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.

black dog with ball in mouth against an outside setting

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.

“Photographs can hardly capture the wonderful texture and feel of the leather. Richard’s attention to detail extends well beyond his craftsmanship: first-class communication, delivery ahead of schedule and a thoughtful, handwritten letter accompanying the strap. A remarkable piece of craftsmanship, made with care, passion and character. Thank you, Richard, for creating something that means so much more than just a watch strap. Highly recommended.”

— Pavlos, Somerset, UK

“Rich at Toshi Straps was brilliant to deal with and my hand stitched burgundy strap arrived ahead of schedule and as ordered. Beautiful craftsmanship and the look and style especially elevates Panerai, I’d say even more so than a branded Panerai strap”

— Martin, London, UK

“I ordered a beautiful black leather strap from Richard for my Panerai Luminor. From the very first contact, everything went to my complete satisfaction. Richard patiently listened to my questions because I was unsure about the size of the strap. His advice was very helpful. The strap itself is a wonderful piece of English craftsmanship and goes very well with the watch. Thank you once again.”

— Sascha, Berlin, Germany

The latest from my workshop. Some of my most recent blog posts....

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  • Emperor Kudu on a Tudor Black Bay Bronze: A Customer’s Story

    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...

  • Amalthea: a goatskin I didn't expect to fall for

    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...

  • My Favre-Leuba Deep Blue

    My Favre-Leuba Deep Blue

    My Favre-Leuba Deep Blue is one of the boldest watches I own — and there's more to it than that orange bezel. A look at 1970s dive watch design, the...

    My Favre-Leuba Deep Blue

    My Favre-Leuba Deep Blue is one of the boldest watches I own — and there's more to it than that orange bezel. A look at 1970s dive watch design, the...

  • In the Spotlight: Burgundy Leather

    In the Spotlight: Burgundy Leather

    Burgundy leather takes the spotlight this September. A soft, full‑grain Horween leather with immediate comfort, rich colour, and a £20 saving on Burgundy straps all month.

    In the Spotlight: Burgundy Leather

    Burgundy leather takes the spotlight this September. A soft, full‑grain Horween leather with immediate comfort, rich colour, and a £20 saving on Burgundy straps all month.

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