Welcome to the HMS Watch Strap Resources — your guide to choosing, understanding, caring for, and styling your watch strap.

Whether you're buying your first leather watch strap, looking for the right size and fit, learning about leather craftsmanship, or simply exploring the stories and history behind watch straps, you'll find useful guides and inspiration here.

Explore our resources and discover more about the world of watch straps.
Lug Width 101: The One Measurement You Need Before Buying a New Watch Strap

Lug Width 101: The One Measurement You Need Before Buying a New Watch Strap

What is lug width and why does it matter? Learn how to measure your watch's lug width and choose ...
M Size vs L Size: How to Measure Your Wrist for a Watch Strap

M Size vs L Size: How to Measure Your Wrist for a Watch Strap

Not sure whether you need an M or L watch strap? Learn how to measure your wrist correctly and un...
What Is a Tapered Watch Strap?

What Is a Tapered Watch Strap?

Ever wondered why some watch straps are wider at the case and narrower at the buckle? Learn what ...
Anatomy of a Watch Strap: Every Part, Explained

Anatomy of a Watch Strap: Every Part, Explained

Ever wondered what all the parts of a watch strap are called? Learn about spring bars, lug holes,...
Strap Construction 101: What's Really Inside Your Watch Strap

Strap Construction 101: What's Really Inside Your Watch Strap

Ever wondered what's inside a leather watch strap? Discover the layers, materials, stitching, lin...
Strap vs Bracelet vs Band: Is There Actually a Difference?

Strap vs Bracelet vs Band: Is There Actually a Difference?

Strap, bracelet, or band? Learn the real difference between watch straps, metal bracelets, and wa...
How to Protect Your Leather Watch Strap in the Summer Heat

How to Protect Your Leather Watch Strap in the Summer Heat

Summer heat, sweat, and humidity can be tough on leather watch straps. Learn how to protect your ...
Watch Strap Care: How to Look After Your Leather Watch Strap

Watch Strap Care: How to Look After Your Leather Watch Strap

Learn how to care for your leather watch strap, including how to clean it, protect it from water ...
Quick Release: Change Your Watch Strap in 3 Seconds

Quick Release: Change Your Watch Strap in 3 Seconds

Still struggling to change your watch strap with a tiny tool? Discover how quick-release watch st...
3 Leather Tanning Methods You Should Know

3 Leather Tanning Methods You Should Know

Vegetable tanning, chrome tanning, or combination tanning? Learn how different leather tanning me...
Shoulder vs Butt Leather: Which Makes a Better Watch Strap?

Shoulder vs Butt Leather: Which Makes a Better Watch Strap?

Shoulder or butt leather — which makes a better watch strap? Discover how different areas of a co...
Which Leather Reigns Supreme?

Which Leather Reigns Supreme?

Full grain, top grain, or calfskin — what's the difference? Learn how these leather types compare...
Shoulder vs Butt Leather: Which Makes a Better Watch Strap?

Shoulder vs Butt Leather: Which Makes a Better Watch Strap?

Shoulder or butt leather — which makes a better watch strap? Discover how different areas of a co...
Strap Matching Guide 2: Pairing HMS Leather Watch Straps with Your Watch

Strap Matching Guide 2: Pairing HMS Leather Watch Straps with Your Watch

Discover how three distinctive HMS leather watch straps — Barenia, Apollo and Arizona — pair with...
Strap Matching Guide 1: How to Pair Italian Leather with Your Watch

Strap Matching Guide 1: How to Pair Italian Leather with Your Watch

Discover how three distinctive Italian full-grain leathers — Pueblo, Buttero and Babele — pair wi...
Strap Matching Guide: 8 Dress Watch Styles That Pair Beautifully with a Tapered Leather Strap

Strap Matching Guide: 8 Dress Watch Styles That Pair Beautifully with a Tapered Leather Strap

Discover how a tapered full-grain leather watch strap complements eight classic dress watch style...
The Ultimate Leather Watch Strap Styles Guide: Find Your Watch's Alter Ego

The Ultimate Leather Watch Strap Styles Guide: Find Your Watch's Alter Ego

Discover the best leather watch strap styles, from smooth and textured leather to vintage, racing...
Pilot Watch & Pilot Strap History: From Cockpits to Everyday Wrists

Pilot Watch & Pilot Strap History: From Cockpits to Everyday Wrists

Discover the history of pilot watches and aviation-inspired straps, from the Santos-Dumont and B-...
Rally Strap History: Where Function Met Racing Style

Rally Strap History: Where Function Met Racing Style

Discover the history of rally watch straps and how perforated leather designs evolved from motors...