ztirual
1269
You're welcome
Apr 05, 2014,23:26 PM
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 is fair, also for the hand made (with them that means hand-stitched). I feel their price is stratospheric in comparison to the other main houses, especially all their alligator and galuchat straps. When it comes to customizing, their service do not stretch far. I can corroborate KIH's experience here. I have on two occasions enquired about a special type of service, in one case a special egde finish for one of my vintage watches. It took me many mails to get an answer from them. At the end they simply replied that they could not do that.
No, for that kind of service you need to go elsewhere. You need to go to someone who is willing to experiment, to spend time exchanging viewpoint, making prototypes, etc. You need a curious and patient mind. You need a craftman. Special requirements in terms of profiles, padding, ends, closeness of stichting/ sewing. With such artisans it is possible to work from your own drawings, from your own requirements. There is initiative, there is feedback, there is partnership, and there is ultimate satisfaction.
Just my 2 cents.