I was approached by a customer with an unusual request – to produce a leather strap for the Panerai homage watch ref. 2533, an iconic model with a distinct vintage and military style. The watch is made by master craftsman S. Sofronov by individual order. The peculiarity of this watch is welded lugs, which makes the process of creating the strap not easy and requires non-standard solutions.
The challenge was to create a customised strap that would perfectly match the spirit of the watch: sturdy, reliable and with a distinctive vintage look. Textured buffalo leather in a dark brown colour was chosen for the job. The leather on the strap has a pronounced texture with large pores and irregularities. The buffalo leather is very durable and resistant to wear and tear, ensuring a long life for the strap. The pronounced texture gives the strap a special charm and individuality. The buffalo leather acquires a noble patina and scuffs over time, which perfectly matches the overall vintage style of the watch. Hypoallergenic and water-resistant leather is used as a lining.
The speciality of this project was not only the attachment of the strap to the watch, but also the design of the buckle. The buckle used has a one-piece, non-removable design – it is sewn onto the strap, just as the strap itself is attached to the watch.
The result is a handmade strap that looks like an integral part of the watch, seamlessly complementing its brutal and authentic look. The strap’s 22mm width works well with the large case. The thickness of 3.5mm matches the massive case and military style.
The strap is hand stitched with saddle stitching using waxed linen thread in a warm grey shade.
In the photos you can see how the strap is combined with the bronze watch case covered with patina. The patina on the bronze case adds personality and vintage charm. The leather texture, thread colour and edge treatment, as well as the buckle design – every detail has been considered for maximum harmony and style.
06.01.2025
Volodymyr2 weeks ago
It was a great job! Everything has been done exactly as I wished. Very accurate and inspired fulfillment!
I highly recommend Kondratenko studio in case you really appreciate handcrafted accessories or you’d like to renovate your favorite things and bring them back to life!
Victor Kondratenko2 weeks ago
Thank you for your trust in me as a craftsman. One of the most valuable aspects of customisation is the opportunity to be not just a customer, but a co-creator of your own product. You participate in the creation of an accessory that fully reflects your taste, style and wishes. It is not just a thing bought in a shop, but the result of joint work, in which your ideas are embodied.
Such a process gives the product a special significance. You can choose materials and other options that have a special meaning for you. As a result, the accessory becomes not just a part of the image, but something more – a reflection of your individuality. This is a level of personalisation that is not available in mass production.
And, of course, watching your idea turn into reality is a special pleasure. It allows you to better understand how much labour, skill and attention to detail is put into each product.
It was a pleasure to work on your order. I would be happy to create something special for you again!