Does the world really need a new kind of watch strap? The basic formula of a strip or two of fabric or leather buckled to your wrist is pretty darn good. It’s uncomplicated, easy to produce, user-friendly, and highly effective. Is it really worth changing? Péter Bálint Sinka of Stripa says “yes,” and sent me a Stripa Strap to prove it.
Sinka designed his strap for sports. He wanted something with no exposed buckles or clips, no loose ends, and nothing that could get bound up or pulled loose. Of course, it had to be durable, water resistant, and comfortable. His solution was a loop composed of two sections: one elastic and the other semi-rigid fabric with a soft interior and grippy outer layer.
For the strap to work, it must be properly sized both to the user’s wrist and to the watch, not just the lug width but also the length of the case. The first step of the ordering process is to input that data. Stripa provides help on how to measure everything properly, particularly your wrist. I measured my wrist (exactly 174mm) and my Seiko SKX009, which I felt was a suitably sporting watch.
My package shipped from Hungary to D.C. in short order. It was time to give it a try.
The outside of the elastic is a soft fabric texture bearing the Stripa name, while the inner part shows a pattern of rubbery nubs. According to Stripa, it was this elastic section that required the most development — a full three years of testing to ensure the correct tension, shape retention, UV resistance, etc. I can appreciate what went into it, but from the end user’s perspective, it is merely an elastic strap that does its job without notice or complaint.
It is the other section that commanded most of my attention, and I think it’s what makes the Stripa such a successful design. It is a stiff U-shape clad in the inverse of the elastic: nubs outward, smooth fabric inward. There is a spring bar pocket on only one end. That, obviously, gets fastened to your watch.
For the other side, you will trap the elastic behind the other spring bar, like so. You now have the U-shaped bit on the underside of your watch and the elastic loop draped over its face. Can this be right?
Yes, it is. Tug that elastic a bit and then slip on your watch.
Now, it’s making more sense. Once the watch is in this position, you will begin to appreciate the mechanics of this strap. The rigid section wraps your wrist and will nearly touch the top lugs of your watch. This is why you needed such a precise measurement. As you pull the elastic to form that outer loop, you’ll feel it pull against the rigid band, making the strap snug on your wrist. Also, notice that the two grippy bits are against each other, preventing the two sections from slipping apart.
Pull that stretchy loop over your hand, straighten it out against the rigid band, and voila! You’ve got it. The elastic maintains the necessary tension to keep the band secure. Jostle it all you like; it’s not going anywhere. As you go about your day, your wrist will swell and shrink in reaction to temperature, exertion, and other factors, and the strap will self-adjust up to +/- 8mm.
Meanwhile, that stiff section hugs your wrist while simultaneously protecting it from the squeeze of the elastic. I hate the sensation of tight elastic pressing against my flesh. It is the reason why I can’t wear Marine Nationalé or paratrooper straps. I am also not crazy about the feel of most nylon weaves, which ruins most military-style pass-through straps for me as well.
Stripa has eliminated both problems. Instead, you get a firm yet comfortable fit and a soft surface against your skin. It’s low profile and clean lines look pretty slick, too.
So, am I ready to ditch all my conventional straps and replace them with Stripa Straps instead? No. For one thing, Stripa is currently only available in 22mm width, and like the Ford Model T, in any color you want so long as it’s black. Besides, I rather enjoy my strap collection and while the Stripa is cool, it is really a piece of athletic wear. I’m not going to throw out all my other shoes just because I found a good pair of sneakers, but by the same token, when I’m exercising, nothing but those sneakers will do.
Like a running shoe, the Stripa is a brilliant piece of specialized equipment that can also be a very practical and fashionable accessory. It’s not right for everything, but you could probably use one in your wardrobe.
The Stripa Strap is available for most common 22mm lug width watches. Their website will guide you to the right one. All are 39€ or about $42 US, which is an excellent price for a strap as clever and well-thought as this.
For more information or to place an order, visit stripastrap.com.
