For many years the Stailer team has been working on creating
solid and reliable straps for your every day use.
We develop, manufacture and continually improve our straps.
The development process of each strap collection begins with sketching, drafting, and 3-D modelling. Then we select fitting materials from the leading leather industry manufacturers for every model.
We make strap prototypes and test them thoroughly to make sure the prospective watchstrap meets the current industry standards. We use high-precision molds and tools for the production of our watchstraps; it ensures the greatest possible quality level at each stage of the production.
Design
There are two main functions that watchstraps serve, namely, holding a watch on the wrist and complementing the overall image of the product. We do our best to take into account both these factors while working on the design of watchstraps.
Our team constantly works on the development of new designs. This process not only implies the creation of shape and structure of the strap, but also leather selection of proper texture and color; matching lining; the selection of stitching thickness and color; buckle construction - everything to make sure the strap serves you for a long time, feels comfortable in wear and complements your watch.
Production
The production process of our straps starts with examining each piece of hide for needed properties and thickness, defects’ absence. Followed by meticulous cutting and punching out the parts of the future strap using special cutting stamps and tooling.
High precision metal tooling allows all the leather elements to be joined with utmost efficiency and accuracy.
We use high precision CNC (co-ordinate) sewing machines and the threads from the global industry leader - the Amann Group – for stitching our straps.
Technologies
This advanced technology allows two entirely different materials –rubber base and top leather layer of the strap - to be securely joined.
With the help of modern high tech equipment the silicone surface is subjected to plasma treatment which allows for extra durability, dustproof effect and distinctive surface texture.
Ion Plating technology is the worldwide standard of metal dyeing in the watch industry. For the IPGold plating we use real 18K gold.
High precision perforation of our watchstraps is carried out using CNC hole punching machines and modern cutting tools. This technology ensures a variety of different size holes along the strap surface with even the smallest of them looking perfect.
Our specific technology consists of three key components – high precision molds for joining pieces under high pressure and heat, suitable thermo-activated polyurethane adhesive and stable temperature requirements which guarantee the utmost reliability of the components’ binding and elasticity of bonded layers.
The most integral technological part of creating out watchstraps is still the experienced hand work of our staff and engineers' contribution in providing the right combination of all the components and workflow. Their diligence, commitment and expertise are the key to the quality of watchstraps and bracelets.
Quality control
During development and after production each model goes through a series of tests, imitating wear.
This test is conducted in compliance with the UNI EN ISO11640 standard. The test comprises 500 cycles of leather abrasion with dry felt cloth and 250 cycles of leather abrasion with wet felt cloth under the pressure of 1 kg. The test determines the outer colorfastness and leather currying to exposure.
The imitation cycle of strap fastening and unfastening is carried out under the tension of over 2 bars. After the completion of 2000 cycles the framework and overall appearance of the strap is inspected and evaluated for intactness.
During this testing leather and felt soaked in synthetic sweat are joined and placed under press for 48 hours. At the end of the test the leather color and structure changes are examined.
During this test the watchstrap is placed into water for various time intervals. At the end of the test the amount of moisture absorbed by the leather is measured. Then the strap is dried at room temperature and the end results are analyzed. The figures are used to determine the waterproof grade of the strap and its water resistance.
The finished straps are fastened to the watch case. Using special equipment for 3000 cycles the strap is tested under tension of 50N and rotation around its axis for 135 degrees. The reliability of the strap construction and its clamping to the watch case is checked after each 1000 cycles.
The strap secured in a special testing machine is bent in the buckle holes area for 2000 cycles. Every thousand cycles the leather surface is checked for wear and the strap’s edges are examined for the quality of the gluing.
This test is conducted by applying special 3M tape to the leather surface and forcefully tearing it off. The outer layer of the finishing coating and leather pigment must stay intact during the test.
Materials
For the manufacture of our straps we use (depending on the particular model) aniline and semi-aniline types of skins of full grain and top grain class, tanned and dyed in accordance with advanced worldwide standards.
In order to achieve the balance between durability, elasticity, softness and at same time create pleasantly tactile materials our specialists continually study and match together various leather types, carry out research and do numerous tests before they begin to use any new material in the manufacture of our watchstraps. They must also take into account appearance, water resistance properties, colorfastness, low allergy specifications of the materials employed.
All kinds of leather used for Stailer watchstraps is vetted for compliance with regulatory European standards RoHS and REACH, and in certain cases is certified by TÜV.
