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Balazs Ferenczi’s 2020 Fratello review covers three made-to-order Genteel Handmade straps: ostrich leg, Saffiano goat and alligator. Its favorable verdict reflects his experience with those specific configurations—not a current test of every Genteel strap. The most useful takeaway is that choosing a custom strap means specifying fit and construction as carefully as material.
What the review covers
Ferenczi’s review, published February 26, 2020, considers three different leathers and builds. They are not interchangeable examples of one generic strap: each has its own thickness, surface, stitching and setup.
| Reviewed strap | Configuration in the review | Price in the 2020 review |
|---|---|---|
| Brown ostrich leg | Unpadded, minimal stitching; 20/16 mm; 2.3 mm thick; beige side stitching, painted edges and soft vegetable-tanned lining. The underside could be debossed with initials. | €180, as reported by Fratello in 2020. |
| Black Saffiano goat | Padded, matching black box stitching, vegetable-tanned lining, painted edges and one keeper. The reviewer wore it with a Speedmaster and deployant clasp. | €140–150 for calf or goat straps, as reported by Fratello in 2020. |
| Dark-blue alligator | Padded, 20/16 mm, 5 mm thick, matching blue box stitching; the reviewed version had quick-release spring bars and a deployant clasp. | €310 for regular alligator or €220 for round-scale alligator, as reported by Fratello in 2020. |
These prices are historical, not current quotes. The current Genteel Handmade site presents both bespoke and ready-to-wear straps, and its catalog examples are separate products: the Baranil leather strap is listed at €190, while the minimal-stitching calf and goat strap is listed at €160. Those are current product-page examples accessed in 2026, not updated prices for the three reviewed straps. Check the maker’s pages for current prices, availability and configuration options. The homepage currently advertises free worldwide shipping over €300; confirm the threshold and terms there before ordering.
How to specify a strap that fits
Fit is not just the lug width. Before ordering, confirm the dimensions at both ends, the strap length and the clasp arrangement. The review describes a tapered 20/16 mm strap as well as straighter 20/18 mm and 20/20 mm options; the second number is the width at the buckle end.
#1 Best Overall
- 【Italian Tuscany leather】 — The leather is made of vegetable tanned cowhide leather from the famous Italian leather factory BADALASSI CARLO. This leather is tanned with natural vegetable tanning agents, avoiding the use of harmful chemicals. It is natural and harmless to the skin.
- 【Natural Full-Grain Leather】 — Each strap retains the original pores and natural grain, giving it a unique character and authentic feel. Over time, Italian vegetable-tanned leather softens and develops a rich patina and luster, reflecting timeless elegance and sophistication. A premium material trusted by luxury brands, it makes your watch truly stand out.
- 【Unique Features of Un‑Sandered Full‑Grain Leather】 — Our watch strap is made of high‑quality full‑grain leather. This natural leather has not been sanded, so its original surface pores remain clearly visible.
- 【ISO9001 Certified】— Raw leather materials are sourced from Tuscany, Italy and shipped to China by sea for processing. All items are manufactured in strict accordance with the ISO9001 quality management system to deliver consistent premium quality.
- 【Structure & Size Selection】— Please measure your watch lug width before purchasing. The strap comes in a length of 120mm + 75mm, fitting most wrist sizes. The buckle‑side thickness is 4.5 mm, while the tail‑end thickness is 3.2 mm. Designed with quick‑release spring bars for effortless installation and replacement.
- Lug width: Measure or verify the watch’s lug spacing. A 20 mm lug end is only suitable for a watch designed for that width.
- Buckle-end width: Choose the taper that matches the buckle or deployant clasp you intend to use. Do not assume a buckle from another strap will fit.
- Length: Check the maker’s sizing guidance and provide the relevant wrist and strap measurements. The maker-hosted testimonials include an individual account of confirming sizing directly, but that is not a fit guarantee.
- Clasp and spring bars: Say whether you plan to use a pin buckle or deployant clasp, and verify the strap is made for that setup. Quick-release spring bars are a separate feature, not a substitute for checking lug compatibility.
Material and construction choices
The review illustrates how much the finished strap can vary. Ostrich leg brings a distinctive textured surface and was shown in a thin, unpadded build. Saffiano goat was used in a padded, more formal black setup, while the alligator example was substantially thicker at 5 mm. Consider thickness and padding alongside appearance: either can change how the strap sits against the wrist and under a watch case.
Genteel’s options described in the review included leather, length, lug width, taper, stitching and lining colors, buckle metal, deployant configuration and underside personalization. Edge finishing also varied by chosen configuration; the reviewed ostrich and Saffiano straps had painted edges. Confirm which options remain available for the particular product you are ordering rather than assuming every combination can be selected.
