Below is a list of frequently asked questions and answers. This page is regularly updated, and should answer all of your questions, but if there is anything else you need to know, please contact me by email.
Are all your straps made by hand?
Yes, completely. In my opinion there is no substitute for a quality hand made, hand stitched watch strap. There are no machines used - each and every one of my straps is built totally by hand.
How thick are your straps?
Generally my straps are approximately 4mm thick, but it does depend on the leather I'm using. For me this thickness is just about perfect for a big watch. You'll see on the leather pages a statement of how thick the straps made from that leather will be.
What strap widths can you provide?
All my straps are parallel widths, but because all my straps are handmade I can provide any width you like, however I only have buckles in 20mm, 22mm, 24mm and 26mm. If you want a different width strap I can make it, but you will need to source a buckle for it yourself.
Can you box stitch a strap for me?
Unless you notify me at the time of ordering I will stitch the strap open (i.e. just down the sides of the strap), but I can also stitch it closed (i.e. stitch accross the width of the strap at the lugs), or boxed (i.e. with a box at the lug end) for you if you wish. If you prefer closed or boxed stitching please make sure you let me know when you order by mentioning this in the "special instructions" field on the order form. If you're unsure what I mean by open, closed & boxed stitching take a look here.
Can you make me a strap with a sewn in keeper?
Yes, of course. My normal straps come with one wide keeper, but if you want a fixed keeper as well I can do that. Make sure you mention this in the "special instructions" field on the order form.
I can see your straps have a variety of strap cuts. Which will I get?
Unless requested otherwise, your strap will be cut with a pointed tail. If you want a square tail on your strap please be sure to include this in "special instructions" on the order form when you order.
Can I swim wearing a Toshi Strap?
Leather is naturally a porus material, and although I do wax and oil my straps during the manufacturing process I do not consider them to be waterproof. A little water won't do them any harm, but allowing them to become saturated is not advised.
What buckles can you offer?
I carry a stock of buckles in two styles (thumbnail and fishtail) and in four finishes (brushed stainless steel, polished stainless steel, beadblasted stainless steel and pvd coated). These buckles come either as spring bar buckles, screw bar buckles or sewn in buckles in 20mm, 22mm, 24mm & 26mm widths. You need to take a look at the buckles page to see the options, as some are available only in certain widths.
Do your straps come with tubes?
From experience I have found that fitting tubes to my straps can cause issues when fitting them to certain types of watch, so unless requested Toshi straps will not have tubes fitted. I do stock tubes for 22mm, 24mm and 26mm straps however, so if you want me to fit them to your strap please be sure to mention this in the "special instructions" field on the order form when ordering. There will be no additional charge made if you request tubes fitted to your strap.
I have a watch with fixed bars. Can you make a strap for it?
I can do this if there is a minimum of 2mm clearance between the lugs and the case, but for obvious reasons I would need to have the watch here to build the strap around it. Email me with the details of the watch (type / lug width / leather choice) and I will reply with a quote and estimate of how long it will take.
My watch has very little clearance between the spring bar and watch case. Will one of your straps fit?
I normally shave the thickness of the leather to around 1.2mm at the lugs so my straps will fit most watches, however some watches are well known for having little clearance for straps (eg. Anonimo). If you are concerned please let me know when you order and I can thin the leather more than I would normally when I build your strap.
Do you sign your straps?
Yes, my logo will usually be stamped onto the back of the strap you receive from me. In the past I've been asked to stamp the strap on the front, and I will do this if asked, but it will be stamped on the back unless requested otherwise.
What size strap will I need?
Correctly sizing a strap is not as complicated as it might seem, and is explained on the strap measurements page. This shows what information I need when you place an order, but feel free to email me if you want me to help.
Do you have any leather or threads that are not shown on the website?
No. All my leather and thread stocks are shown on this website. The leathers I use do change occasionally, but when they do I update the site very quickly.
Will your straps fit my deployant buckle?
I don't hold deployant buckles in stock, and not all deployants will fit my straps. If you want a deployant on one of my straps please be aware that my straps are normally 4mm thick (depending on leather selected), so you will need to source a deployant that can take that thickness of strap.
How much do your straps cost?
The prices vary depending on the leather and buckle chosen, so you'll need to go to the straps page and click through to see the costs for each type of leather I have on offer.
How can I order a strap?
You can complete and submit the order form which will ask you for your choice of leather, thread colour, buckle, width of strap and length of strap. There will also be a space for special instructions, so if you want the strap box stitched, want me to fit tubes to the strap, or only want 3 holes punched etc. then please let me know here. If you are confused by any of the choices you have to make then by all means email me and I will try to advise you.
How long will it be before you can ship my strap?
I aim to have a strap built and shipped within two weeks of receiving payment for it, but I run Toshi Straps around my day job and there are times when I am busy and it will take me slightly longer to build your strap for you. I will always give you an indication of dispatch when I confirm your order however, and it is unlikely to be more than 2 weeks.
Where do you ship? What charge is their for shipment?
I ship anywhere in the world, and the shipping is free. In the UK I use Royal Mail recorded delivery, and for international orders I use Royal Mail International signed for. When I ship your strap I will email you to let you know, and if you are not in the UK I will give you the tracking number at that time.
Do you have any pre-made straps that can ship immediately?
No, my straps are bespoke and so I only work to order. I know it can be frustrating having to wait for your strap, but I will make the wait as short as possible and I know you will be happy with the strap when it arrives.
I notice you photograph your straps with various watches. Does this mean your straps are endorsed by these watch manufacturers?
No. All the watches you see on this website are either my own watches from my collection, or they belong to customers of mine who have kindly sent pictures to me of my straps on their watch. The fact I use these to showcase my work is not meant to give the impression that my watch straps are endorsed by any manufacturer whose watches are featured.
Are you a watch collector yourself?
Yes, absolutely. I've been a collector of watches for a few years now and I seem to live & breathe watches. It's a sickness, but I'm learning to live with it! LOL :)
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