Strapping Young Lads: Solomon Straps getting it done right

Our taste in watches says a lot about who we are. Any watch lover can recount their passion for, and the stories behind, the various pieces in their collection, consciously (and unconsciously) giving insights into who they are and what is important to them. Watch forums and Facebook groups abound with impassioned and often heated exchanges regarding the worth of one watch over another, sometimes for something as apparently simple as the strap on which the watch head is mounted. I, for one, feel the straps we pair with our watches make a huge difference to the visual appeal, fit and wearability of a watch and it’s not something that should be overlooked. A good strap has the ability to completely transform a watch, from flipper to keeper and can really turn your opinion regarding the ongoing place in your collection of a piece for which your passion has faded. But good straps - well made with quality materials - are hard to find, unless you are prepared to part with large sums of hard earned cash.

I was contacted several months ago by Daniel Cheek, co-founder of Solomon Straps, requesting I take a look at one of their straps and write a review. Being a huge fan of a well made leather strap I agreed immediately. Covid-19 being what it is (don’t get me started) the strap took two months to arrive and I had all but forgotten about it. I was pleasantly surprised when the strap turned up unannounced and I unwrapped a solid looking stitched leather strap in a deep green with a tinge of blue. You never know what to expect when someone sends you a sample, so it’s with great pleasure and a sigh of relief that I introduce you to Solomon Straps.

Based in Nashville, Tennessee, Solomon Straps Founder, Daniel Cheek has been turning out straps aimed at the discerning end of the market since 2017. Beginning with bespoke orders, Daniel quickly began to realise a niche that his high quality, handmade straps were ready to fill. All was needed was a business partner and to increase production. In came Clay, a friend of Daniel’s since high school and, like Daniel, a passionate watch enthusiast. The company aim was simple: to produce straps from high quality materials, maintaining the quality through in-house production but keeping them as affordable as possible.

Utilising only full-grain leathers from brands such as Horween, Badalassi Carlo, and Wickett & Craig, Solomon Straps have a growing catalogue of luxuriously thick, stitched leather straps in a range of muted and more vibrant, fun tones, like the beautiful Sage Grey with brown stitching and versatile Steel Grey with blue stitching. Full-grain is extremely durable and it’s fair to say these straps that are going to give you years of wear.

Steel Grey and Blue

Solomon Straps are available in a range of sizes to suit most wristwatches, from 18mm right up the the mighty 24mm. But Solomon Straps haven’t left out those plagued by the smart watch bug, with an Apple Watch fitment available in both 38/40mm and 42/44mm. Smart thinking from Daniel and Clay as this is a rapidly growing segment of the market and there’s certainly a desire for quality straps regardless of what adorns your wrist.

I can attest to the softness of the sample sent to me. It’s substantial at 4mm thick, so will suit those looking for a real presence and the durability a thicker strap provides. The two strap keepers are free moving rather than having the first one fixed, which is my only complaint and really based on personal preference and doesn’t dampen the overall quality feel.

Solomon Straps clearly stand by the quality of their straps, offering a one year warranty against defects in workmanship and materials. That’s the sort of confidence that is rooted in having full control over the production process and knowing that they’ve not compromised on the quality of the materials used. With an ever-widening range of colours - check out their Autumn Collection - and quality you can see and feel from the outset, along with pricing that is about as competitive as you’ll find, it’s not hard to see why Solomon Straps is getting noticed.

A striking colour match with the blue stitching adding a great counterpoint

For Second Hour, who has searched and wasted thousands in the pursuit of straps worthy of our timepieces, I can attest to the rarity of finding a maker of real calibre who isn’t poised to perform daylight robbery on you in exchange for leather. As a customer, when you find one you usually stick to them, and I can see these guys having repeat business.