Horological Meandering

Atelier du Bracelet Parisien, or A.B.P., has been producing made-to-measure watch straps for more than 15 years from nearly every material you can imagine. Common alligator, calf, ostrich and stingray leathers abound, but how about frog, salmon, anaconda,...  

Thanks for a great picture excursion I view their website with awe. But I get overwhelmed with all th choices. My weakness is I do not have a great eye to create from scratch, but I know what I like when it is on the watch. I guess I will have to try a fe... 

Hi Joe, I agree it is a bit daunting to design a strap when faced with so many choices on the A.B.P. Website. But what I did was go with some ideas (and even pictures) of straps on watches that had caught my eye. There is a little (educated) guesswork but... 

I have heard of the name before and will surely look more into their service. Thank you for confirming that they are willing to work on those small details that make all the difference. Ruckdee

And expensive, me think, for having used them on two occasions. This compensate a little for the exposure that this article gives them... I can think of many other, smaller independent strap artisans wordy of a review. Pas per forum rules it is naturally ... 

I haven't used this shop at all. but How would you describe your experiences (i.e., in the wearability, comfort, etc. of the strap) between this shop's, the standard Patek or VC factory straps, and other smaller brands you allude to? Just out of curiosity... 

Naturally I can't compare them all and I cannot give names here according to forum rules. ABP do not, in my experience, deviate from what they do. Their website give you a large array of the different types of leather that they use. Fair enough. Quality i... 

Dear ztirual, Thanks for your comments. You may have noticed in recent months that PPro has softened its position on links to external websites and when information is provided for education and the benefit of our readers. We are still against shilling wh...  

Andrew, Thanks for your in-depth review and photos of the ABP shop. I'm currently looking for a unique interesting strap for my vintage (1960) steel Constellation 551 with a silver dial and white gold furniture featuring Arrowhead markers. Would you be so... 

Congratulations on your 551. I currently have my Connie on a caiman strap, but it has also been on two different calf straps. I will revisit this topic with some more photos when I have the camera out. In the meantime you should post some photos of your w...  

.. but I stopped due to two incidents: 1. I ordered one with usual specs - the result product was totally difference shape: their explanation "each craftsman has his/her own way". I was talking about the strange "angle" where it should be only linear curv... 

.... which doesn't seem to have been forthcoming. Pity about the customer relations side. My experience with communication was exceptional. Except that when they called me in Australia it was 2am in the morning - they thought I lived in Austria! But it be... 

And this a question which always comes to my mind Why the hell are they so expensive ? And I'm not talking about ABP but those stapmakers in general ? A strap will cost at least 200 euro and 250 or 300 is no exception (Not talking about exotic skins only,... 

I also often wondered about the seemingly incomparable price levels of the two otherwise comparable products that are shoes and straps. From the bright side I use it to justify buying new shoes - when grumpy I get seriously mad about strap prices :) As fo... 

about that great variety but I did order one alligator strap for my GP a Rattrapante. I have to say that the strap is absolutely perfect in every aspects and the service second to none. I remember the place very well, I picked up the strap from the boutiq... 

.. had only positive experiences: Their approach on the phone was appropriate and deliveries timely, so was their response on emailing. - Most importantly all straps ( several croc/ alligator, calfskin, elephant, sting-ray etc) were perfect fits, and well... 

as I learned from my mother when I was a kid " we are not rich enough to afford to buy cheap".....and how true it was and still is. I am very curious to see your elephant skin strap, although I am sad thinking that it is from elephant but hey, some people... 

I' ve enclosed some pics with straps by the same Atelier from above: Grey elephant strap texture, goes very well with black . - It also has a feature to blend in with the respective background.. Is super comfy on the wrist, and really resists quite intens...  

Unexpected texture when tanned. Nice grey contrast I agree. Andrew

.. but either way, looks nice, somewhat unusual contrasts vs black,and background blend-in, and finally ,comfy on wrist But I'm re-iterating .. Simply said: Happy w my choices there; not cheap but good quality, I maintain . Best, again hs

amp;fi=17&pi=2407436&ti=403016&s=0 There are six parts to it. Edit: New Link.

unfortunately link you posted is broken one Can you please edit it Thank you in advance Damjan

amp;fi=17&pi=2407436&ti=403016&s=0 Try this! Thank you very much!

Sincerely Damjan

don't often see behind the scenes of manufactures such as this!

They don't routinely let people photograph behind the scenes but were kind enough to allow me to do so. I made arrangements before I visited the Paris shop. Pleased you liked the photos. Regards, Andrew