iStrap Alligator Grain Calf Leather Replacement Watch Strap with Deployment Clasp with Push Buttons for Men Women 18mm 19mm 20mm 21mm 22mm 24mm
A**E
Nice looks, works as advertised, but how durable is it?
~1-MONTH UPDATE:Much to my surprise, this strap has performed extremely well - so well, in fact, that I bought an identical one for another watch. I've gotten a lot of compliments from people, and they all seem surprised that it cost <$20. So far, there's no significant wear despite daily use. Definitely recommend!ORIGINAL REVIEW:When looking at a strap like this, I think it's important to keep in mind what you're getting and, more importantly, what you're not. What you're getting is almost certainly a relatively low quality strap that is likely to have durability issues. You're not getting the same quality materials that you would probably expect from a $200-300 OEM strap. Instead, you're getting relatively low quality leather and likely low quality materials for the clasp mechanism that, while they look nice, are unlikely to be nearly as durable as a more expensive strap.With that said, I'm happy with the quality of the strap for the price. Here are my thoughts:- The leather looks nice but is extremely stiff; while this is to be expected with an alligator-like style, I suspect that this is also due to the relatively low quality of the leather used. There is absolutely no give in the leather, and it's not supple in the slightest. The strap is extremely difficult to bend as there is almost no give because of the stiffness. I suspect that if you were to fully bend the strap, it would likely leave clear creases in the leather.- The clasp and buckle works as expected, but as noted above the materials feel extremely cheap and lightweight, and I expect durability to be an issue. With a <$20 strap I wouldn't expect anything different, and I expect that this strap will likely need to be replaced again in the relatively near future, especially with heavy use. However, the clasp does work as advertised, and I haven't had any trouble with the button mechanism releasing the clasp when pressed or with the clasp spontaneously coming loose so far.- The size of the band is as advertised. I got a 22mm strap and it fit the lugs on my watch perfectly.- I absolutely love leather straps with the metal clasps: the leather strap makes the watch much lighter than a full metal band and I just prefer the look of a leather strap over a metal bracelet, but the clasp mechanism reduces wear on the leather since you're not having to constantly pull the strap to put the watch on/off. As above, the steel used on the clasp mechanism is very thin and lightweight, and I bet I could probably bend it just with the force of my hands. This obviously raises durability concerns.- Aesthetically, the strap does look quite nice. Seen in passing, it looks like a high-quality, OEM strap that you might see on a nicer watch. The key issue here will be how it wears with time, and I don't expect that it will wear nicely, but out of the packaging, it looks great.- I've only worn my watch after replacing the strap for a day, but it has been comfortable to wear so far. The leather is so stiff that it actually creaks a little bit when moved, but other than that I haven't had any issues. As I mentioned above, the clasp stays securely shut and I haven't had an issue with the clasp abruptly coming open during regular use.- The packaging did include a spring bar tool and some extra spring bars, so if you don't have either, you're covered here. I ended up buying a separate spring bar tool and used that, so I can't comment on the quality of the tool, though it looks and feels quite cheap, and the other tool that I bought cost more than the entire cost of this strap. I also used the original spring bars that came with the watch since I still had them, so I can't comment on the quality of those either. For one-off use the included tool is probably fine, but you find yourself replacing watch straps with any degree of regularity, you'd probably be better served buying a higher quality tool separately.Should you buy this strap? That's a difficult question, and it depends on what you're looking for. If you're looking for a strap that is likely to last quite a long time, this almost certainly isn't going to be the strap for you. I haven't had the strap long enough to comment on long-term durability (I will update this review if/when I have any issues), but at this price point and based on my impression of the materials, I think there's zero chance that this strap is going to last a long time. You should expect that you will need to replace this strap at some point in the future, especially if you wear your watch regularly. However, for a <$20 strap, I'm satisfied with the product as a whole: it looks nice (for now) and functions as advertised, and it's better than the strap it replaced, which was entirely broken and made my watch unwearable. If you set your expectations accordingly and understand that you're not getting the quality of an original OEM strap that costs $200 or more, then this is a great product for the price (as long as it lasts more than a couple of months).
A**R
Top quality. Great value.
Really nice leather replacement band at a great price. The included extra spring bars and a removal tool were nice bonuses.
A**R
Nice band, but a few aspects keep it from 5 stars
Nice band. And I like the wider than expected width of the clasp end bI gave it for stars because I've had a few of these and some of these bands have the pins with finger levers that make it easier to install without tools. Also even after a few weeks, it's still pretty stiff and somewhat difficult to clasp and get the pointed side under the band loop.
S**S
Surprisingly an upgrade!
My Frederique Constant Carree Heartbeat Automatic did not come with a strap that I liked very much. On top of that, I wanted a clasp. The leather feels a bit more flimsy than the factory strap, but I think that's a good thing, because it's way more comfortable. I have done a lot of twisting of the leather to try and loosen it up, and it seems to be holding up just fine. Even though this strap/clasp is only $15, I think it's an upgrade to what I had before. I now want to wear this watch more! Very happy!
L**V
Low price
Good alternative of OEM Tissot strap for this price.
Z**.
You get what you pay for.
I order this strap to give one of my watches a new look and for the deployment clasp. Honestly, this strap is just ok. It is alligator grain cow leather, but it feels a bit cheap and more like a PU leather. I was disappointed, though, that the strap was as long as it was. The description says 125/75mm, which is very accurate, but I have a small wrist. I was thinking that the strap would be perfectly snug in the last hole, but it was not, so I have to punch another hole. Therefore, I would not recommend this strap to someone with small wrists (i.e. small than 6.5 in around). Although the leather isn't the greatest (But, what do I expect for $14.99?), it is not stiff right out of the package so it made wearing it the first couple if days pretty easy. The one great thing about the strap itself is the contrast of the white stitching on the black leather. It really makes my watch pop (as my watch has a black face) and stand out. The clasp, however, is great. I was a bit worried that I would receive an even crappier deployment clasp but to my surprise the clasp is sturdy, well made, and offers the wearer a piece of mind for the safety of their watch. However, the clasp takes a few wears to get used to, as it can be uncomfortable on the wrist, especially is you are not used to wearing a deployment clasp.Overall, I would recommend this strap and clasp to someone looking for a very cheap way to upgrade the look of their watch. I would also recommend this strap and clasp to someone with medium length wrists; this strap is really not for someone with small wrists. Go and buy a Debeer strap, or go ahead and spend the money for really nice alligator leather strap and deployment clasp.
A**N
Value for money
high quality and suitable for my watch.
Trustpilot
1 month ago
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