The BUND Classic in: black, dark brown, oxblood, cranberry, walnut, brandy, whiskey
The strap makes the watch!
"The right strap on your watch will not only complete the overall aesthetic appeal of the watch on your wrist, it will create a sense of balance and individuality for the wearer and appeal in the same fashion to those who view the watch on your wrist from a distance.
The right strap establishes good and selective taste and will not overpower the watch to which it is attached. It will create “the perfect frame” , so to speak , for your little mechanical (or non-mechanical) masterpiece.
A watch with the right strap is also more versatile and more likely to go with a greater variety of wardrobe choices, eliminating the extra time spent on what you should wear or which watch should go on your wrist.
Most importantly, the right strap should immediately feel comfortable on your wrist and reconfirm your sentiment, that the watch you’re wearing is in fact one of your favorites! You are also more likely to keep the watch if it is matched to the right strap, instead of contemplating selling or exchanging it for another watch early on... "
This has always been my firm belief since I started collecting and photographing fine wrist watches, which was the key factor in my decision to start making luxury watch straps myself.
The choice of material was simple: Shell Cordovan, which is the finest, most comfortable, but also the densest, most water resistant and among the toughest leathers in the world!
Several of my designs are military inspired, such as the as 3-piece Bund-style straps, the open rivet and the "Cobra”, as those are built for practicality, toughness, and most importantly, comfort!!! This is the reason why I Shell Cordovan on all of my watch straps.
Classic BUND straps in Shell Cordovan
The Shell Cordovan BUND
The strap that started it all...
The original BUND strap (originally developed for the Deutsche Bundeswehr - German army), sparked my interest in making Shell Cordovan straps for use with luxury watches. The watch I chose for re-visioning the BUND concept around was my Rolex Submariner, which I had purchased in early 2009. Fortunately, this watch came without the bracelet which had me scrambling and searching for a suitable strap...
After trying dozens of different straps, I was left with the conclusion that I didn't like the feel or look of most of them with that particular watch. The straps that had visual appeal were uncomfortable, and the ones that were comfortable looked so so on the Sub. Two straps I liked, the BUND, and a classic 2-piece strap made of Genuine Horween Shell Cordovan.
What I didn't like about the readily available BUND straps at that time, was the cheap construction, the type of leather used (pig usually) and squared off appearance and design. After trying it on my Submariner I began an search to find something similar to the BUND but with a more luxurious appeal and more comfortable to wear. My searches came up empty leaving me with the consideration to sell My Rolex Submariner;
I liked the simple Shell Cordovan strap I had but it didn't quite have the visual appeal on the Sub I was looking for.
Since I was already making knife sheaths in Shell Cordovan at the time I decided to try making a BUND strap in Shell Cordovan and went to work. i wanted to keep the functionality and concept of the BUND but decided to change everything else...
Design: It was important to integrate more flow and softer lines into the appearance, which felt worked better with the Submariner. The straps were now tapered in a 20mm/18mm or 20mm/16mm configuration. The pad was revised with rounder edges which would lead more smoothly to the strap itself.
Comfort: The pad keepers on the mass produced BUND pads were simply stenciled which exposed more rough edges on the bottom, leaving your wrist begging for mercy!
My strap had to be incomparably comfortable so I decided to sew the pad keepers onto the actual pad, leaving the bottom of the pad with nothing but Shell touching the skin. More work but worth it.
I was still bothered but the sharp edges of most other straps and rounded off the bottom edges on my strap to keep the strap from scraping your wrist.
Construction: The Bund straps available at the time were mostly made of two layers of pig leather, inexpensive (I dare to use the word "cheap"!), stiff and uncomfortable!
These straps had envelope style fold over metal clamps to allow for easy and fast mounting and unmounting of the strap. I didn't care too much about that aspect and closed the lugs of the strap with some stitches.
My biggest departure from the original and classic BUND strap was the use of a single layer construction of Shell Cordovan instead of two layers. The famous properties of Shell, namely density, comfort and longevity allowed me to effectively use a single layer, which would turn out to make all the difference.....voila!
Dimensions: 49 mm pad width, 85 mm pad length
Colors: black, dark brown, oxblood, walnut, cranberry, brandy, whiskey, natural
Price:$325.00 plus shipping (CA residents add 9.75% salestax)
Options:stitching of your choice, various keeper widths, 2-layer construction (please ask!)
