Stitch by stitch, a craftsperson meticulously saddle stitches a watch strap upper and lining together. As therapeutic as it may seem to onlookers, the amount of skill, patience and nous that goes into crafting a leather watch strap cannot be understated. Hand-punching perfectly aligned stitch holes is just the tip of the iceberg to a highly complex multistep product; the thought of skiving off the straps sends shivers down the spines of even the most prolific strap makers. Learning the various skills is fast, but honing and perfecting them takes years.
Beyond the craft side of the pursuit are the business implications — contending with stiffer competition, ballooning material costs, and manpower management, which are part and parcel of daily worries. Despite the challenges involved for the likes of Hughes Low of Hughes Handcrafted, husband-and-wife Kenneth Kuan and Tan Pei Qi — founders of Delugs — and Shu Yi of Yi Leather, they push on, fueled by their passion and love for watches and the craft. While the trio is by no means representative of Singapore’s strap and leather crafting scene, an invisible thread — intertwined by their passion, struggles and joy — unites them in an often overlooked industry.
Watches and watchmakers are often the centre of attention for all the right reasons. They are, after all, the darlings of an eye-watering estimated US$ 74.6 billion global watch market, according to IMARC Group. Research and development investments from watch manufactures streaming into innovations and embellishments continue to exalt watches as heroes that they already are. Yet are we forgetting that without the humble watch straps, these watches have no means — other than sitting on a dresser — to revel in onlookers’ admiration on one’s wrist?
This story is from the February 2024 edition of MEN'S FOLIO Malaysia.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the February 2024 edition of MEN'S FOLIO Malaysia.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Forged in Steel
Franck Muller celebrates Sincere Fine Watches’ 7Oth anniversary with avery special Vanguard.
Made For Modern Life
The Volvo EX30 is the much-needed vehicle for a joyful and fuss-free ride.
Eastern Charm
With a blazing display of KARLS Group's culinary bravura, the Upper House KL gives classic Asian flavours a modern twist.
When Worlds Collide
Where revered tradition meets unceasing imagination, Hennessy has teamed up with French artist Jean-Michel Othoniel for its latest collaboration.
Business Means Business: Cathay Pacific
With the return of flights, and the additional of new ones, there is little reason to doubt that doing a stopover in Hong Kong with Cathay Pacific to any destination in the world from ASEAN is the best decision one might make in their lifetime. Plus, its concrete Business and Premium Economy Class offerings, and world-renowned lounges in HKIA make travelling on the Hong Kong-based airline an experience via a stopover, rather than a chore.
Malaysia's New Zenith
Celebrating the first Malaysian Zenith boutique in The Exchange TRX.
Two-Timing
Cartier's timekeeping greats for 2024 range from the classic to the experimental.
Racing Through Time
Celebrating Rolex’s timeless relationship with motor racing.
A Man And His Watch
Men's Folio Malaysia speaks to watch collectors about the first watch that drew them into the hobby.
A Cartoon's Charm
Cartoon watches might seem childish but there are reasons to feel otherwise, especially if the nostalgia transports one back to childhood days.
