The Model 1 strap was, as the name implies, our first 2-piece strap. Designed to be a modern, minimal strap that would be an ideal companion for tool watches, we made it out of straight cut leather, doubled over with a single large keeper, simple stitching and wide tang slots. The result was a rugged, heavy-duty all leather strap that perfectly complemented tough sport watches new and old.
Now, nearly five years later, we’re reintroducing the Model 1 under our High Craft line with a slight redesign and some new colors. For the High Craft – Model 1, we’ve taken the construction methods of our Vintage straps and applied them to the Model 1 design. Instead of the doubled over construction of the original, we’ve used structural, vegetable tanned leather to line the thick-cut aesthetic top leather. The result is a strap that looks great, and has a minimal amount of stretch. We’ve also thinned the strap down a bit, for comfort, while keeping the unique domed shape that is created not through fake padding, but through sculpting the leather by hand.
For our initial run of High Craft – Model 1s we’ve chosen five colors, some new and some old. First we have Rye, a classic Model 1 color and best-seller. For this new version, we’ve kept most of the details the same, but added black backing leather, which further contrasts the bright golden Rye chromexcel top leather, really making it stand out.