Recognizing and connecting the dots has been the greatest learning experience and achievement for me as an artist and designer.
A simple idea in 2009 - making a Bund strap in Shell Cordovan for high end watches was the first “dot”, so to speak. The Bund XL followed, then the Cobra and the unique and original “RAPTOR”.
During this process of refining each model and honing my skills I learned that the basic concept of a 3-piece integrated (Cobra, Raptor) and non-integrated watch strap (Bund) presented a world of possibilities filled with infinite variants...Cobra XXL, Bund Wide Keeper, Almost Stitchless, Raptor XL and the introduction of exotic skins while still using Shell Cordovan.
Shell Cordovan and fine leather have become more than just a material, they are mediums which allow me to express my ideas as an artist and craftsman.
I am very grateful to have found a supportive and enthusiastic audience around the world which represents this small niche market I call my second “virtual” home.
Each project is unique, no materials or expenses are spared allowing me to create products without compromise. Everything is developed, made in house at my workshop, nothing is outsourced.
All products are photographed in house and every aspect of webdesign and maintenance is controlled at my studio ensuring an uncompromised setting!
The story behind the “TRIBUTE”:
The “TRIBUTE” has been in the works since 2009 and is based on the “RAPTOR”. I wanted to create an original variant to the Raptor, but with moving straps and components, instead of the integrated and fixed straps.
At the same time I wanted to create something entirely new, which would be even more versatile and comfortable than the Raptor.
I made dozens of prototypes in Shell Cordovan over the next two years but nothing that struck me as especially compelling. I didn’t just want to make another variant of an existing strap but something entirely different and exciting!
In 2011, I started experimenting with the widely popular Nato strap and made several examples in Shell Cordovan.
Shell Cordovan Natos were already being offered by other makers and readily available at the time. I decided not to add the Nato to my site and only fill special custom orders for this strap.
During the spring of 2011 I had this crazy idea to incorporate the Nato concept into the Raptor strap and started playing with different ideas on how to approach this intriguing yet complex idea.
I didn’t know how difficult a challenge this would be...
I knew the Raptor had to be entirely re-designed from the ground up in order to translate my vision into reality. By the time a working base was finished, the next challenge was to attach the Nato to the base, with its steel keepers and hardware - one by one, by hand...ouch!!!
The only way to accomplish this would be by adding the metal hardware to the base pad itself, and then slide the Nato through the base pad. I decided to hold off on pursuing this strap concept, it was simply too complex and required too much time and money to develop further. At least I knew how it could be made!
Saturday, July 2, 2011 was the 6th anniversary of my fathers passing.
That morning I kept replaying all the wonderful moments with my dad when I was a kid growing up in Germany, and reflected on how he inspired me to be an artist, photographer and to be passionate about watches. I thought about the things I had done and accomplished since he had passed away and wished that he was there to see my leather works and watch photography and be part of it, proud of it...
I thought about the Raptor/Nato idea which I had put aside a while back and then it all came together...I had to make and finish this strap today, it was simply too important NOT to make!!!
I wanted to dedicate this strap to my dad and finished the first working prototype later that day. It was everything I wanted it to be - the “TRIBUTE” was created!
It took another 7 months, involving countless hours to tweak and refine the armada of prototypes that would follow, but finally... here it is... the “TRIBUTE”!
(in loving memory of my father, Ferenc Aszodi, 1929-2005).
The TRIBUTE:
The TRIBUTE is an entirely new design concept in strap making, incorporating versatility, comfort and durability at the highest level. Based on the original RAPTOR design, as well as the Nato concept, the TRIBUTE features a unique base pad, made entirely of Horween Shell Cordovan.
The base pad serves several purposes; to protect your wrist from the watch while protecting it from moisture and abrasion associated with regular wear and to serve as a sliding base and keeper for the thin leather strap which is looped around the spring bars, just like a Nato strap would be.
This effective, yet complex design requires the attachment of three metal keepers and one wide leather keeper, which are positioned very carefully in order to make this sliding strap/base design functional.
Each of the metal keepers are hand sewn onto the base pad, for which I use the finest polyester thread available. The wide leather keeper is hand sewn with either matching or contrasting stitching of your choice.
Upon request, the metal keepers can be placed closer to each other if you prefer. This would accommodate a smaller watch and result in less play between the metal keepers. Alternatively, the keepers can also be spaced farther apart to accommodate larger watches...
The width of the keepers can be specified for use with 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26 mm straps.
Base pad of the Tribute is 205 mm in length by 36 mm in width, same as the standard Raptor
The strap is made of the finest and thinnest Horween Shell Cordovan available and is handpicked for maximum density. The standard length is 280 mm with 10 punched tang holes, giving you a wrist size range of approximately 6-1/2 to 8-2-1/2 inches.
The strap on the Tribute is shorter than a Nato strap and is designed to be worn in a regular fashion and is not folded over and doubled up like the Natos.
The sizing of the strap length can be adjusted specifically to your wrist size.
