Welcome to Toshi Straps. Every strap I make is individually cut, stitched and finished with simple hand tools — no machines, no shortcuts, and no outsourcing. Just careful workmanship, the finest leather from around the world and a commitment to making a strap that reflects true craft.
I’ve been making leather watch straps for almost 20 years now, crafting pieces for Panerai, Rolex, Breitling, Tudor and many others — but every commission is personal. Your strap will be made for you with the same care and attention to detail I’ve had since the beginning.
If you’re new to my work, the FAQ page is a good place to begin. And if you’d like advice or have a question, please get in touch.
Thank you for stopping by — it means a lot.
Some of my personal favourites
I have around 100 leathers currently available to choose from, each with its own unique character, but here are a few of the ones I wear myself most often. If you want to see all that is available, you can browse the full collection in the store.
Every strap is made to order. You choose the leather, stitching colour, width, length & buckle you want. I make your strap to your exact specifications. Every leather in the store is available for your watch. If you’re buying a strap as a gift and don’t know the size, I offer gift cards too.
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Military Grey
£120.00 -
African Kudu
£130.00 -
Dark Chocolate
£115.00 -
Horween Essex
£120.00 -
Merlot Kudu
£140.00 -
Russian Tan
£140.00
Meet Dave, the real boss here
Although I’ve always worked alone since starting Toshi Straps, six years ago I decided it was time to get some help. The result is Dave — a working cocker spaniel who came into my life during lockdown, and the real boss at Toshi Straps HQ.
Most mornings he comes out to the workshop with me and settles in while I get on with the day’s work. We’ve developed a routine: he keeps an eye on things, and I promise him a decent walk at lunchtime.
Aside from food, which he can’t get enough of, his favourite thing is his bouncy ball. He takes it everywhere, and he’s been known to interrupt my concentration by throwing it at me if I'm working too hard — his way of telling me I need a break.
There’s no doubt he sees himself as the one in charge, but I don’t mind. It’s good having him around — and he’s cheap, happy to supervise me all day for a daily Dentastix.
What my customers say...
I'm incredibly grateful for the customers who choose a handmade strap from my workshop. Here are a few recent comments from people who’ve worn their straps out in the world. You can read more on my testimonials page.
“I’ve had many, many straps from Rich over the years. They are always wonderful - supremely comfortable, flexible and look magnificent. No need to go anywhere else”
— Rob, Norfolk, UK
“I couldn’t be happier with the strap Rich made for my Seiko Marine Master, it looks, fits and feels like a bespoke item that will be with me for many years to come. Everything is premium - service, materials, craftsmanship, packaging, delivery and after sales. I would not hesitate in recommending Toshi straps and will definitely be ordering another one in the future.”
— Jason, Suffolk, UK
“Richard at Toshi Straps does amazing work. The character of the straps I got from him is so far above everything else I’ve laid hands on. If you have a special watch, you got to pair it with his leather straps. He’s a throw back to bygone days. So Happy. ”
— John, North Carolina, USA
The latest from my workshop. Some of my most recent blog posts....
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What I Look For When Sourcing a New Leather
A strap is only ever as good as the leather it’s cut from. After nearly twenty years of making them, here’s how I decide which leathers are worth my time.
What I Look For When Sourcing a New Leather
A strap is only ever as good as the leather it’s cut from. After nearly twenty years of making them, here’s how I decide which leathers are worth my time.
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Available now - handmade, premium Panerai buckles
After years of searching for a new maker, I’ve finally found someone who can produce a Panerai Pre-V style buckle to the standard I wanted. Handmade, heavyweight, and beautifully finished.
Available now - handmade, premium Panerai buckles
After years of searching for a new maker, I’ve finally found someone who can produce a Panerai Pre-V style buckle to the standard I wanted. Handmade, heavyweight, and beautifully finished.
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Emperor Kudu on a Tudor Black Bay Bronze: A Cus...
When Allen needed a leather strap for his Tudor Black Bay Bronze, the buckle that came with his watch wasn’t up to the job. Here’s how we solved it, and...
Emperor Kudu on a Tudor Black Bay Bronze: A Cus...
When Allen needed a leather strap for his Tudor Black Bay Bronze, the buckle that came with his watch wasn’t up to the job. Here’s how we solved it, and...
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Amalthea: a goatskin I didn't expect to fall for
I didn't expect to fall for a goatskin, but Amalthea is something special. It's thick enough for a proper watch strap, fully vegetable tanned, and after three months on my...
Amalthea: a goatskin I didn't expect to fall for
I didn't expect to fall for a goatskin, but Amalthea is something special. It's thick enough for a proper watch strap, fully vegetable tanned, and after three months on my...











