The fully padded Original Vintage Highley has been a staple element in the WatchGecko portfolio of leather straps for many years. It has proven incredibly popular among customers and continues to be a top seller. It is best suited to tool watches with some presence, like a Rolex Submariner or Omega Speedmaster, thanks to the carefully crafted colours, outstanding durability and generous 6mm padding.
Classic Highley on Baltic MR01 - Credit WatchGecko
However, what if you like the Highley style but want to fit it to a slimmer, more subtle watch, perhaps a 1960s vintage Omega Seamaster? The traditional fully padded Highley is too big and can look ungainly against smaller cases. If only there was a reduced-size strap with the exact specifications. Here at WatchGecko, we think like watch enthusiasts because we are. If we see a gap in the portfolio we’ll set out to fill it.
Introducing the Classic Highley.
Classic Highley Buckle - Credit WatchGecko
The Classic Highley uses certified vegetable-tanned, full-grain Italian leather produced by a member of the Consorzio Vera Pelle Italiana Conciata Al Vegetale. This consortium of tanneries in Tuscany exclusively uses natural plant-derived tannins and centuries-old techniques to create quality-controlled, sustainable leathers.
Classic Highley Collection - Credit WatchGecko
The new strap has reduced padding at the lug end, making it more aesthetically pleasing when set against slim dress and vintage watches, which traditionally have smaller case dimensions. The Classic Highley is just over 4mm thick compared to the standard model and sports a smaller buckle to keep the overall look in proportion.
Classic Highley on Omega - Credit WatchGecko
The new range has been produced in soft yet purposeful colours, such as shades of faded blue, black, brown and green. These straps all have a very slightly worn look, so they will immediately match watch cases that may be 60 years old. The superior leather is soft from day one and will patina beautifully as your journey with the watch continues. As expected, the latest Highley incorporates quick-release spring bars for easy strap changes and is available in a wide range of lug widths from 18mm to 22mm.
Classic Highley - Credit WatchGecko
It is always exciting to evolve one of our classic designs. It was not just a question of reducing the size. We have thought in detail about what watches this strap could be paired with, and prototypes of the strap were fitted to appropriate models. Only when we were happy with the dimensions and revised colours did we give the green light for production. The new Classic Highley is available now from WatchGecko.
Classic Highley Key Features
- Handmade and finished.
- Certified genuine vegetable-tanned, full-grain Italian leather.
- Quick-release spring bars.
- Length: 120mm/80mm.
- Thickness: 4mm tapering to 2.5mm at the buckle.
- The strap features a cut edge, finished with colour-matched paint for a seamless finish and to help prevent moisture penetration and improve durability.
- Stamped and etched with the WatchGecko logo for reassurance of genuine quality.
The Classic Highley forms the latest part of WatchGecko’s extensive range of straps suited to all watches. Whether you want leather, nylon, rubber or metal, we have a high-quality strap solution for you. Check out the entire range here.