Each strap features one wide, fixed keeper. A second (separate) keeper is included with each Tribute which is placed onto the strap, allowing you to wear it without being attached to its base pad.
The Tribute is actually two straps in one!
Because of its unique configuration, the Tribute, once broken in, will cradle your watch and create an almost perfectly round cuff without an interruption or break in continuity on your wrist. In other words, the Tribute will feel natural and comfortable - it will truly feel “one” with your wrist!
The TRIBUTE re-emphasizes every single aspect and detail my work has become known for: design, comfort, fit, finish, durability, appearance and versatility.
Because of the time involved to make each TRIBUTE, I’m proud to offer a 1-year warranty against defects or damage resulting from regular wear and tear. This also includes stitching and/or keepers coming loose. Abuse or damage resulting from inappropriate fitting or environmental damage is not covered).
In addition to the 1-year warranty, I’m also proud to offer a 1-year (one time) free reconditioning, after which your Tribute strap will look (almost) as good as new!
TRIBUTE (standard) specs:
Base pad:205 mm long by 36 mm wide
Keepers:(3) metal fixed, (1) Shell Cordovan fixed,
Size:18, 20, 22 mm for the Standard Tribute
Options:choice of steel, gold plated, copper (22mm), black metal
Strap:single layer Shell Cordovan, 0.9-1.3 mm in thickness, (1) fixed wide keeper, (1) separate floating keeper (not attached)
Sizes:18, 20, 22, (for standard Tribute), please inquire about wider or narrower straps.
Colors:Black, dark brown, Oxblood, cranberry, walnut, brandy, whiskey, natural
Turnaround:4-6 weeks, some limited stock on hand, (please inquire)
Price:$ 495.00 plus shipping
The TRIBUTE RAPTOR:
The Tribute Raptor is similar to the standard Tribute regarding functionality and concept with the exception of the missing metal keepers.
Instead, the Tribute Raptor features two wide Shell Cordovan keepers which are sewn onto the base pad itself. These are positioned based on your watch specs to ensure a custom fit of your watch between these keepers.
Each keeper features the 3 hole perforation which the Raptor strap is known for.
The strap is similar to the one used for the Tribute and is made of a single layer thin Shell Cordovan and can also be worn separately. A second, floating keeper will be included with each strap.
TRIBUTE RAPTOR (standard) specs:
Base pad:205 mm long by 36 mm wide
Keepers:(2) Shell Cordovan fixed keepers with perforation
Strap:single layer Shell Cordovan, 0.9-1.3 mm in thickness, (1) fixed wide keeper, (1) separate floating keeper (not attached)
Sizes: 18, 20mm (for standard TRIBUTE RAPTOR)
Colors:Black, dark brown, Oxblood, cranberry, walnut, brandy, whiskey, natural
Turnaround:4-6 weeks, some limited stock on hand, (please inquire)
Price:$ 495.00 plus shipping
TRIBUTE RAPTOR Standard (no holes)
same specs as above but no perforation on pad keepers
Price:$ 495.00 plus shipping
TRIBUTE RAPTOR (wide)
Specs:
Base pad:205 mm long by 39 mm wide
Keepers:(2) Shell Cordovan with race perforation, fixed,
Size:18, 20 and 22 mm
Strap:single layer Shell Cordovan, 0.9-1.3 mm in thickness, (1) fixed wide
keeper, (1) separate floating keeper (not attached)
Sizes: 18, 22 mm (for standard TRIBUTE RAPTOR)
Colors:Black, dark brown, Oxblood, cranberry, walnut, brandy, whiskey, natural
Turnaround:4-6 weeks, some limited stock on hand, (please inquire)
Price:$ 495.00 plus shipping
TRIBUTE RAPTOR wide (no holes)
same specs as TRIBUTE RAPTOR wide but no perforation on pad keepers
Price:$ 495.00 plus shipping
TRIBUTE RAPTOR ( classic 2-piece strap -single )
Same as the Tribute Raptor but with a traditional 2-piece strap (single layer Shell) in place of the long Nato style 1-piece strap.
Price:$475.00 plus shipping
TRIBUTE RAPTOR ( classic 2-piece strap - double )
Same as the Tribute Raptor classic 2-piece traditional but with a double layer hand stitched traditional 2-piece Shell Cordovan strap.
Price:$595.00 plus shipping
TRIBUTE - RAPTOR extra long:
Upon request, the TRIBUTE and TRIBUTE RAPTOR (standard and wide) can also be ordered in extra-long, featuring a super thin single layer Shell Cordovan strap of up to 17 inches in length, which can be doubled up and looped around your wrist twice for the ultimate wrist watch accessory statement!
Price:550.00 plus shipping
Note: please note that with the exception of the long Nato style straps, all Tribute Raptor straps can also be ordered in exotic skins. (please inquire about pricing and availability).
Thank you again for your time to visit and to read this. I hope that are intrigued by this new original design and will consider it for your next purchase and enjoy wearing it for many years to come. Please feel free to contact me anytime if you have any questions.
