The Swiss Army Knife of apartments

One never stops learning

An alterante way to open a bottle of wine.

The correct post for the start of the year

Watch Straps

A trend we have seen lately, especially in light of the economic climate in Europe and the US is buy less, but better. Another World War II mantra is make do and mend (coincidentally also the name of a punk rock band).

Don't worry, this post won't be about sewing different buttons on a garment to freshen it up, but freshening up watches. Aside from a full service and clean, changing the strap of a watch is a very easy way of giving new life to a watch. There are very few places that make metal customisable watch straps but a few who make leather straps in France, Italy and Japan. The one I have most experience with is ABP (Atelier du Bracelet Paris) in Paris on Place du Marche Saint Honore just up the road from Colette. 

It is best to visit them in person as one can choose the leather, the skin and the position of where the strap will be cut on the skin. This is important in crocodile for example where I have the large scales at the case going to smaller scales at the clasp. They also have a special pin with a cut out in the strap that allows one to easily change the straps without tools. All of this does not come cheap though (a few hundred Euros...). For one of my watches it is essential though as it takes a 19mm strap versus the industry standard of 18 or 20mm.