I wanted to share a list of where I've purchased aftermarket watch straps for the people living in Manila, Philippines. In the list below, I'll be sharing a quick review of my experience. 

If you're looking for straps for Smart Watches, some of them also make straps for those! I don't own an Apple Watch so I haven't tried it myself. 

I'll update this list as I encounter more straps vendors. I'm sure there are more out there that I haven't encountered yet!

By the way, some of the links below are affiliate links. I will indicate which ones they are. When you use my affiliate links, I earn a little commission at no extra cost to you.

Within the Philippines

Hirsch at Asprey (no online purchasing for Philippines)

Out of the numerous branches in the Philippines, I purchased mine in Asprey (P1 Level of Powerplant Mall). I bought the croc-stamped calf-skins trap for around Php 1,750 (if I remember correctly), which was one of the most affordable options there. They changed the strap for me at the store. I bought the strap in 2019 and it still looks good in 2021.


I got a second strap from Hirsch through an Instagram contest. It was a waterproof Hirsch Arne Strap which was made with sail-cloth style leather on top with caoutchouc rubber at the bottom. I wore it with my Martenero Bayshore dive watch. See below for the video review.


They're kind of pricey. However, it's worth the peace of mind knowing that your strap won't fall apart after a few months. I've seen videos of how Hirsch conducts quality control in their Austria factory so I'm happy to pay a bit of premium.


Box 82 Leather Works (online-only, transaction via Facebook)

Last year October 2020, I ordered a custom 20mm handmade black pebbled strap from Box 82 Leather Works. I'm happy to share that they use top grain leather and the prices are reasonable considering it's custom-made. For custom straps, I don't want to disclose prices because it won't be the same for everyone. It would be best to inquire with Rod (the person behind Box 82 Leather works) directly. 

The whole process took 5 days. Note though that the delivery will be coming from Imus, Cavite, so you have to incorporate the delivery price.

Overall, the product was very good and the turnaround was also fast (5 days for custom!). Here's how it looks on my Rotary watch in 2021.


They can also make custom straps for Apple Watch!


1989 Watches Co. (online only)

1989 Straps is a local watch brand that sells minimalist-style watches, who also happens to sell premium nylon bands (Php 459 in Zalora). Since their watches have 20mm lug width, they only carry 20mm straps.

I was given a bundle of nylon straps for Christmas. Happy to share that, the nylon fabric and the hardware feels more premium than the usual. 

As of now, the premium nylon bands are only individually available in Zalora, while it's available as a bundle in Lazada.


Cavalry Watch Bands (online-only, transaction via IG/FB) [added on November 10, 2021]

Cavalry Watch Bands is a Manila-based online store on Instagram and Facebook that sells seatbelt nato straps, silicon canvas straps, perlon straps, sailcloth canvas straps, and vintage leather straps. I've only experienced the seatbelt nato, perlon, and silicon canvas (via collaboration for sponsored Instagram photos and reels). Currently, they only carry 20mm and 22mm straps but is planning on including 18mm straps in the future. So far, my favorite is the seatbelt nato straps (Php 499 as of Nov 10, 2021). They're very soft and slinky! The price is fairly reasonable too.


As of now, the ordering process is via Instagram or Facebook DM's and delivery is via local couriers.


Lazada/Shopee Generic Straps

It's a hit or miss when it comes to leather straps so I try to avoid it. There are some good ones for sure, but I've had enough bad experiences to swear off buying leather straps from with no brand name. I keep my expectations low when buying cheap leather straps. 

However, I've had very good experiences with stainless steel bracelets (below Php 500) and premium seat belt nylon ones! I've purchased mine from the Langley Store in Lazada Philippines. Here are some videos featuring the stainless steel bracelets I've purchased from Lazada Philippines. So far, I'm happy with all of the stainless steel bracelets.





Links:


Outside of the Philippines but delivers to the Philippines

Cheapest Nato Straps (based in Sweden, ships globally)

My first Cheapest Nato Strap purchase was in May 2020, during the early days of the lockdown. The order arrived 4 months later in September 2020 because the world pretty much came to a halt in April, May, June 2020. I bought a second round of premium leather straps in December 2020 which arrived in the Philippines much faster. I don't remember how fast, but it was much faster than the order from April. Thankfully, both orders arrived in my doorstep and I had to pay the Php 112 postage fee from Philpost.

For the first order, I chose their Seatbelt Nylon Straps, Sharktooth Nylon Straps, Classic Brown Strap, and Premium Brown Strap. My favorites were the Premium Brown Strap and the Sharktooth Nylon Strap.



Links:


StrapsCo (based in Canada, ships globally)

I first encountered StrapsCo, thanks to Miguel from SoCal Watch Reviews. Miguel introduced me to StrapsCo as a content creator. I could pick out straps to feature on my Youtube channel.

For the first package, they shipped it via DHL so it arrived at my doorstep a week later. For the second round, I ordered it myself in mid-November 2020 and picked the cheaper shipping option, which arrived early January 2021 later at our local post office. (I wish I knew how Philpost decides which packages are for pick up at the post office and which packages are for delivery to the house).

For the first round, I ordered a bunch of different straps (ranging $15-$30). The stand out for me were the rubber strap and the Dassari Premium Leather straps. See video below for the full review.


For my second round, I bought 3 straps, all Dassari straps ($29.99 each, but 2 get 1 free). I've only opened one, the Dassari Green Croc embossed watch strap (affiliate link), which looked really good with my gold Fossil automatic watch.


StrapsCo also carries an extensive range of straps for Smart Watches from brands like Fitbit, Samsung, Apple, and Garmin.

Make sure to wait for a sale, there's always a sale every other week! Also, take advantage of the buy 2 get 1 free promo.

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