Rolex 1680 Submariner on the 3-Piece Bund, courtesy of Paul K.
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The BUND XL
The BUND XL in (new) Cranberry Shell Cordovan
The BUND XL took shape in 2009, shortly after I introduced the Shell Cordovan Bund strap. It shares the same premise and philosophy of its smaller cousin: maximum protection for your wrist and watch at the highest level of comfort and quality.
Although the Bund XL is similar to the Standard Bund in width (49 mm), it is considerably larger overall, with a base length of 130 mm and 32 mm wide pad keepers. On the wrist, the Bund XL is far more pronounced than the standard Bund and will accommodate watches of up to 45 mm in diameter and lug width of up to 24 mm.
The Shell Cordovan I use for the Bund XL is slightly thicker than the standard Bund, which keeps the integrity of the overall appeal and durability of the strap. Upon request, I can use a double layer Shell for the pad, the straps, or both (please ask about pricing and options).
Like my other straps, each Bund Xl is completely handmade in house and represents the same level of detail and attention my straps have become known for: rounded edges for ultimate comfort, hand painted edges and tang (buckle) holes. individually placed pad keepers (based on the length of your particular watch), choice of thickness of leather, width of keepers, color of stitching.
Price:$ 350.00 plus shipping (CA residents add 9.75% salestax)
Colors: black, dark brown, walnut, oxblood, cranberry, brandy, whiskey, natural
New: upon request I can make a strap in any of the listed colors with a slightly distressed look, a process which takes an additional 45minutes. (please ask about pricing and options)
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The RAPTOR
The RAPTOR Standard in Cranberry Black Shell
The RAPTOR integrated 3-piece strap combines the unique aspects of the 3-piece Bund style strap and the bold looks of my Cobra design. It took me nearly a year to develop the Raptor , as this complex design needed to be comfortable, functional and exude a 1970's sporty appeal, which I based on Formula 1 racing from that era. I introduced the Raptor Classic on timezone.com on November 13, 2009. Shortly after that, the Raptor Standard was introduced, featuring a wider 36mm base pad.
Again, only the finest Horwwen Shell Cordovan hides are being used for the Raptor, which is entirely handmade at my studio in Los Angeles. The Raptor is proportioned to fit most current sports and divers watches in the 40-44mm range. Upon ordering, it is then custom configured specifically to your wrist size and watch model and dimensions.
The RAPTOR is available in two diferent variations , the CLASSIC and the STANDARD. The CLASSIC features a 26mm wide "base-pad", the STANDARD is 36mm wide at the base. Base length is the same for each version at 208mm. The idea of the long base pad is to keep it (almost) entirely wrapped around the wrist, keeping the buckle away and off the skin for wearing comfort, which is second to none. Lug to lug on the strap is about 37mm. This distance between the lug keepers changes once the strap is curved around your wrist.
The pad tapers down to a narrower width by the clasp, giving the entire ensemble a very sleek and aerodynamic look. The Raptor features one wide, integrated keeper.
Bottom edges are rounded off and hand polished to ensure maximum comfort. The leather is then being treated for additional moisture-resistance, although I don't suggest that you take this strap in the water.
Price: $ 375.00 plus shipping (plus 9.25% CA salestax,if applicable).
Dimensions:base pad 208mm long by 36 mm wide (STANDARD), 26mm wide (CLASSIC), strap specs provided by customer
Colors:Black, dark brown, oxblood, cranberry, walnut, brandy, whiskey, natural
Raptor Classics in walnut, whiskey and natural with ivory stitching
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The RAPTOR XXL
There are watches, and then are BIG watches... enter the RAPTOR XXL; similar to the standard RAPTOR in design and appearance, the XXL features a wider base pad and double layer straps to accommodate the biggest and heaviest of wrist watches!
The single base layer Shell is pliable enough to make this strap unbelievably soft, yet the designs distributes the weight of the watch evenly around the entire wrist.
Edges are rounded and hand polished to keep the bottom part of the strap from cutting into your wrist, an important consideration when wearing a heavy Panerai or similarly sized watch on a smaller wrist.
The strap is shown on a PAM 88, measuring 24mm / 22mm; please specify Model name and # and lugs/buckle sizes, when ordering.
