How to specify the hole size and distance between holes for custom straps?

[dvn]

This maybe a silly question but I don't have the right information so I will throw it out there anyway.

I have seen some very nice straps made by oversea straps makers in countries like china and Vietnam. The problem is those strap don't have holes punched by default so you suppose to provide that information so they can punch the holes for you. My questions is how do you correctly telling these strap makers the specs of those holes and the distance between holes specially for IWC, Omega, Panerai and Breitlling?

 

Edited September 18, 2015 by dvn

[PeteM]

The easiest way is to find your favourite or most comfortable strap (even if it old and damaged) then measure distance on that strap from end or tip of the strap (hole side) to the centre of the first hole, then measure the distance from that end/tip to the centre of the last hole (closest to lugs). Then measure the distance from the centre of the first hole to the centre of the next hole (to get hole spacing)

Of course that is assuming the strap you want to buy or order is for a similar sized watch to the one that your comfy strap fits on but basically thats the easiest way

 

 

If your comfiest strap is on a smaller or bigger watch than the one you want this new strap to fit then  take the rep strap or strap that is on the watch you want a new strap for and find where you would want the hole to be for it to fit nicely...if it already fits nicely but you want a new or better strap or even longer then do the same measurements as above in first paragraph.

That means you can add length to your new strap if you like but just keep hole positions following same measurements as above just add the extra length of the custom strap you have ordered.

 

For example if the watch you want to have a new strap for has a rep strap that fits OK but you want something different or with longer tail etc then just add the extra length you need to the measurements you took from that rep strap. The key is to make sure you use the measurements you know that are comfy for you by only taking measurements from a strap you find comfy..

Even if you cant work it out then just tell strap maker what you want custom wise and then tell him the measurements of the comfy strap then he will work out what you need for custom strap..

 

Remember the most important hole position is the one that you actually use with the buckle the rest are just for visual looks or for other wrists..

 

others may say use a string or similar but really you need to get it right using a strap and the watch in question