Why Is the Simple Handmade Leather Strap Right for You?

When it comes to enhancing the character of your timepiece, few accessories strike the perfect balance of elegance and practicality quite like a handmade leather strap. The WatchGecko Simple Handmade range is a celebration of timeless craftsmanship, offering straps that embrace the beauty of simplicity while exuding sophistication.

Thanks to its versatility and popularity, the Simple Handmade range has expanded over time to include three different leather straps; the Simple Handmade, Classic Simple Handmade, Simple Handmade Perforated and Simple Handmade Distressed strap.

Handcrafted with precision and designed to age gracefully, these straps are more than just a functional element—they’re an invitation to elevate your watch-wearing experience. Whether you're pairing them with a vintage heirloom or a contemporary favourite, the Simple Handmade range brings effortless charm and undeniable quality to your wrist.

The Simple Handmade is our original bestseller, offering timeless simplicity with a 4mm to 3.5mm tapering thickness, the Italian leather is able to stand up to a great deal of wear, whilst still being pliable from the outset. The simple double stitching makes this a very versatile strap with little superfluous detail to detract from the quality of the leather and of course the watch itself. The strap also comes equipped with quick-release spring bars for easy strap changes, and a stainless steel buckle etched with the WatchGecko logo for reassurance of a genuine quality product.

The Classic Simple Handmade is a a refreshed and slimmer version of the original Simple Handmade strap. Maintaining its timeless simplicity, but now with reduced thickness at the lug end, the Classic Simple Handmade is most suitable for pairing with slim dress and vintage watches which typically feature smaller case dimensions. Just 3.5mm thick (at the lug end), the Classic has been redesigned with a smaller buckle to ensure the final look is well-proportioned.

For those looking for something a little different that oozes vintage charm, the Simple Handmade Perforated offers a classic racing aesthetic with perforated holes that not only look good but also aid breathability and ventilation to the skin.

Finally, our Distressed Simple Handmade offers a worn-in vintage look without the hassle of doing so yourself. A more rugged solution for those keen to pair their strap with a vintage field or pilot watch, the Simple Handmade Distressed is teeming with character and weathered charm.

Finding a replacement strap that truly matches the quality and character of your watch's original can feel like a daunting task—but the WatchGecko Simple Handmade collection makes the choice effortless. Meticulously crafted with premium materials and attention to detail, the Simple Handmade range has won over countless enthusiasts, praised for its ability to rival, and often exceed, the quality and colour range of OEM straps.

Choosing a Simple Handmade strap isn’t just a savvy, cost-effective alternative; it’s also a chance to breathe new life into your timepiece. With its timeless design and beautifully versatile finish, this strap is made to evolve with age and complements a wide range of iconic models seamlessly.

Opting for the Highley over an OEM replacement is not only a more cost-effective choice but also offers an opportunity to refresh your timepiece’s look with a strap designed to age beautifully over time. Its classic design and versatile finish complement plenty of iconic models, including:

These straps uses certified vegetable-tanned, full-grain Italian leather produced by a member of the Consorzio Vera Pelle Italiana Conciata Al Vegetale . This consortium of tanneries in Tuscany exclusively uses natural plant-derived tannins and centuries-old techniques to create quality controlled sustainable leathers . As a result, this strap will continue to develop patina and only get better as it wears in and begins to age. We guarantee that we use certified leathers from these certified responsible Italian tanneries.

Available in up to six different colourways, the Simple Handmade collection features a selection of colours as timelessly classic as the straps themselves are. From rich and nutty shades of brown, to deep blues and greens and even a Pepsi stitch option, there’s something in the range to suit every style and watch head.

The Original Simple Handmade has the most diverse range of lug widths available, catering to 18, 19, 20, 21 and 22mm lug widths. As the Classic Simple Handmade has been exclusively crafted for use with subtler, slimmer watches, these are available in 20mm or 22mm lug widths. Our Perforated and Distressed straps are also available in 20mm or 22m lug width. All three of the straps measure 120/80mm in length.

You can shop the entire Simple Handmade collection on WatchGecko now.