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?
This depends entirely on the thickness of the particular leather used, but generally my straps are around 4mm thick. 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.
Do you make tapered straps?
No, all my straps are parallel widths. If you choose a 24mm wide strap it will therefore be 24mm parallel. My straps do not taper.
Is there a "standard" strap option?
There are obviously many ways your strap can be customised, but unless requested otherwise your strap will come with a pointed tail, open stitching and a single floating keeper.
Do your straps come with a buckle?
I include a spring bar buckle free with every strap, but you can upgrade to a sewn in buckle or screw bar buckle when you order (depending on availability). All the buckles available can be seen on the buckles page.
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 across 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 straps come with one wide floating keeper as standard, but if you want a second floating keeper or 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 folded tail on your strap as shown in some of the photographs please be sure to include this in "special instructions" on the order form when you order.
How many holes are punched in a strap?
This depends on the length of the strap, but in general I will punch 7 holes spaced approx. 7mm apart (in short straps it will be 6 holes to avoid punching too close to the end of the strap).
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. I advise against getting my straps wet, and certainly would suggest swimming or showering while wearing a strap is not a good idea.
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. Some leathers will not be stamped as they won't accept the imprint to my satisfaction.
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 clasps in stock, and some deployants will not 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. I will confirm everything back to you by email before starting work on your strap, so if there are any aspects of your order I think need clarification we can discuss them at that time.
What payment methods do you accept?
My preferred method of payment is PayPal, but I do also accept payment by bank transfer. If you are not using a UK bank account and want to use bank transfer to pay you need to be aware that it can be expensive, and that you will be expected to pay all costs associated with the transfer (contact me to discuss if you don't want to use PayPal). If you are in the UK I will also accept cheques, and cash by RMSD. I do not accept credit card payments, although you can send money using your credit card through PayPal.
How long will it be before you can ship my strap?
I aim to have a strap built and shipped within three 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 a firm dispatch date when I receive your payment however, and I take responsibility for making sure I post your strap on that date.
Where do you ship? What charge is their for shipment?
I ship anywhere in the world. There is no extra charge for shipping to an address within the UK, but there is a £5 GBP surcharge for international shipping (note - the £5 GBP surcharge is per order, so if you are ordering 4 straps it will only be £5 GBP in total for shipping, not £5 GBP per strap!). 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 of the package at that time.
What services do you use for shipping?
I use Royal Mail to ship my straps to you. If you are in the UK your strap will be sent using Royal Mail Recorded Signed For . If you are outside the UK I will use Royal Mail International Signed For to get your strap to you. Both these services will require a signature on delivery, and allow me to insure against loss. I am happy to upgrade your shipping to a service of your choice but I would expect you to pay any difference in cost if this is required. If you do want to upgrade shipping please contact me to discuss when you place your order.
How do I look after my Toshi Strap?
It sounds obvious, but cleaning the strap regularly will help to keep your strap in optimum condition. Sweat and dirt will eventually cause the strap to deteriorate, so a regular wipe with a clean, dry (or slightly damp) cotton cloth is recommended. If you intend to buy a specialised cleaning product you would be advised to avoid any that will strip the natural oils from the leather. Also, a leather cleaner should not leave an oily residue (which can make the strap susceptible to bacteria and can break down the stitching). A leather conditioner is something that should be used only occasionally. Conditioners contain fats and oils to help replenish the leather, but I avoid any containing petroleum or mineral oils as these ingredients will damage the leather in the longer term. It is always a good idea to test the cleaner / conditioner on a small area at the back of the strap first - many products can change the colour of the leather. One more point to mention - please remember that leather is a natural material and should never be stored in plastic (because it encourages the growth of mildew and bacteria and can damage the leather).
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 am confident you will be delighted 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 either belong to customers of mine who have kindly sent pictures to me of my straps on their watch, or my own watches from my collection. 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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