The Rise of Alternative and Unique Materials in Watch Strap Design

I enjoy my leather, rubber and nylon straps. I occasionally wear a sailcloth or cordura strap also. But the watch straps market is undergoing a major transformation. So many artisans are going way outside the box and redefining traditional materials. They make straps from the most surprising and unexpected sources.

Nenad Pantelic • April 22, 2024

Think salvaged materials, repurposed industrial scraps, recycled ocean plastic, surprising textures, unusual material properties...

But there is a catch: making it beautiful and interesting is only half the battle. The challenge is in finding the perfect balance. Unusual, yet durable and comfortable enough for everyday wear.

This article will showcase the work of five artisans and their creative material choices.

NDC Straps: Marine Nationale Parachute Elastic

NDC Straps uses authentic mil-spec and NOS (New Old Stock) Marine Nationale parachute elastic material. This elastic nylon, sourced from France, was originally designed for parachute deployment and has a very specific combination of flexibility, durability, and strength. It expands just enough for a comfortable fit and remains strong enough to resist tearing and breaking.

Like all synthetic materials, this elastic is lightweight and has a low profile. The NDC strap adds minimal bulk, making it comfortable to wear for extended periods without feeling cumbersome. Its inherent stretchiness ensures a snug fit around the wrist without feeling restrictive.

Repurposing old military gear in such a creative way is very cool.

Substation Ltd: Waxed Canvas

For the last couple of weeks I've been trying out this interesting strap from a company you might not have heard of yet – Substation Ltd. It's a fascinating product because Matt, the founder, is actually a photojournalist who travels the world, so he's got an eye for details, and it shows in his straps.

The material is key here. Matt makes his straps from waxed canvas. Being from Seattle, he sources old, vintage Filson fabric from all over the Pacific Northwest.

Repurposed Filson waxed canvas is very durable and water resistant. The tightly woven canvas is ideal for the rain-soaked Pacific Northwest, offering superior wear-and-tear resistance. The special wax treatment further improves the resistance aspect by repelling water and keeping your strap protected for a longer time.

Matt sources his canvas from various interesting places. He uses deadstock materials, but also he sources some rare, limited-edition fabrics that Filson developed by Filson in collaboration with other designers and brands.

ColaReb: Vegan Leather from Apples

You've likely heard of ColaReb, and for good reason. They offer an awesome selection of calf leather straps. But what's less known is their commitment to sustainability. ColaReb invests in responsible sourcing by using vegan leather made from apple processing leftovers. This material provides a nice alternative to traditional leather, minimizing environmental impact and addressing the concerns of ethically-minded consumers.

It offers a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to traditional leather, repurposing by-products that would otherwise go to waste.

The best part is that the material properties are as good as real leather. The apple-based vegan leather maintains the softness, durability, and premium look of real leather. It's also hypoallergenic.

Soturi: Military Grade Cordura® Fabric

Cordura® is a strong fabric made of high-tensile strength fibers that can withstand long-term wear. It's also non-porous and water resistant - a great choice for our diver, field, or pilot watches.

The owner of Soturi, a military veteran, creates two-piece and pass-through straps using only the toughest heavy-duty mil-spec Cordura® fabrics. That brings unparalleled strength and resilience to his straps. These straps are always produced in limited runs and consistently sell out in a matter of hours, so be quick when a new batch drops.

GLC: Ripstop Material in Camo Pattern

GLC pays homage to military heritage by repurposing ripstop material from Vietnam era jackets. Ripstop material works pretty well in this application because it has a solid durability and resistance to tearing.

Originally developed for military and outdoor gear, ripstop fabric is woven with reinforced threads in a crosshatch pattern which prevents small tears from spreading. This makes ripstop one of the most unusual but logical materials for watch straps, as it brings longevity and reliability, even in tough environments.

GLC decided to use camo patterns. That gives a nostalgic charm to their straps, that naturally pair nicely with field, pilot, diver, and other types of military and sports watches.

Looking Ahead

I think it's awesome to see this change. What I like most is that these artisans are not only about making something that looks cool, but they're also focusing on comfort and durability. I like that they're pushing the boundaries of what a watch strap can be, especially in an industry that's often locked in tradition and will more or less put a glossy alligator brown strap on anything.

I also want to give credit to these artisans for repurposing old products and materials. It's a small but meaningful way the watch industry can contribute to sustainability, and I hope it catches on even more. We, as customers, can only benefit from all this creativity and innovation.