B and R Bands Camel Suede Watch Strap
February 18, 2019
Most watch straps are bought primarily based on how they look on the computer or in the store. We as a society are visually motivated and more times than not aesthetics alone will make us gravitate toward a product and eventually buy it. After all, it could be argued that vision is our most prominent sense, with all other senses playing a supporting role. In the world of watch straps this is especially true. Or is it?
The strap I have today brings another vital human sense into the conversation. Touch. While I have gone to exhaustive lengths to describe how a strap feels, it is often with reference to its capability to move. I have worn out the thesaurus trying to find words for supple, flexible, bendable, elastic, etc. However, trying to describe this week’s strap alone with words about is outward appearance would be like trying to describe how the white quartz beaches of Siesta Key, Florida feel by just calling them white. An injustice to one of the most tactile experiences in the United States would be shameful.
A properly bought watch strap is a pleasure to behold when it is paired smartly to the perfect watch. It adds visual interest and compliments the watch by giving it a compelling story. Suede not only adds a unique visual element but also a tactile depth. It adds texture and emotion and drama if you will. Suede rewards your touch and changes with your inputs. That interaction adds a powerful connection between the watch and the user.
The B and R Camel Suede’s level of construction is at a level that it could easily be OEM hardware on a number of fine Swiss watches. The fit and finish and attention to detail is that good. I have reviewed many of their offerings in several price ranges and none have disappointed me. B and R do suede very well. They finish their product by leaving enough nap to strike a balance of visual and textural interest without crossing over into that distressed domain.
Before I dive into my review, let us take a look at what B and R say about this Camel Suede strap:
Let’s be honest, there’s nothing like strapping on a comfy suede strap to your wrist. These straps will look great with your attire, from your sweaters and jackets, to your boots and belts.
Crafted from the finest and softest Italian suede which is then fully leather lined to maximize comfort. With attention to detail, each strap is taper cut with precision revealing the straps edges to enhance the classic look. In its final stage, the strap is carefully sewn with a white contrast stitch bringing out the elegance of the strap.
DIMENSIONS
I ordered this strap in 20mm and more specifically the short version (which measures 110mm/70mm versus the standard 120mm/80mm that is usually medium size). B and R offer you a choice of short, medium and long for most of their products which adds to the options available to the customer. On my 6.85” wrist I am on the 4thof eight adjustment holes which puts it right in the middle. I probably could have ordered a medium which is what I normally order, but it is good to try new offerings from a vendor to see how the product differs. This small option would be ideal for those with a sub 7” wrist.
My strap was 19.9mm at the lugs and 15.6mm at the buckle and free end versus 20mm and 16mm advertised, which is within the range of user error. As far as thickness goes, it is 3.3mm at the lugs and along the length it is 2.8mm which is just about the most perfect thickness for a casual strap that can be rugged or sophisticated depending on the watch it is attached.
DESIGN
A strap with a 4mm taper immediately feels elegant and special. This is just the nature of any tapered strap. The basic recipe for this strap will evoke the more casual or historic nature of the watch it is attached. The slimmer profile continues to pay dividends all around. The buckle will be slimmer, the leather will be more flexible, and the whole package will weigh less on the wrist and be far less constricting. That is if the vendor gets it right. B and R certainly has.
The 3mm construction is just sublime. It allows effortless malleability (there goes that thesaurus again) from day one. This is no small feat. Many straps need time to break in and have a plastic or cardboard nature to them that takes time or technique to make go away. The B and R suede is as welcoming as worn out denim. The construction of the strap is decidedly visible when viewed along its side profile with both layers proudly visible. The soft suede outer portion wraps around the spring bar and the whole affair is neatly sewn to a lovely soft black inner leather liner that does more than just touch the skin, it embraces it. The two work together to add a bicolor casualness to the strap. Seeing the construction somehow makes the strap more interesting and decidedly less dressy.
The stitching is very close together and tidy with no stray strands or irregularities. Again, this matches and even surpasses many an OEM strap from 4 figure watches. Then there is the suede. I really like the feel and texture of suede. Unlike even the finest Shell Cordovan leather, suede gives the wearer something to not only see but feel. The texture and color changes with every light brush of your finger. This is truly a material that not only begs to be touched but rewards you for your effort. It is dynamic and ever changing. The suede is the absolute star of this strap with the rest of its flawless construction playing a perfect supporting role.
KEEPER AND BUCKLE
The buckle on this strap was the standard stainless steel buckle that is ever so lightly brushed vertically along the length of the face of the buckle. The edges are nicely broken and the buckle is minimal and built lay flat against the skin. I changed out the buckle on the strap for the one from my Bronze Oris Big Crown Point Date for more conformity with the case.
The keepers on the strap are the standard two keeper affair with the one closest to the buckle being fixed and the other is floating to handle any extra strap. They are made of the same two layer construction as the strap with a nice smooth black liner inside the thin little keepers. This allows the strap to effortlessly slide into place with zero fuss or extra effort. I think they have the size of these keepers rather perfect. Big enough to do the job and maintain their shape, but not a millimeter larger and the whole strap is better for it.
HOW DOES IT WEAR
On any watch this strap is attached it will add a bit of drama. The good kind mind you. Looking at it is an event. Just strapping it onto your wrist the feel of the suede in your fingers is pleasant and rewarding. The material is very organic and connects you with nature in ways an over processed (but beautiful) piece of highly finished hide rarely does. Right out of the box this strap is enjoyable.
The B and R Camel conforms to any contour you are born with and allows the watch to be as close to the skin as possible. The soft nap of the strap contrast amazingly well with brushed bronze surfaces (as well as any highly polished stainless steel) allowing the differences in each material to shine even brighter.
I had no issues with the shorter length aside from having to tuck a shorter portion of the strap into the keepers than I was used to. I was able to find the perfect fit on my wrist rather easily and despite the inner layer being smooth leather it never made my wrist hot or sweaty regardless of how long it was on. I found viewing the watch from all angles I was able to enjoy the brown and black made visible by the simple construction. The strap wore beautifully on two watches for a couple of weeks. The suede did not show any indications of degradation where the buckle made contact, and no raw leather wear marks ever even came close to developing after weeks on the computer.
WHAT IS IT GOOD FOR
Right off the bat I would say avoid use on any watch that will get submerged often. This is certainly NOT a water activity strap. Its tapered profile lends itself to vintage anything very well, as its construction is thin enough and its material is old world enough to evoke strong contrast with any vintage piece. I would also like this on a casual wear from just about any brand. Field watches would look great on this as would work or school watches. I think it is a bit too casual for a really thin dress watch, as the strap would look like bigfoot at a formal dance.
WHERE DO I GET IT
Best place to get this B and R Suede Camel Strap is from B and R house of suede:
https://www.bandrbands.com/camel-classic-suede-watch-band.aspx
SUMMARY
Suede exudes comfort and warmth while being durable and beautiful to your sense of sight and touch. When I feel an exceptionally made suede anything, I get the feeling that it is special and loved and ready for a lifetime of use and enjoyment. Whether it is the inside of a new leather day bag or this watch strap, suede is like coming home. It is an honest material to make a strap with and an amazing horological palette that will certainly satisfy for years to come.