Introduction
For this particular entry, we’ll dive into detail about the varying elements that go into hand-making bespoke watch straps and key considerations as to why you might choose a bespoke strap over one off the shelf. Bespoke by its very nature isn’t a one size fits all offering, and there are many reasons why bespoke could be the right fit. Before we dive into the nitty-gritty though, let’s explore more about the word itself.
Bespoke: No sharing allowed!
“Bespoke”, “Made to Order”, “Customisation”, “Standard sizing”: You’ve probably become a bit seasick wrapping your head around these terms. So, where does the word actually come from? “Bespoke” simply means the item has been made for you and you only. Unlike chocolate, a bespoke watch strap can’t be shared (sorry!). These proudly British leather watch straps are made completely from scratch to fit and suit you.
So, why bespoke? It takes longer, right?
There’s several reasons why a bespoke watch strap could be for you:
- You’re not happy with your current strap: it might not be comfortable on your wrist, the strap may feel it’s digging in, or more simply the strap doesn’t suit the watch.
- You’ve a non-standard wrist size: many places will pigeonhole you into standard sizing irrespective of fit. With bespoke, the strap is made to measure. And fit.
- Can you pull my idea off? Yes, seriously! You might want something that’s just that little bit different. After all, the watch is personal to you, so why not have the strap personal to you too?
Process Breakdown
So you’ve got this far and you’re keen to hear more. So, let's dive into the bespoke process:
- Once we’ve made sure we can help, we’ll then invite you to our Marylebone studio along with your watch. Here we’ll take the core measurements needed to craft your strap. In addition, we’ll showcase in person the material and colour options to make sure you’re happy with them. We’ll be on hand to give advice if you’ve any questions or concerns.
- After we’ve taken all the measurements and you’re happy with the material and colour, we’ll then take payment and get cracking on making your strap. There’s no outsourcing here: you’ll be able to see whilst in the studio where your strap will be made.
- It can take a couple of weeks for us to craft your strap, but we’ll advise you of timeframes before you leave. When you’re strap is ready though, we’ll be in touch to invite you back for the big day! We’ll fit your strap and make sure you’re comfortable with it on your wrist.
- Ultimately, we want to make sure you’re happy with your strap. We’ll therefore follow up with you a two weeks after the fitting to make sure everything is ok. If you’ve any questions - big or small - between the fitting and our courtesy call, pick up the phone - we’re there to help.
Measurements
Process aside, let’s explore the measurements side of bespoke. Making a bespoke watch strap has its technicalities, but we don’t want you to feel the burden of these: we want you to enjoy it! In other words, let us take care of the measurements. Many brands will often ask you to fill in page long forms online or have you make multiple trips to a store, making the process longer than it really needs to be. Even Inspector Gadget wouldn’t be too impressed with the level of friction some companies put clients through!
Still on the fence? Think about it this way: you wouldn’t want your Rolex Daytona to be scratched, would you? Leave the measurements and fitting to the experts.
Material and Colour Choices
Technicalities aside, there’s a vast array of choice when it comes to material and colour choices. Whether you’ve a Rolex, Cartier, Audemars Piguet or a combination of brands as a watch collector, It’s easy to get lost in the array of choice many companies offer, whether it be an ocean of exotics or a mosaic of more traditional materials. From our standpoint, nothing beats a carefully curated selection devised from over a decade of experience.
After all, transforming your watch starts with understanding the brands and their characteristics. Looking for something dressed down? A contrasting strap to pair with a Cartier Crash? Looking for something exotic like a Stingray or something classic with Alcantara? We can pull it off.
Final Thoughts
In summary, the strap isn’t an afterthought at INRO. It’s the centrepiece. The sea of majestic timepieces - whether modern or vintage - deserve the best strap, and at INRO we only craft the best.
Now, are you ready to love your watch that little bit more?
Give us a call on +44 207 998 3947 or come and visit us:
Alfies
13-25 Church Street,
Marylebone, London
NW8 8DT
Bibliography
Vocabulary.com. 2021. bespoke - Dictionary Definition. [online] Available at: https://www.vocabulary.com/dictionary/bespoke [Accessed 27 October 2021].