Apple would sell the band for $600 of the sold them by themselves. I don't think Apple added the extra year in the warranty.

 

[nicho]

I see the extra year warranty thrown in a lot with the Hermès and editions of the watch. The only problem I have with that logic is shouldn't that just be part of buying the product? It should not be calculated in cost. It's a bonus feature right? I truly believe Hermès and Apple would sell the band for $600 of the sold them by themselves. I don't think Apple added the extra year in the warranty.

On the flip side, nothing comes for free and the warranty cost is built in somewhere.

They won't sell you a SS watch and Hermès band separately for the same price as the hermès watch including extra year warranty. For that reason, I have doubts they'll even sell them separately. Apple would have no reason to - they don't sell any other third party bands in store.