RAPTOR XXL
Price:$ 575.00 plus shipping
Colors:black, dark brown, oxblood, cranberry, walnut, brandy, whiskey, natural
PAM 88 on whiskey over black Raptor XXL, courtesy of Adam N
The COBRA
The COBRA is the toughest strap I make. It will support just about any watch you throw on it in the 38-44mm range and withstand the most rigorous tasks, with style and comfort, of course!
Although the idea of an integrated strap with similar configuration had been around for decades, I wanted to create a full size version, re-designed to work with modern tool watches, especially luxury tool watches, such as chronographs, dive and pilots watches.
With comfort leading the way, the Cobra is constructed of 2 full layers of the smoothest genuine Horween Shell Cordovan and is entirely custom configured to your watch and wrist specs. The Cobra is made to order and takes about 6-8 weeks to complete, requiring over 50 individual steps in a process that takes 8-10 hours.
The unique integrated lug-keepers are custom sized and spaced apart according to your watch model and specs - there simply is no easy way around the Cobra...it is a highly complex and labor intensive (and expensive!) strap to make and made just for you, literally!
Construction: I generally use a slightly denser and stiffer Shell Cordovan for the top layer and a softer hide for the bottom, ensuring added comfort. Edges are rounded of, hand polished and then hand painted, which bypasses the frustration of a rough "square" strap rubbing against your wrist. Of course, the Cobra benefits from the same qualities of my other straps...the first time you place it on your wrist, you notice how comfortable it is right off the bat....and it only gets better with time.
In fact, because I use only the finest materials available, the Cobra will be perfectly broken in by the time other straps are beginning to fall apart!
Furthermore, the exquisite pliability of genuine Shell Cordovan allows the Cobra to be placed around your wrist like no other heavy duty strap or cuff - it cradles your wrist with precision and ensures that the watch you're wearing is perfectly centered on your wrist without shifting from one side of your wrist to the other. Customers with smaller wrists benefit from this added comfort , especially when wearing oversized watches.
Overall length is 11-1/4 inches, 45mm wide and 18mm at the buckle. One extra-wide keeper.
Please note, that because of the amount of time and labor that goes into the Cobra, I'm proud to offer an exclusive 1-year warranty for each Cobra (from date of purchase). If your Cobra strap needs to be repaired due to regular wear and tear, let me know and send it in - I'll take care of it at no charge!
In addition to the 1-year warranty, each Cobra also carries a 1-year, one-time free pass for a full refurbish and re-conditioning spa-treatment at my studio (straps that are damaged due to abuse are excluded).
This exclusive warranty and one-time pass are for the Cobra strap, only and don't apply to my other straps products.
Price: $ 525.00 + shipping (and 9.25% CA salestax, if shipped within CA).
Note:Please specify lug size, color and watch model when ordering.
Warranty:1 year (regular wear and tear, not abuse)
1 year, one time free refurbishing and re-conditioning
sleek, strong and entirely custom made... the COBRA
Price: $ 525.00 + shipping (and 9.25% CA salestax, if shipped within CA).
Note:Please specify lug size, color and watch model when ordering.
RIVET
Open Rivets in single layer black Shell Cordovan
Some of the coolest watches on earth are issued military watches with fixed lug bars (and engraved issue numbers on the caseback, if you're lucky enough to find one!)... these watches are the real deal and have truly withstood the elements of time, and were designed to withstand the elements of "man".
Owning and wearing such a watch is a humble reminder of our past and of our accomplishents - those who own a vintage issued military watch will agree that there is a completely different and powerful energy associated with that particular piece...good reason why some of these watches are considered to be "grail" watches by many collectors.
These highly sought after watches are the foundation of almost every modern watch and have been copied, revamped and re-issued in unknown numbers, still...most of the time you can trace most modern designs back to their military origins; whether it's dive watch, pilot's watch or chronograph.
Genuine issued military examples usually feature fixed lug bars to prevent the strap from coming lose, due to a compromised springbar...resulting in dropping the watch. Fixed lug bars are designed to keep the watch on your wrist at all times, no matter what! It is save to say that this simple yet effective design feature has saved many lives and possibly civilizations...
Fixed lug bar watches require open ended straps which are now more readily available than they used to.
My version of an open strap is all about comfort, naturally - understated, yet practical and effective.