Two types of material can be used for strap padding:
● Genuine leather is perfectly tough and elastic, but it's use is limited due to the forming complexity;
● Microfiber – a special material most closely approximating to the characteristics of genuine leather which molds well and allows to create watchstraps of complex shapes.
● Genuine leather is perfectly tough and elastic, but it's use is limited due to the forming complexity;
● Microfiber – a special material most closely approximating to the characteristics of genuine leather which molds well and allows to create watchstraps of complex shapes.
The most critical element of the watchstrap is its lining, since it comes in direct contact with the skin.
The following types of lining are used in the manufacturing of Stailer straps :
- Original Nubuck—classical genuine Italian leather specially tanned and brushed to enhance the material’s strikingly soft texture.
- Anfibio—specially developed leather to ensure extra wear and water resistance. Made out of EU sourced high quality Full Grain skins. Thanks to special tanning technologies it boasts pleasantly tactile texture and astonishing wear characteristics.
- Raw—the reverse side of Italian vegetable tanned leather without any extra pigment coating. Its texture feels most natural to the touch.
is the most common type of stainless steel resistant to oxidation and corrosion. Due to low carbon it is the universal steel type which ensures the ease of production and polishing.
is high-carbon steel which contains molybdenum in its alloy and therefore guarantees the highest possible level of corrosion stability in reactive environments. It is used for the manufacturing of surgical tools and is the most common material for making luxury timepieces.
In the production of steel items we use hydraulic presses which cut a needed block out of the solid steel piece, which is further pressed according to the shape designed by our engineers. In addition to abrasive machine polishing all steel items are subject to mirror-like finishing. This demands intense attention to detail, and is done by experienced staff by hand.
is a unique modern material with the highest possible performance figures practically in all parameters relevant for the watchstrap production.
Due to its outstanding characteristics FKM is used in the manufacturing of spacecraft parts. It has higher density in relation to other synthetic materials. For this reason, straps made out of FKM are most resistant to wear and smooth to the touch.
is the most widely used synthetic rubber because of its characteristics and is the closest analog to natural rubber. It is a very popular material in watchstrap production, as it is temperature resistant and dense enough to be durable and wear resistant watchstraps.
is the type of synthetic rubber with a lot of complementary admixtures for color control. In comparison to other materials it is less elastic but more exposure stable.
is the most elastic synthetic material, which allows to make comfortable soft watchstraps. It is resistant to extreme temperatures and сhemical substances. Among numerous silicone raw material manufacturers, we choose only the certified Japanese and European suppliers.
Suppliers
We use high quality materials from leading European and North American manufacturers for the production of our straps.
Amann
Germany
Since 1854 the manufacturer from Bönnigheim, Germany has been the leading producer of threads across the world. Constant development and innovations have made Amman threads the standard of quality on the market of textile goods.
Max Gimmel AG
Switzerland
Swiss leather developer and manufacturer from Arbon. Leather from Swiss hide is known to have premium quality and distinct durability. Special lining leather is used for the manufacturing of watchstraps.
Tanneries HAAS
France
One of the oldest French leather manufacturers. Established in 1846 the company is now run by the 6th leather tanning generation of the Haas family. Traditional vegetable tanning methods and modern equipment are used in the Haas manufacturing. Leather from this supplier is used by premium luxury brands.
Straps made of HAAS leather
Straps made of HAAS leather
Cordura (Invista Ltd.)
USA
World-wide famous American manufacturer of synthetic materials. For more than 50 years the company specializes in development and production of durable nylon fabric. 1000D nylon fabric is specifically used for the production of watchstraps. This fabric has special water resistant qualities and polymeric coating.
Straps made of Cordura Fabric
Straps made of Cordura Fabric
Horween
USA
The company was founded in Chicago (USA) in 1905. Horween leather is considered one of the most popular in the world due to its great quality. Leather manufacturing is based on traditional tanning methods supported by modern technological equipment.
Straps made of Horween Leather
Straps made of Horween Leather
Gruppo DANI
Italy
The company was founded in 1950 and is considered one of the leading Italian leather manufacturers. Generally reputed for their wide range of colored leather in premium quality. The modern complete cycle production is based in Arzignano, Italy.
Straps made of Dani leather
Straps made of Dani leather
You are always welcome to contact us hello@stailer.com