Hello everyone, and welcome to another of my reviews. In this article, I’ll review a bunch of new straps from the local watch strap label Nomad Watch Works.
Watch enthusiasts, particularly those in Singapore, will likely know Nomad Watch Works for its highly affordable watch straps. While the brand continues to offer a wide range of budget-friendly options, it has increasingly turned its attention towards the more premium end of the market, particularly its custom watch straps. Having recently added a Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso and a Franck Muller Casablanca (both pictured above) to my collection, I found myself in the market for a few new straps. Naturally, I decided to take a closer look at some of Nomad Watch Works’ offerings. Here’s how they stack up.
Franck Muller Casablanca – Lizard
First, it’s worth noting that Nomad Watch Works offers custom straps for a wide range of specific watch models, including the Franck Muller Casablanca, Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso and Omega Speedmaster. The key advantage? These straps are tailored to each model, ensuring a proper fit not just at the lugs, but right down to the buckle.
Nomad Watch Works offers an extensive selection of materials for its custom straps. For my Franck Muller Casablanca “Sahara”, I opted for a brown lizard leather strap, whose distinctive texture adds a touch of character. Given the watch’s desert-inspired moniker, I thought it was a particularly fitting match for my latest acquisition.
The lizard leather feels premium, with well-defined grain that looks just as good as it feels. Being a custom strap, it also allows for a surprising degree of personalisation, right down to the scale pattern. You can choose between smaller scales and a mixed-scale finish, for instance. Since my particular Casablanca leans towards the dressier end of the spectrum, I went with the smaller scales for a more refined, understated look.
Further customisation options include quick-release spring bars and personalised embossing of up to seven characters. I opted for quick-release spring bars on all three straps, having come to appreciate the sheer convenience they offer. I also chose Zermatt leather lining for all three, adding a premium finishing touch to each strap.
For the uninitiated, Zermatt leather is widely regarded as a premium choice for strap linings, thanks to its hypoallergenic properties, comfortable feel and luxurious finish. It has become something of a benchmark in modern strap-making, a far cry from the stiff, cardboard-like linings found on older straps. If leather isn’t your preference, Nomad Watch Works also offers smooth FKM rubber as an alternative lining option.
Overall, I’m thoroughly pleased with this brown lizard strap. It complements the brown hands and numerals of my Franck Muller Casablanca beautifully, while its relatively slim profile suits the watch’s dressier character. At $169, it’s also an attractive proposition for a handmade exotic leather strap, offering a compelling balance of craftsmanship, aesthetics and value.
Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso – Crocodile
For my Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso, I opted for a crocodile leather strap, a classic choice that complements the watch’s inherently dressy character.
Given my Reverso’s black dial, the obvious choice would have been a black strap, which was, in fact, the original strap supplied by Jaeger-LeCoultre. However, I didn’t want to simply replicate the original look. After all, part of the appeal of commissioning a handcrafted custom strap is the opportunity to give a watch a fresh lease of life with something a little more distinctive. As such, I decided to seek some advice from Tyler (@tyler.nomad on Instagram), who suggested a glossy burgundy alligator strap. Think Mr Wonderful-esque: bold enough to make a statement, yet restrained enough to avoid looking ostentatious. It was an intriguing suggestion, and one I was more than happy to entertain.
On the wrist, the burgundy strap makes an immediate impression. Its glossy finish pairs beautifully with the Reverso’s polished case, creating an undeniably eye-catching combination without veering into excess. It may not be the most understated option, but that is precisely the point: as someone who typically wears the Reverso with a suit to events, I find the burgundy strap an excellent way to elevate an already stunning timepiece. For those who prefer a more understated aesthetic, Nomad Watch Works also offers crocodile leather in semi-gloss and matte finishes.
As with the ostrich strap, the crocodile leather features well-defined, pronounced scales that look and feel distinctly premium. Even to the untrained eye, the quality and texture make it clear that this is genuine crocodile leather rather than a cheaper faux alternative. At $209, the strap represents excellent value for money, particularly given the amount of handwork involved, from saddle stitching to the hand-applied edge paint.
Omega Speedmaster – Suede
Last but not least, I decided to get a new strap for my Omega Speedmaster “Hot Chocolate” to switch up the look.
Watch enthusiasts will know that while older-generation Omega Speedmaster Professionals are undeniably iconic, their bracelets have never been their strongest selling point. I’ve long wanted to try my Speedmaster on a strap, so I ran the idea past Tyler, who recommended a brown suede option.
As it turns out, it’s a match made in heaven. The warm brown suede complements the Speedmaster’s “tropical” dial beautifully, adding a touch of vintage charm while enhancing the watch’s everyday wearability. It’s a simple change that gives this iconic chronograph a fresh lease of life.
The suede itself is supple to the touch, with a soft, velvety texture that strikes a nice balance between casual and refined. Tyler did caution me that suede straps require a little more care, much like suede shoes. That said, given the Speedmaster’s vintage sensibilities, I wasn’t planning on putting it through any rough treatment anyway.
More importantly, the suede’s rich texture and warm, matte finish add depth and character, beautifully complementing the vintage appeal of this iconic chronograph. At just $129, it’s also an accessible way to give your luxury timepiece a fresh look without breaking the bank.
Conclusion – so Nomad Watch Works Premium Straps “shiok” or not?
Nomad Watch Works has come a long way from its early days of selling $8 NATO straps. Since opening its dedicated strap boutique, the brand has noticeably elevated the quality of its offerings, particularly within its premium strap collection. A quick look at the brand’s Instagram reveals its straps paired with luxury timepieces from Rolex, Cartier, Vacheron Constantin, Patek Philippe and other prestigious watchmakers. The direction is clear: Nomad Watch Works is moving upmarket, and I’m all for it. The appeal lies in the combination of premium materials, meticulous handcraftsmanship and extensive customisation options, allowing enthusiasts to create straps that complement their watches and personal preferences. For those looking to elevate their timepieces, there’s plenty to like here. The main drawback is the lead time, which currently stands at around four weeks. If you’re in a hurry, a two-week rush order is available for an additional $60.
Handmade custom straps from Nomad Watch Works start at just $129. For those interested in commissioning a custom watch strap from Nomad, quoting the promo code ‘WAHSOSHIOK’ or presenting this post in-store will grant you a 10% discount on all purchases, including ready-made straps. After the discount, even the crocodile strap (the most “premium” offering of all three) would cost less than $200, making it a great value proposition.
View Nomad Watch Works’ custom strap programme here.
View the rest of Nomad Watch Works’ offerings here.
Nomad Watch Works’ showroom location: 66 East Coast Rd, #05-14 The Flow Mall, Singapore 428778
P.S. Shiok is a common word Singaporeans use to express admiration or approval. As of 2016, you can find the definition of the word in the Oxford English Dictionary.
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