Behind every Roiberd watch strap there’s a ritual of precision, patience, and soul. For me, crafting a strap by hand isn’t just about assembling pieces of leather. It’s about shaping something meaningful, designed to last and to walk with you through everyday life.
Here’s how I bring each strap to life in my atelier:
1. Leather Selection and Cutting
It all begins with the leather. I personally select each hide for its quality, texture, and character. Once chosen, I cut it into the foundational pieces that will form the strap, always following the grain to ensure strength and visual harmony.
2. Skiving the Leather
I then thin specific areas of the leather. A process known as skiving, to create a balanced profile and ensure the strap feels natural and comfortable on the wrist.
3. Adding Reinforcement
A thin layer of reinforcement is added to give the strap structure and durability, especially in the areas that experience the most stress and movement.
4. Gluing and Joining the Layers
The outer leather, lining, and reinforcement layers are carefully glued and aligned by hand. This step is key to the strap’s structural integrity and long-term performance.
5. Pressing with the Rolling Tool
A special rolling tool is used to press and bond the pieces together evenly, removing air pockets and ensuring a firm connection between the layers.
6. Shaping the Strap
Once assembled, the strap is hand-trimmed into its final shape with precision blades. This step defines the unique silhouette and proportions of the strap.
7. Edge Sanding
The edges are then sanded down to achieve a smooth and unified transition between layers. An essential foundation for the finishing touches.
8. Punching Stitching Holes
Before stitching, evenly spaced holes are punched along the strap using pricking irons. This step is crucial to guide the needle and ensure a perfectly aligned hand stitch. Precision here directly affects the symmetry and overall aesthetics of the final piece.
9. Hand Stitching
Each Roiberd watch strap is saddle-stitched entirely by hand using waxed linen thread. This traditional technique adds both strength and a distinct artisanal character.
10. Edge Creasing
An elegant crease is added along the edge of the strap with a heated tool. This subtle detail refines the contour and enhances its tailored appearance.
11. Edge Painting
I apply several coats of edge paint, sanding between layers to achieve a smooth, polished finish. This not only protects the edges from wear and moisture but gives the strap its final, elegant outline.
12. Adding the Keepers
The fixed and floating keepers are crafted, shaped, and stitched into place. Small but essential components that complete the strap’s function and design.
13. Punching the Pin Holes
Pin holes are carefully measured and punched, ensuring both practical use and harmonious visual rhythm.
14. Mounting the Buckle and Spring Bars
The buckle and quick-release spring bars are mounted by hand. I select hardware that complements the strap’s leather, tone, and overall style.
15. Final Quality Check
Before any Roiberd watch strap leaves my atelier, I inspect it thoroughly, checking measurements, stitching, edge finishing, and hardware alignment to make sure everything meets my standards… and yours.
Each strap I make carries a story, one shaped by craftsmanship, time, and intention. It’s not just a watch strap. It’s a quiet statement of care and purpose.