2023 has been a busy year at WatchGecko, and we have released many new products. Watch strap innovation is at the core of our business, and this philosophy runs across all brands within the group. As watch style trends evolve, so do our designs, and here is a selection of what we consider to be some of our best new straps from 2023.
Seacroft Waffle F.K.M. Rubber Dive Watch Strap - Range Extension - £48
The Seacroft Waffle design is a nod to dive straps from the past. They are specifically designed to suit vintage dive watches with stainless steel cases, especially cushion cases.
The Waffle strap is highly flexible for comfort over long periods. It has full-length strap adjustment holes, allowing wear over a wetsuit or clothing. The lowest keeper is retained and won't move up the strap. Quick-release spring bars for easy strap changes are fitted as standard.
Whether you have a modern or vintage dive watch the Seacroft move really change the look of your watch
The Octopod needs no introduction, and is widely seen as one of the most advanced dive and outdoor straps available today. A bespoke superior buckle is attached at eight points to a flexible or fixed fabric strip, which gives the impression of a military nylon strap. We have had countless reviews of the Octopod, all of which hail it as a significant advancement in watch straps.
The new Apex range is made from 100% polyester, ensuring exceptional durability. It is not only long-lasting but also non-toxic and environmentally friendly, reflecting our commitment to both quality and sustainability.
Cutting-edge production techniques, including high-temperature and high-pressure dyeing, as well as filament twisting, to create the Apex nylon material. These methods result in vibrant, fade-resistant colours that maintain their brilliance over time.
Mayday Sailcloth New Ranges - Regatta, Navigator, Anchor - £48
The Mayday Sailcloth strap range has three new additions. The Regatta Divers strap has a classic solid look but is now enhanced with either orange or red backings. Named Sunset or Crimson, these carefully chosen tones have been added to complement as many dials and hand arrangements as possible, from the orange dials of an Omega Planet Ocean to the red 24-hour GMT hand of a Tudor Black Bay.
The Mayday Anchor Divers strap is in a striking new design. Not only does it benefit from the bold colours of the Anchor, but it also has perforations in ascending and descending size. Like all the straps, the Anchor is equipped with quick-release spring bars, and the new large perforations give this Sailcloth strap a sport look.
The final new edition of the range is called the Navigator. Also available in three colours, this strap has a small cluster of small perforations close to the watch case. These are exceptionally useful in hot climates as they allow moisture trapped under the strap to evaporate, and after diving, they let air circulate to dry your skin.
The Space Bound collection has been a labour of love reflecting the company's admiration for vintage space programs. Unlike the Lunar range, Space Bound has bold colours, with each strap being specifically designed to complement a famous range of bioceramic Moon-homage watches.
There are two styles to choose from. A classic Lunar design which operates with hook and loop and is an accurate replica of the watch straps worn by Apollo astronauts. And a military nylon style, which is available in the same colours but provides a more traditional appearance.
With evocative names such as Mars, Venus, and Jupiter, the Space Bound collection will take your watch to a new dimension.
Ridge Military Nylon Watch Strap Range Extension - £24
£28.00
Ridge has proven to be one of our most successful Military Nylon collections to date, providing the perfect balance of style and durability. In 2023, we launched several new colours to complement the widest variety of watches. These colour additions allow users to pick out accents within their watch, such as GMT hands or bezel inserts.
Like military webbing, the 1.2mm thick nylon Ridge is incredibly tough and hardwearing. The buckle and keepers are fashioned from stainless steel, and the keeper nearest the buckle is floating so that you can adjust it to suit the excess nylon you have. With a length of 285mm, this strap will fit any wrist size from 6 inches to 9 inches (15.25cm to 22.86cm).
Radstock Missouri Vintage Leather Watch Strap - £68
Available in five colours and four lug widths, the Radstock is handmade in Spain by experienced artisans using vegetable-tanned top-grain leather. Each Radstock strap is handmade, so individual straps vary slightly from one individual strap to the next. Combined with the refined edge-stitching, the whole package shows tradition and craftsmanship.
Styling was deliberate with this new strap, including a substantial taper in width, ideal for vintage watches. Each strap is 110 / 70mm long and 2.7mm thick.
Our partner in constructing these straps is Conceria La Perla Azzurra S.R.L., a small Tuscan leather tannery producing some of the finest leather available. La Perla is a proud member of the Consorzio Vera Pella Italiana, which advocates the use of traditional methods.
Classic Retro Stainless Steel Watch Strap – Gold, Silver and Black - £28
Available in gold, silver and black, and in 18 mm, 20 mm and 22 mm lug width, you can usher in a vintage vibe with our Classic Retro metal mesh strap. The design adds a touch of nostalgia to a timepiece, while the durable construction ensures longevity.
Construction is a dual-finish brushed and polished watch strap featuring a secure fold-over buckle with a safety clasp. The strap is made from smooth 316L grade stainless steel and can be fitted with quick-release spring bars for easy strap changes. It is the perfect choice for your treasured vintage watch. It would especially suit something like a 1970s Seiko.
So there you have a summary of some of our new strap developments for 2023. Each one of these has been carefully crafted to bring a different look to your watch collection. In this small snapshot of our vast strap portfolio, there must be something which will compliment one of your watches, so dive into the WatchGecko website and see what catches your eye.
