Sometimes we need a change for our watches; to give them new life, in a way. Usually, this takes the form of a new strap. Today is the latest post in Horologium’s occasional look at different strap options, and we are going back to leather.
Exotic leather straps abound, and what is unusual for one place may not be for another. Kangaroo probably falls into the category of could-be-popular-in-Australia-but-really-isn’t-for-reasons-that-I-don’t-quite-know-and-probably-seems-exotic-to-non-Australians.
It is possible to get Kangaroo NATOs made with plain leather or tail leather, with the latter costing slightly more. The two most widely known online sources are Time Traveler in Melbourne, and NATOstrap.com. The straps in these photos were purchased from the former.
As you can see, they are single layered straps with minimal stitching and stainless steel buckle and keepers. They measure 28cm (11 inches) in length and have nine holes; if you have a small wrist, it is very likely that you will need to punch a further hole.
The leather is quite thin and soft, with a comfortable light feel on the wrist. Interestingly, the owner of one of the straps has noticed that after a fortnight’s wear, one or two (hardware related) dark marks have already appeared on the strap. Not enough to ruin the strap, but noticeable. However, another collector who purchased his at the same time has not had the same problem, so perhaps it’s just a one-off issue.
There is one important thing to note however; because of the thin and supple nature of the straps, if you are someone who worries about having slight depressions in the leather from buckles, you will need to take this into consideration when contemplating the purchase of this type of strap from this particular site. I haven’t yet had the opportunity to look at kangaroo NATOs from NATOstrap.com, so I am unable to provide a comparison between the two sources.
Doesn’t look too bad, does it?
[*’Skippy’ has, in this instance, a double (obscure cultural) meaning]
HOROLOGIUM 
I never tire of seeing Speedmasters on NATOs. 😉
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Not bad; not bad at all.
Of course, there is yet another part of the kangaroo which is notoriously used for some leather goods; are you preserving our modesty, or don’t they run o that kind if strap?
😉
Cheers,
pplater.
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I’m preserving some modesty, of course! 😉 I sent one of those ‘other’ kangaroo leather goods once to someone in the U.S. She was quite started by it…
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Love the look of these straps. How is the length on a small wrist? Is the leather thin enough to double back on itself under a keeper?
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Someone with a 15cm wrist bought one and he had to put another hole in it. Yes the leather is thin enough to double back.
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Looks great 🙂
iSent
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