The packaging was elegant and practical. Install was a breeze with the charming included instructions. Adjustability and sizing was simple. Never feels too tight or too loose. I’ve already gotten compliments on it while wearing my watch at work. The color scheme works perfectly with my Synchron Poseidon Ice Diver. Both Holben’s and Erika’s Originals have gained a customer. Very happy with my purchase!
Strap and hardware are excellent quality. Width was true to size. Comfortable material.
The Di-Modell Rallye Wapro Black Contrast Stitch is a really well made, vintage-style rally strap. The leather is soft and the stitching seems durable. I have a collection of vintage Seiko chronographs, and this strap looks terrific with one of my 1970’s chronos. Highly recommended!!
The Tropic strap is a great piece of diving history, and looks terrific on my Seiko SPB143 “62mas” watch. The 62mas was originally sold on a Tropic strap, so I bought one for my watch. It looks and feels great. I’ve bought several straps from Holben’s, and their service is excellent. Both the Tropic strap and Holben’s service are highly recommended!
Great value vs ordering direct from Erika's, as you don't have to worry about import duties or fulfillment wait times. The two tone is nice but very subtle. I prefer this style over a traditional NATO as you don't have the annoying excess strap to tuck away.
When I was a young boy, and then in my early teens, I used to visit my grandfather on my mother’s side. He was a life-long machinist, and he had a workshop in his home. As a boy, I’d approach my grandfather with mechanical problems such as with my bicycle, and we would work on them together.
At that time, my grandfather’s home workshop was a magical place to me. At his home, he adapted the needs of a proper workshop into a relatively small space. One of my favorite work habits that I learned from him was his practice to keep an assortment of box wrenches in an old, leather, ‘Boston-style’ bag. When he needed a certain size wrench and could not grab it from the bag by just looking inside and grabbing it, he would splay out the contents of the bag onto the shop floor and find what he needed that way. Because the wrenches were different patterns and from different manufactures, the tool bag was accommodating of the multitude of wrench sizes and shapes. Decades later, I remember this splaying out of those wrenches, and it is something that I now do, with similar items.
After this grandfather died, I inherited this tool bag. I used to carry the bag to my job, and I used it like someone would use a briefcase. Eventually, I transitioned to carrying briefcases, and I retired the bag from being an everyday carry item. I do not know the bag’s age, but it is most likely well over 100-years old.
Now in my later sixties, I am thinking about things that were formative to me. My grandfather’s tool bag was one item, as is a certain mechanical wristwatch that I purchased when I was 20-years old. I still have this now used and abused ‘tool watch’, and it is currently being overhauled. The watch’s metal bracelet wore-out beyond repair years ago, and I am selecting a couple of different straps for this watch. While examining watch straps on-line, I learned of the Firenze watch straps from ColaReb, and thought it had the perfect aesthetic for my used and faded watch (which really looks like it has been around the block a few times).
As I viewed this watch strap on-line, it reminded me of my grandfather’s tool bag and when the strap came in, I juxtaposed these items, and their resemblance is something else.
This 20mm-wide, Firenze watch strap from ColaReb was made in Italy and it has features that I was not familiar with. One would be the ‘bar stitches’ near the spring bar end of the strap halves, and I really like this aesthetic. Another design feature that I have not seen before is that the two strap keepers (or the loops, near the buckle end) are retained by a segment of the nearby bar stitching. This method of retention reminds me of a tether on a surfboard, or as utilized on other sporting equipment. So retained, the keepers can free-float somewhat, but not too far from the buckle. This design is not a negative; it is just something new to me. The strap is beautifully made and it is supple, not stiff. I’m thrilled with it, and look forward to receiving my watch in the future so I can start wearing and enjoying both of them.
I believe that every time that I wear my vintage watch on this strap, I will think of this grandfather. I will refer to this ColaReb Firenze, as "my grandfather’s watch strap". I am very happy to have learned of Holben’s Fine Watch Bands, who enabled this new keepsake.
