What does it mean to create a custom product? A quick search on the internet will uncover a plethora of ‘personalised’ goods, but a closer look reveals that the only ‘personalisation’ you can make is the inclusion of a name or short inscription. You don’t have control of the colours of the product, the materials used or the design – the core elements of real customisation. Leading the game in custom watch accessories is Jean Rousseau’s bespoke watch strap service.
We’ve already had a look at the French leather and watch strap specialist’s ready to buy range with the Grand Seiko Snowflake. And their Apple Watch straps, which bring traditional luxury to cutting edge technical wristwear. However, the bespoke strap service is on a whole other level.
Personal expression is central to the service. The opportunity to take your favourite watch and give it a strap that fits your individual tastes and preferences like no other and which lives up to your expectations of strength and durability. Producing a strap like that is no easy task, which is why the entire wealth of experience and breadth of knowledge of Jean Rousseau’s special department of artisans is available to you.
At the most basic level, you can take your watch into a Jean Rousseau workshop-boutique or use their online design editor to choose from a wide range of options. There are 11 basic materials on offer ranging from classic plain calf leather to exotic ostrich leather or alligator. Plus, there are a number of different finishes for each such as embossing and semi-matte. Then there’s colour, with each material having its own individual choices and availability.
While many of the configurations you could go for, such as shiny alligator in electric blue, do have ready to buy counterparts, using the bespoke strap service is far more granular. You can select your own type of stitching and edge finishing, which are not alterations you can make on the premade versions.
However, you don’t have to limit yourself to the pre-arranged customisation options. If you have a particular vision or request, Jean Rousseau’s craftsmen are more than happy to have a conversation with you. In one example, a customer wanted a leather belt of sentimental value to be converted into a strap for their watch. This was achieved by adding an alligator leather lining and using a special stitching technique. And voila, the belt was given a second lease of life in a new form, exquisitely produced.
An important part of the bespoke strap service is that it’s a back and forth between yourself and one of Jean Rousseau’s artisans, as a single craftsman will create your strap from start to finish. It means that you can bring huge ideas to the table and the artisan can establish how best to make them a reality: what materials are best suited and what techniques should be employed. So, it’s truly a bespoke service, the result of which is a unique custom strap you can be proud of.
Considering the vast variety of different materials, buckles, styles and more you could add to your strap, there is no one price that fits all. But there really isn’t any service that compares to Jean Rousseau’s bespoke straps. So, what are you waiting for? Whether you already have a strong idea or are simply looking for inspiration, a great place to start is their online design editor, which you can find here.
More details at Jean Rousseau.
