Frequently Asked Questions

Navigate to the Custom Order page and work through the configuration steps — choose your leather, colour, thread, stitching style, strap end, and buckle. Once submitted, you'll receive a confirmation and I'll be in touch to discuss any specifics before work begins.

No. All measurements are taken from the information you provide during the order process. The Buckle Measurement Guide and Strap Styles pages walk you through exactly what to measure. If you're unsure, just get in touch and I'll guide you through it.

In most cases, yes. Provided you can supply the correct lug width, strap length, and thickness specifications, a strap can be made to fit virtually any watch — from a vintage dress watch to a modern sport piece. Unusual lug widths or curved lugs can be discussed on a case-by-case basis.

Once your order is received, I'll review your specifications and follow up to confirm all details before cutting any leather. You'll be kept informed at key stages of the crafting process, and the finished strap will be shipped directly to you.

Yes. Lombard Bespoke ships worldwide. Straps are packaged carefully to protect them in transit, and tracked shipping options are available.

The core range includes full-grain vegetable-tanned calf/bovine leathers, and a selection of exotic skins including ostrich (full-quill), ostrich leg and crocodile. Each leather has its own character in terms of texture, patina development, and durability — the Exotic Leathers page covers the options in detail.

Vegetable tanning is a traditional, slow process that uses natural plant-based tannins. It produces a firmer leather that develops a rich patina over time, moulding to the wrist with wear. Chrome tanning is faster and produces a softer, more uniform leather but with less of the character that develops with age. Most Lombard Bespoke straps are made from vegetable-tanned leathers for this reason.

Yes. Thread colour is one of the most personalised aspects of a bespoke strap. The Thread Guide page shows the full colour range available, and you select your thread as part of the order process. Contrasting thread and matched thread both work well depending on the look you're after.

We offer a premium range of buckle styles and finishes — including Polished, Matt or Brushed Stainless Steel, as well as Gold Plated and Black PVD — in standard widths 16mm, 18mm, 20mm, 22mm and 24mm. The Buckle Guide covers the styles in detail. You can also supply your own buckle if you have one you'd like to reuse.

The lug-end is the part of the strap that attaches to your watch case. We offer several styles — including notched ends (reinforced or simple, in center or edge positions), curved ends for curved springbars, and fully integrated ends custom-fitted to your lugs. Each is hand-finished.

Lug width is the measurement between the lugs on your watch case where the strap attaches. It is usually stamped on the back of the watch or listed in the manufacturer's specifications. Common widths are 18mm, 20mm, and 22mm. The Buckle Measurement Guide walks you through how to measure if you're unsure.

Standard strap lengths work for most wrists, but if your wrist is notably narrow or large, a custom length can be specified at no extra cost during the order process. The long end of a standard strap is typically 115–120mm and the short end 70–75mm, giving a combined length of around 190mm.

Thickness depends on the leather and how the strap will be worn. Casual-wear straps tend to be calf leather with an average thickness of about 2.5–3.0mm, whereas exotics are usually reserved for formal occasions and are thinner at around 2.0–2.5mm. The thickness may also be determined by the buckle or deployant clasp used, which can require a precise thickness — for example 1.9mm. If you're replacing an existing strap, the easiest approach is to measure it with a set of callipers, and I can advise based on your specific watch model if needed.

Saddle stitching is the traditional leatherworking technique where two needles are used simultaneously — one on each end of a single thread — passing through the same hole from opposite sides. Every stitch locks independently, so if one is ever damaged, it will not run or unravel the way a machine stitch can. The result is stronger, longer-lasting, and visually distinct — tight, even stitches with a slight three-dimensional quality that machine stitching cannot replicate. It is the method used on every Lombard Bespoke strap.

Yes. Every edge is finished by hand. Bovine and calf straps are burnished and sealed with a traditional burnishing gum, while exotic skins receive a high-end, durable rubber edge finish. The keepers are finished with a French-rolled edge.

Turnaround time depends on the current order queue, but most straps are completed within four to six weeks from order confirmation. If you need it sooner, rush production with a 2-week turnaround is available for a fee of 30% of the order value, subject to availability. If you have a deadline — for a trip, gift, or event — please mention it at the time of ordering and I will do my best to accommodate it.

Pricing depends on the leather chosen, the complexity of the design, and any additional options. The full pricing breakdown is available on the Pricing page. As a general guide, standard calf leather straps start at a lower price point, while exotic leathers are priced accordingly. Every strap — regardless of price — receives the same standard of hand craftsmanship.

Yes. A 75% deposit confirms your order and reserves your place in the production schedule and the materials for your strap. The remaining 25% is due before collection or dispatch. If you cancel more than 14 days before your due date, we retain 25% of the order value and refund the rest of your deposit. Within 14 days of your due date, the full deposit is retained. For rush orders, production begins immediately, so the full deposit and rush fee are non-refundable from the date of payment. See our Refund & Return Policy for details.

Keep the strap away from prolonged exposure to water, direct sunlight, and harsh chemicals. Wipe it down with a dry or slightly damp cloth if it gets wet, and allow it to dry naturally away from heat. Occasional conditioning with a quality leather balm or cream will keep the leather supple and help develop its patina. The Leather Care page covers this in full detail.

Vegetable-tanned leathers in particular develop a rich, personalised patina over time — darkening and deepening in colour with wear and exposure to light and the natural oils of your skin. This is considered part of the character of the strap, not a flaw. Each strap ages uniquely to its owner.

Leather and sustained water exposure are not a good combination. While brief exposure to light rain or splashing won't cause immediate damage if the strap is dried naturally afterwards, leather straps are not suitable for swimming or diving. If you need a strap for a dive watch that sees regular water use, it's worth discussing materials with me before ordering.