Another 5 star strap from Haveston. Very robust field/pilot strap that breaks in fast and is super comfortable on wrist. Durable sail cloth like fabric with a Nubuck suede like liner. Taper looks super vintage. Earth tone matches a lot of dial colors. Not a huge fan of the wobbly roller buckle but nothing to write home about—could easily be swapped out. I own lots of Haveston NATOs and canvas straps and this may be the best strap they have ever made. No brainer for your pilot of field watch, like my 70s pilot build shown.
I am so happy with the color of this strap. It’s neutral enough to go with a a variety of fiield, GMT’s and even dive watches. It especially goes well with the dial on my Hamilton Titanium. Fit is comfortable but I will need to do wrist curls as I’m on the last hole on my 6.5” wrists.
I paired this strap with a Seiko Presage “Laurel Style”. The original was crocodile textured, but I think the smooth black leather with subtle detail of this Fluco band is a much better match for the clean Japanese style of this watch. The quality of the leather is noticeable. Thanks!
I have purchased several straps from Holden's and find it easier and faster than ordering from Erika's Quick shipping from Holden's , not so quick delivery from USPS. The strap looks great on my Sinn U50. I would have given 5 stars had it been shipped by someone other than USPS.
Throwing up a quick review. I wanted to get a leather rally strap for my heuer 64 re-edition. The factory strap tapers from 18mm to 16mm. This makes it a great option for dress attire and for people with smaller wrists, but I wanted a little more wrist presence. This is where the di-Modell comes in. It gives the watch just enough more wrist presence to elevate this watch to daily where status. I still only where this watch on occasion, but it is now fit for any attire. The white stitching is more of a beige than straight white. Be aware of this. I like it just fine personally. I am considering getting the red and all black versions, but those may wait til I’m on less of a budget.
I bought this to replace the strap on my Zenith Elite. The fixed keeper had come loose. However, I ended up putting it on my Nomos Tangente which comes with a Horween Shell Cordovan strap. Holben's strap is the same quality. The Nomos strap is a bit too long for me - had to wear it a little loose. Also replaced the Nomos buckle with an old Breitling one which I like. Everything works well. So I ordered a second strap for my Zenith. I will put the Zenith branded buckle on it. It has a black gator strap but the Holben's strap will compliment it nicely. I'm quite satisfied and I recommend the strap. It has a glossy finish just like the original Nomos strap. My wrist is 7.25" and the short size fits perfectly.
I'm a big fan of Erika's Original Marine Nationale straps as they look good and feels great on wrist. The webbing material just feels sturdier and nicer than cheaper MN straps I've tried. The stock 175mm length when buying from Holben's works just fine on my 6" wrist. I would certainly recommend Erika's Original straps.
Very happy with the value presented in this Fluco Strap and I think it pairs well with my Grand Seiko. Better than the black that came with it. Though as another reviewer previously noted it arrived with a much lighter color than expected; more natural than cognac. I'll give it some time to see if it darkens on its own (it seems to be already) but may try a conditioner as suggested by the same reviewer. It's also a bit stiff but that should improve with time as well. Overall I doubt I could find anything better at this price. Shipping was very quick too.
I wanted to get a suede strap for my Zenith Pilot Type 20 and reached out to Mike at Holben's for suggestions. He was very prompt about getting back to me with some options, and I chose the Fluco suede in anthracite. It is a great match for the case and dial coloration of the Zenith. It is a shade of grey not super dark nor too light, very supple and requires no "break-in" period to feel comfortable on the wrist. I purchased the regular size and the strap lengths are the same as other brands I wear. I do find that I am wearing this at the next to last hole closest to the watch case for a comfortable fit on my 7 inch wrist. Someone with a smaller wrist might run out of holes on the regular strap, depending of course on the lug to lug on their watch.
Shipping was incredibly fast and, as mentioned, communications from Mike were immediate and very helpful.
