Today’s strap is a ZULUDIVER (MKII) 400 rubber strap in black, by Watch Gecko, shown here on a Seiko SKX009 watch. The rubber is embossed with a carbon fiber surface treatment and it comes with a folding buckle that allows micro adjustments for a perfect fit.

Additionally, the strap is reversible for a different texture and you can cut it to length (the buckle hides the cut). Made by Italian manufacturer Bonetto Cinturini.

You can find the strap on the Watch Gecko store, and some of their other straps are also sold on Amazon on their Amazon storefront. As they sell many other straps, Watch Gecko is a good place for E.U., U.K. or U.S. strap buyers.

The Seiko SKX 009 can be found on Amazon or Jomashop.

Today’s straps are by Watch Gecko, a strap shop in the U.K. Its a good option for those who aren’t U.S. based and are looking for some watch straps, since you can purchase in pounds or euros. They also have some of their straps on their Amazon store (but not all).

Shown here is their simple handmade Italian leather strap. The watch on the left is a Seiko SKX009 diver (around $200), while the watch on the right is the way more expensive Tudor Black Bay GMT. See our guide on safely purchasing a watch online before you go buying that one.

Today’s awesome strap combination is from Barton Bands. Pictured is a Blue Flatwater Silicone Quick Release Band on a Seiko SKX 007 Diver. You can find Barton Bands on their website or their Amazon store. At around $20, the watch strap is a great band for the price.

The watch pictured is a  Seiko SKX 007 diver you can find on Amazon or via our affiliate Jomashop. If you don’t know much about this watch, it is basically one of the best steals when it comes to a dive watch. An unbeatable combination of looks & history usually available for under $200. Put them together and you have a great gift combo.

If you’re in the market for a new band or watch, check out our other guides:

• Safe Places to Buy a Watch Online
• Tools for Replacing A Watch Strap or Band
• How to Pick Out The Right Watch Band For Your Watch
• 5 Tips For Picking Out A New Watch Band Or Strap
• How to Fix A Broken Loop On Your Watch Strap
• Basic Bands 2017 Watch Strap And Band Gift Guide

We are an Amazon Affiliate.

It’s time for something a little different. Today’s straps are from the HNS Watch Strap Company, makers of colorful printed NATOs (and more regular straps too). Today’s bands are shown on a Seiko diver.

For more NATOs, check out our Top 5 picks for inexpensive NATO straps on Amazon.

Watch strap making isn’t just limited to major brands and big shops; across the world there are small strapmakers making a living designing unique and custom straps. Our small brand spotlight series interviews these strapmakers to see what makes them tick.

Today the spotlight is on Pavel Slow and his shop, Neptune Straps.

Name: Neptune Straps/Pavel Slow
Website: www.etsy.com/uk/shop/NeptuneStraps
Location: UK
What: Mainly watch straps but also small leather goods (bifold wallets, cardholders, etc.)

Neptune Straps Brown Leather NATO Watch Strap

How did you get into watchstrap making?
I think it’s a similar story to many other strap makers. I’m a watch enthusiast and made my first straps for myself. I’m a member of several watch forums and saw many watches there with superb handmade straps. Unfortunately, those straps were expensive to buy.

So I decided to try one myself. Of course, my first attempt was terrible because I didn’t have any previous experience with leather craft. But I didn’t give up and tried again and again. Now it’s been over five years that I’ve been doing it and there are still plenty of things to improve.

I think it’s a great hobby. It helps me relax after work and helps me develop precision, patience and manual skills. It has also allowed me to meet many wonderful people in the watch enthusiast community.

Neptune Straps Strapmaking

What materials do you use in your bands?
Mainly calf/cow hide leather, sometimes exotic leather. I’m always trying to just pick the finest quality leather.

Neptune Straps Salmon Leather Watch Straps

What is your favorite material to work with?
My favorite material is Horween Dublin leather. I also like to work with old, vintage leather.

Neptune Strap Brown Leather Perforated Watch Strap

What style of bands is your favorite to make or wear?
I like to make Panerai style straps and ammo straps. I think they have a lot of character and they are quite unique.

Do you have a favorite watch?
It is a hard question to answer because it’s changing all the time. Watches that come to mind are the Cartier Santos or Rolex Oysterquarz.

What do you like to do outside of strap making?
I enjoy spending time with my family. Strap making is just my hobby and I do it in my spare time.

Neptune Straps Black Leather Rally Strap on an Omega Speedmaster

Neptune Straps Wallet

Neptune Straps Brown Leather Watch Strap on Seiko SKX 007 Diver

Neptune Straps Leather Watch Strap Rolls

Neptune Straps Brown Leather Watch Strap on an Omega Speedmaster

Also check out our other guides:

• Safe Places to Buy a Watch Online
• Tools for Replacing A Watch Strap or Band
• How to Pick Out The Right Watch Band For Your Watch
• 5 Tips For Picking Out A New Watch Band Or Strap
• The Complete Guide to the Orient Bambino Dress Watch
• How to Fix A Broken Loop On Your Watch Strap

We are an Amazon & Jomashop Affiliate.