New strap from Camille Fournet
Discussion
The original strap on my Jaeger has been looking distinctly shoddy for the past few years. I wanted to replace it with something as close to the original as possible, but couldn't stomach the eye-watering costs Jaeger want for an OEM strap. The hole where the clasp attaches eventually ripped so I had to get a cheap and cheerless emergency replacement and thought I could live with it. Turns out I couldn't - it was a horrible, cheap and nasty looking thing - so something had to be done!
I did some research and found out that Jaeger's straps are made by a company in Paris called Camille Fournet. They offer a custom strap making service - it's not cheap, but still a lot less than them making the same strap and putting a Jaeger leCoultre stamp on it and doubling the price
Throughout the process I dealt with their store manager, Sébastien Martinaud, who couldn't have been more helpful. After I placed the order I sent them my old strap as a reference for making the new one as I wanted to keep the watch as original as possible: dark matt brown square alligator with rounded ends at the lugs.
It took about a month from start to finish and my new strap arrived this morning. Gratuitous photos below!
A rather large parcel for a watch strap!
The old, battered strap.
New strap and old strap.
New strap and old strap underside - the old one looks less than hygienic!
New strap fitted.
Gratuitous wrist shots.
Back home in it's box looking spiffy and new!
Overall, I'm exceptionally happy with both the service and the quality of the new strap - definitely good people to deal with
In hindsight, the only thing I'd have changed is the strap lining - I was hoping it would be a softer leather, but then I should have asked first...
ETA: Short video of the watch strap manufacturing at CF: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RsBSCySGLls
I did some research and found out that Jaeger's straps are made by a company in Paris called Camille Fournet. They offer a custom strap making service - it's not cheap, but still a lot less than them making the same strap and putting a Jaeger leCoultre stamp on it and doubling the price
Throughout the process I dealt with their store manager, Sébastien Martinaud, who couldn't have been more helpful. After I placed the order I sent them my old strap as a reference for making the new one as I wanted to keep the watch as original as possible: dark matt brown square alligator with rounded ends at the lugs.
It took about a month from start to finish and my new strap arrived this morning. Gratuitous photos below!
A rather large parcel for a watch strap!
The old, battered strap.
New strap and old strap.
New strap and old strap underside - the old one looks less than hygienic!
New strap fitted.
Gratuitous wrist shots.
Back home in it's box looking spiffy and new!
Overall, I'm exceptionally happy with both the service and the quality of the new strap - definitely good people to deal with
In hindsight, the only thing I'd have changed is the strap lining - I was hoping it would be a softer leather, but then I should have asked first...ETA: Short video of the watch strap manufacturing at CF: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RsBSCySGLls
Edited by judas on Tuesday 6th September 14:10
Very nice indeed. I have had several from CF, here's one: http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=130...
The leather should soften. If not, try using a conditioner such as Saphir's Renovateur.
If you're ever in Paris, take a trip into ABP. Fascinating place. Excellent service.
The leather should soften. If not, try using a conditioner such as Saphir's Renovateur.
If you're ever in Paris, take a trip into ABP. Fascinating place. Excellent service.
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