Curved vs. Straight Ends: Which Does Your Watch Need?

When ordering a custom watch strap, one question comes up from time to time:

Should I choose a straight end or a slightly curved end?

The good news is that, in most cases, the answer is surprisingly simple.

Start with Your Original Strap

Our recommendation is straightforward:

Follow the design of your watch's original strap.

Watch manufacturers carefully consider the proportions between the case, lugs, and strap. If your watch originally came with a straight-end strap, it's because that design best suits the watch. Likewise, if it came with a slightly curved end, that subtle curve was chosen to complement the shape of the case.

Rather than changing the design, we generally recommend preserving what the watch was originally intended to wear.

Straight Ends

Straight ends are the most common type of watch strap and are suitable for the vast majority of watches.

Because the end of the strap is cut straight, it leaves a small, natural gap between the strap and the watch case. This is completely normal and allows the strap to move freely while providing excellent compatibility with many different watches.

Collectors also appreciate the versatility of straight-end straps. A single strap can often be shared between multiple watches with the same lug width, making it an excellent choice for anyone who enjoys rotating their collection.

Best suited for:

• Most traditional lug designs
• Vintage and modern watches
• Collectors who regularly change straps
• Maximum compatibility between watches

Slightly Curved Ends

Some watches are designed with very little clearance between the case and the spring bars. In these cases, a slightly curved end follows the contour of the case more naturally, creating a cleaner transition between the watch and the strap.

It's important to note that the curve is usually very subtle. It isn't a dramatic concave shape or an integrated design—it simply helps the strap sit closer to the case while maintaining proper clearance.

Because the curve is made for a specific case geometry, slightly curved straps are generally less interchangeable than straight-end straps.

Best suited for:

• Watches with minimal clearance between the case and spring bars
• Watches originally designed with slightly curved straps
• Collectors who prefer the most seamless fit

Which One Should You Choose?

For most collectors, there's no need to overthink it.

Simply choose the same style as your watch's original strap.

If your watch originally uses a straight-end strap, order a straight-end strap.

If it originally uses a slightly curved-end strap, choose the same design.

This preserves the proportions intended by the watch manufacturer and usually provides the best fit without any guesswork.

Still Unsure?

If you're not certain which style your watch requires, we're always happy to help.

Simply send us a photo of your watch—or even better, a photo of its original strap—and we'll recommend the correct configuration before your strap goes into production.