A watch strap is often treated like an accessory. To us, it is part of the watch itself. It is the point where the object meets the wrist — where leather begins to soften, shape, darken, and take on the life of the person wearing it. A well-made strap should not simply hold a watch in place. It should become more personal with time. That belief is at the center of this process.

For this story, we spent time with Michael Stricklin of Loyal Stricklin, a leather craftsman whose work reflects the same values we care about in watchmaking: thoughtful materials, careful tools, and a respect for the small details that are easy to overlook but impossible to ignore once the piece is finished. The process begins with the leather itself. We often work with Buttero vegetable-tanned leather from Italy, chosen for its structure, feel, and ability to break in beautifully over time. Each hide is different, and each section has its own character. Before a strap is cut, the leather is examined for strength, consistency, and the way it will age on the wrist. From there, the work becomes precise. Each strap is cut and shaped using specialized tools, including a hydraulic press and a skiver to bring the leather to the proper thickness. The scale may be small, but the demands are high. Every edge, fold, hole, and stitch has to be considered. On an object this close to the body, even the smallest imperfection is visible and felt. That is part of what makes strap making so compelling. It is functional work, but it is also deeply tactile. The tools, the leather, the pressure of the cut, the finishing of the edge — each step leaves a trace in the final piece. This collaboration brought together several people who care about process as much as product. Michael’s leatherwork gives the strap its structure and character. Andrew Reed led the photography and direction, capturing the atmosphere of the workshop and the rhythm of the work. Additional photography by Jonathan Kohn highlights the textures, tools, and quiet precision behind each step. The finished strap may seem simple at first glance. That is the point. Good craftsmanship does not always announce itself loudly. Sometimes it is found in the way a material breaks in, the way an edge feels against the wrist, or the way a watch becomes easier to wear the longer it belongs to you. By focusing on the process, not just the finished object, we stay close to the reason we make things this way. The best pieces take time, attention, and a willingness to care about the details most people will never see — but will feel every day.