I wanted to lighten and freshen up a Monta Noble I’ve owned for a while. Settled on the burgundy Osiris and it really sets off the white dial and the polished bezel. I also thought the burgundy color would be less susceptible to stains and visual wear than the grey. The strap breaks in immediately and weighs an incredible 6 grams. The stitching is fine and very tidy. The burgundy is a rich red wine color and will look particularly wonderful in the winter.
I am very pleased with the quality of this strap. It is perfect for my Breguet Tradition. The only thing I would change is an option for it to be larger on the buckle end so that the branded buckle can be used.
I have tried some high end rubber straps and this material is up there with the best. Pliable, soft and comfortable. Very breathable. Smells like vanilla too!
Will deduct points for two aspects:
- The fit on my 20mm lug width watch (SLA023) is a hair loose.
- Would have definitely preferred 2.0mm spring bars since the 1.8mm are also a bit loose on the lug hole.
Overall, very happy with my purchase.
Comfortable, looks great, feels like good quality. Length, width, and thickness all fit well without any issues. My only complaint is that there are glue stains on the ends of the straps that could have been made to be less noticeable.
Purchased the Black 18mm Short length. I’ve almost always been impressed by the Fluco bands I’ve bought, and this one definitely pleases. My first Shell Cordovan item and it’s a nice, relatively inexpensive way to get a taste of one of the world’s finest leathers. Hard to find a strap more classy, elegant and sleek than this one. It is more supple and less rigid right away than I was expecting, and less glossy than I thought it might be - both positive qualities in my case. Thank you Fluco for the well-priced short-length straps and Holben’s for the great service and purchasing experience!
I recently put the Fluco Grey Goatskin strap on my Grand Seiko, and it has quickly become one of my favorite combinations. The grey tone works beautifully with the sharp lines and polished case of the watch, giving it a versatile and understated look that fits in any setting. The strap feels soft from the start, with no break-in period, and the goatskin has just the right balance of texture and flexibility.
What stands out most is the craftsmanship. The stitching is clean, the fit is precise, and the overall feel is one of real durability. Fluco has amazing quality and will never let you down. Amazon straps don’t hold a candle to this kind of work. It costs more, but it’s 100% worth the money because you’re buying quality that elevates the watch and will last.
This is my first Molequin Saffiano strap and i'm digging it. It's elegant, soft, and supple; didn't need any break in time, felt great on wrist immediately. The quick release feature made it a breeze to swap in. Shout out to Holben for the super fast shipping, greatly appreciated. If you have been contemplating on getting a Molequin Saffiano strap, I would encourage you to treat your self by doing so.
I’m new to the watch community. I decided to start my collection on a budget with a Timex Weekender and wanted a leather strap to replace the fabric version and make my first timepiece a little more professional. I ordered a Fluco Casablanca in Whiskey Leather and loved the color. But due to some kind of manufacturing error, the slit housing the quick-release toggle was cut too closely to the edge of the strap, and when my wrist brushed against a doorpost at work, the strap tore and my watch fell to the ground. I emailed Holben’s, received a response within hours, and was sent a brand-new strap free of charge. I’ve been using this strap for four months now and have noticed no issues. In fact, it's improved with age. Holben’s sells great products and stands behind them. I look forward to many more purchases as I grow my collection!
This thing is incredibly comfortable. The material used is breathable, and high quality. Very pleased with my purchase
Fluco makes good quality bands at an affordable price. This Consul strap is matte and very smooth. The short size fits well for a wrist 6 inches and under. The quality of the leather feels okay, not great, and maybe for a similar price or a little more, one can attain a strap that’s a bit nicer. For the relatively inexpensive price of the Consul, it’s not a bad choice though for this style. There is a some adhesive showing on the edge and the underside of mine says “Juwel” rather than “Consul” as in the product photo. Great service, communication and shipping from Holben’s as usual. Thank you