Rank #2
- Watch Strap Material: Made of top grain leather in distressed workmanship and the lower layer that touches the wrist is comfortable suede calfskin lining, with classic tone to tone stitch and solid stainless steel buckle. These bands strike the perfect balance between durability and style, making them suitable for both casual and formal occasions
- Quick Installation: No tools required, the integrated quick release stainless steel spring bar allows you to change watch bands in seconds by simply sliding the knob with fingers
- Band Width (Size): 16 18 19 20 22 24 millimeter. In order to get a suitable strap, please measure inner distance in millimeter between two horns on your watch. Thickness around 3.5-4.5mm
- Strap Length: 125mm+75mm. Suitable for wrist around 5.9 to 8 inch (150mm to 205mm), but watch dial also impacts fit. Compatible with most traditional watches and smart watches which lug width is standard 18 mm, 20 mm, 22 mm
- Use and Maintenance: Please avoid soaking your leather strap in the water repeatedly and continued sunlight exposure. It is not recommended to wear it to shower or swim
What the review can—and cannot—tell you
Ferenczi’s assessment is a hands-on account of the three straps he received and wore. It is useful for seeing specific material and configuration choices, but it does not establish long-term durability, typical customer outcomes or the quality of every current item. Genteel describes its work as handmade and customizable; its About Us page identifies George as owner and craftsman. Those are the maker’s own descriptions, not independent verification.
The maker’s testimonials praise fit advice, communication and craftsmanship, but they are customer reports hosted by the company and should be read as individual experiences. Ferenczi’s closing endorsement—“Create your own luxury strap with these guys. You won’t regret it.”—is likewise his personal conclusion in the 2020 review.
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Quick Recap
Best Value
- Premium Leather: The SUNFWR retro leather wristband is crafted from top-grain genuine leather, providing a soft, breathable, sweat-absorbent, and skin-friendly material. It's anti-slip and comfortable to wear, making it a versatile accessory that complements both casual and formal attire
- Safe and Sturdy: Our leather apple watch band is built to last, thanks to its high-quality stainless steel buckles and adapters, meticulous stitching, and oil-sealed edges. These features ensure that the band is safe and sturdy, providing long-lasting durability and exceptional quality
- Easy Installation: Our one-step installation and removal connector design makes it effortless to switch the strap at any time, providing a user-friendly experience that saves time and hassle
- Perfect Compatibility: Our band is designed to fit Apple Watch models 42mm(Series 3 2 1) 44mm 45mm 46mm 49mm and is compatible with Ultra4, Ultra 3, Ultra 2, Ultra, SE3,SE2, SE, Series 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1. The wrist strap is suitable for wrists from 5.51" to 8.26" (140 mm to 210 mm), ensuring a perfect fit for both small and large wrists
- Package Included: Your purchase includes one Vintage iWatch Band that's compatible with Apple Watch 42mm(Series 3 2 1) 44mm 45mm 46mm 49mm. ( Note: ONLY Band, Watch is not included ) . If you have any questions about the SUNFWR band, please don't hesitate to contact us you have any questions about the SUNFWR band, please don't hesitate to contact us
Rank #4
- SIZE SELECTION: Available in 14mm 15mm 16mm 17mm 18mm 19mm 20mm 21mm 22mm 23mm and 24mm, please accurately measure your watch lug width and choose the right size
- WATCH BAND MATERIAL: Vintage Crazy Horse Leather lined with soft genuine leather, comfortable on your wrist, polished solid stainless steel buckle
- RETRO LOOKING: Natural crack appears when the leather is bent (NOTE: the black strap no crack), elegant and stylish. It's a loud little piece that express your style and personality
- BAND LENGTH: This strap is a regular length, suitable for wrists of 6" to 8", please refer to figure 6 for details
- BISONSTRAP SERVICE：If there are any question about the strap, please email us. REFUND or FREE REPLACEMENT, we will try our best to satisfy every customer
Rank #3
- SIZE SELECTION: Available in 14mm 15mm 16mm 17mm 18mm 19mm 20mm 21mm 22mm 23mm and 24mm, please accurately measure your watch lug width and choose the right size
- WATCH BAND MATERIAL: Vintage Crazy Horse Leather lined with soft genuine leather, comfortable on your wrist, polished solid stainless steel buckle
- RETRO LOOKING: Natural crack appears when the leather is bent (NOTE: the black strap no crack), elegant and stylish. It's a loud little piece that express your style and personality
- BAND LENGTH: This strap is a regular length, suitable for wrists of 6" to 8", please refer to figure 6 for details
- BISONSTRAP SERVICE：If there are any question about the strap, please email us. REFUND or FREE REPLACEMENT, we will try our best to satisfy every customer