The military inspired Open End Rivet strap features a 1–layer Shell Cordovan and the finest screw post rivets. These are available in a mirror-polished finish, satin-finish, or a custom two-texture finish (polished on the beveled outer edges, brush-finished on the top and bottom surface). Upon request, these straps can also be fitted with black anodized aluminum screw-post rivets (not pictured).
Price:$ 275.00 plus shipping ( and 9.25% CA salestax, if applicable)
Colors: Black, dark brown, oxblood, cranberry, walnut, brandy, whiskey, natural
Options: colors are also available in a distressed "vintage" variant (please ask for pricing and availability)
The Exotic RAPTOR
Classic Raptors in Ostrich leg
Raptor in orange caiman
Once you add exotic skins to any of my Shell Cordovan straps, you're definitely not "in Kansas" anymore, you will be seen and you will be noticed, simple as that!
I personally hand pick each exotic hide for each project to ensure the very best quality, texture, feel and color!
As with all of my my straps, genuine Horween Shell Cordovan is used on the bottom layer for an unmatched feel and comfort.
Also, because Shell Cordovan outlasts any other type of leather at least 3 to 1, you can rest assured that you will enjoy your Attila Aszodi custom designed strap for many years.
These straps made are in very limited numbers and take about 8-10 weeks to make.
Rolex 6241 Daytona Paul Newman on the "Panda Raptor" in white croc on black Shell Cordovan, watch courtesy of Robert Maron Watches
EXOTIC RAPTOR
Price: $ 695.00 plus shipping (and 9.25% CA sales tax, if applicable).
Construction: Exotic skin of your choice (please ask for availability and colors), Shell Cordovan bottom lining
The Exotic BUND
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EXOTIC BUND
Price: $ 575.00 plus shipping (and 9.25% CA sales tax, if applicable).
Please specify size and color when ordering. Please inquire about availability of colors and hides.
The Exotic COBRA
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EXOTIC COBRA
Price: $ 775.00 plus shipping (and 9.25% CA sales tax, if applicable).
Construction: Exotic skin of your choice (please ask for availability and colors), Shell Cordovan bottom lining
The CLASSIC
Helson Sharkdiver Bronze on dark brown custom Classic with gold stitching, courtesy of Ed B
Black classic Shell Cordovan with red contrast stitching
hand finished to the last detail...
Simplicity, understatement and comfort are attributes that define the CLASSIC strap.
The CLASSIC is constructed of two layers of the finest Horween Shell Cordovan and is hand stitched to your specs, whether your prefer matching or contrast stitching. Tang buckle holes and edges are hand painted to ensure that no aspect of this strap is overlooked before it leaves my studio.
Like with all my other straps, the strap edges of the Classic are beveled and rounded off for unparalleled comfort.
Price:$ 375.00 plus shipping (and 9.75% CA sales tax)
Colors:Black, dark brown, oxblood, cranberry, walnut, brandy, whiskey, natural
Rounded and handpainted edges, the hand stitched Classic in dark brown
PAPER
1956 Patek Philippe 2595 Calatrava on ultrathin black Paper
The unique PAPER strap is constructed of the thinnest and finest Horween Shell Cordovan. It is one of the thinnest straps available, measuring only about 0.9mm - 1.3mm in thickness and features unparalelled strength for a leather strap of this kind, due to the high density and tensile strength of Shell Cordovan.
The Paper is unbelievably pliable and comfortable, you will hardly even notice the strap on your wrist! As usual, edges are hand painted and rounded off for comfort.
Designed for the thinnest and flattest of wristwatches on the planet!
Price: $ 275.00 plus shipping (and 9.25% CA salestax, if applicable).
Please specify size and color when ordering.
The Exotic CLASSIC
If you prefer the traditional CLASSIC look in exotic skin, I offer a variety of caiman, crocodile, alligator, lizard, snake.
All of these straps are made with the finest, hand picked exotic skins for the top-veneer and lined with the finest Horween Shell Cordovan leather for the ultimate experience in strap comfort and luxury. Upon request, padding can be added to your strap in various degrees of thickness and density (please inquire)....even the padding I use on my straps is custom handmade at my studio!
The result is a handmade custom strap which combines unmatched luxury and comfort. Just place one of these exquisite straps on your wrist for the first time and watch it "melt" on your wrist!
