Hadley Roma MS885 20mm Brown Oil Tan Leather Contrast Stitched
February 21, 2018
While some watch strap companies are literally run out of one room or garage, some others are modern day factories. Hadley Roma is one such company. They have established themselves as mainstream watch strap maker, and go beyond boutique one off straps to supply OEM’s and other large contracts. However, I would not say they have sold out or anything like that, they just have found a way to produce quality at a high capacity. Their straps are not flimsy or big box store garbage, they are far more refined and well made than that. They just have a dizzying array of watch straps available. Many are worth your consideration. Before we get into the review, where is what Hadley-Roma has to say about itself:
Hadley-Roma has been manufacturing and distributing quality watch attachments for more than 100 years. We pride ourselves on offering the finest quality and largest selection of products, supported by the most extensive network of sales representatives and the most responsive customer service department in the industry. As the largest supplier of replacement watch attachments to the jewelry industry in the United States and with more than 150 employees within our factory in Florida, we are proud to be called America’s Watch Strap Company.
We have built our business based upon our relationships with our retail customers. We view our retail customers as our partners and do not sell directly to the consumer. To learn more about what it means to be a Hadley-Roma retailer or to become a retailer for our products, go to Hadley-Roma Retailers.
Founded in 1903 in Hadley, Massachusetts
4,000 square foot showroom and executive offices located in New York City’s fashion district
40,000 square foot manufacturing and distribution facility located in Largo, Florida
Overseas manufacturing capabilities for execution of cost-effective programs where required
I will dig into that last sentence and get back to you. Not sure what exactly they mean by overseas manufacturing for execution of cost effective programs. I will find if for no other reason than it is educational.
Also found this digging around the net. Hadley Roma factory ‘how straps are made video’ may be interesting to watch
DIMENSIONS
The Hadley Roma MS855 I have is a 20mm strap. So disclaimer: All dimensions I give are for a 20mm lug to lug width. The length of the straps at the free end / buckle end are 120mm/80mm respectively. The strap start out 20mm wide at the lugs and tapers to 18mm at the free end of the strap. The strap is heavily padded near the spring bars and is close to 6mm thick. The padding subsides about half way down the strap length and it is then a more normal 3.7mm thick. Mind you the thickness is only at the center portion interior of the padding. The outside edge of the strap is a very thin 1.8mm thick.
DESIGN
The Hadley Roma MS885 has a medium to dark brown dyed leather. It is padded from spring bar to tip on both sides of the strap. However, the only half of the free end is heavily padded, while on buckle end the whole strap is padded. The padding is soft and uniform on both sides, and the contrast stitching is well executed with even spacing. The leather has a nice luster to it and only yields some of its color when harshly bent like when you would put the free end into the keepers or pulling the strap tight. The leather is not glossy, nor is it matte. It is more of satin finish to it. If I take my fingernail, I can scratch the leather fairly easily, but if you rub it the oil from your skin will mostly make the scratch vanish. I think that is a testament to a quality hide or at the very least a real one.
The sides of the strap are sealed and painted and have no rough edges to speak of. The underside of the strap is rather utilitarian. Not bad or good, but more average and forgettable. It has a piece of black leather (may be real or synthetic, not sure) that is neither noticeably smooth, or remarkable in any way. The only marking on the strap is Genuine Leather. I really expected to see some Hadley Roma style printing, but none was found. I checked my other HR watch straps and again nothing was noticeable.
KEEPERS AND BUCKLE
The buckle on the Hadley Roma MS885 is a polished steel rectangular style. It has no discernible marking on it and is typical of many watch straps. The keepers are standard fare, with one being fixed and one being of the floating variety. They do have a nice roll mark on each that adds a bit of detail and interest to parts of the watch that other manufacturers neglect.
HOW DOES IT WEAR
Despite the quality leather and the nice construction, the Hadley Roma MS885 is not love at first wear right out of the box. This strap has what I call stiff legs syndrome. When it is first put on it stands off the wrist as it does not conform to the wrist well. I know this is NOT indicative of other Hadley Roma straps. A few of their croc patterns straps seems to be a cut above in terms of materials and fit and finish.
I do think however, with continued wear this strap will conform and eventually fit.
With just 5 minutes of working the strap in my hands it wore better but still sat up off the wrist a bit. Also, I have to mention one more issue. On my 6.75″ wrist, with the strap on its tightest setting, it was still too lose. As the leather stretches and gets older, it will need another hole in the strap. My other Hadley Roma straps are not made this way. If you have small wrists, I would say avoid this model.
WHAT IS THIS STRAP GOOD FOR
The Hadley Roma MS885 is well made, but its mass produced nature does give it away. It is a perfectly acceptable watch strap if you wanted something as a stock replacement on a dress watch or even a nice field watch. I find its tapered thin edge and padding a nod in the luxury direction. I feel contrast stitching gives it a sporty flair but to me this strap comes across as a very nice factory replacement strap for your Hamilton or Seiko or Tissot. I do not honestly feel it brings enough to the table in terms of design and execution to rival hand made straps with more laborious tanning and dying. Other Hadley Roma straps do a better job with flexibility, supple materials and interior lining. This strap can make an older watch look fresh again, but I do not see it elevating the watch to a new level.
WHERE CAN I GET ONE
I buy just about all my straps from two sources
Holbens fine watch bands
http://www.holbensfinewatchbands.com
Amazon
http://amzn.to/2EKTKcz