It’s funny how things have a way of working out. I had watched the Hodinkee “Talking Watches” video with John Goldberger, when I noticed a style of watch strap on some of his pieces that was so simple, yet so elegant. They were simple pieces of leather with the ends tied with white thread. No stitching, nothing fancy. While I have jumped on the Panerai bandwagon, I still have a few watches that I wear that require an 18mm strap. I have quite a collection of nylon bands, but not too many leather straps. I explored the Interwebs for something like Goldberger’s, and couldn’t find anything under $85.
No joke – a week later, I got an email from Charles Mitch Boudreaux, who wanted to introduce me to his company Vieux Halloo. Charles’ hobby is making watch straps out of remnants from larger leather product makers who source leather from Horween as well as premium leather tanners in Oregon. Not only that, his prices are MUCH more friendly than what I saw in my initial search.
Some mid-post education: Vieux Halloo is a take on the expression that fox hunters shout when spotting their quarry (View Halloo!). The spelling of view was changed to vieux as homage to his Cajun French heritage. Vieux means old in French. Nice touch.
Charles was nice enough to send me a strap, and I am more than impressed.
I love the way the strap looks on my Omega, as well as on my Timex. Again, there is nothing ‘fancy’ about the strap. It is simple: a quality piece of leather that has been hand-made into a watch strap. Very utilitarian. The craftsmanship is spot on, and it will only get better with age.
Check out Vieux Halloo on their Etsy store.
This post couldn’t have come at a better time. I’ve been looking to replace the strap on an old Seamaster for ages, and these look fantastic. Thank you!
I am deeply honored by this blog post. It is moving to see something I have created with such humble beginnings appreciated by an expert on quality and style. I am happy to report that since I first approached you with this product the Vieux Halloo Etsy shop has seen a steady increase and interest. I suspect because of this blog post I will be quite busy in the coming weeks. Fortunately for me Vieux Halloo has become for me as you described your blog a Labor of Love. Please if you are ever in Baton Rouge, look me up. I’d love to meet you in person and introduce you to my Belles.
Best Regards,
C. Mitch Boudreaux
I simply can’t believe they cost $25. This guy is going to be slammed with orders. I’m not in the market, but might hit him up and see if he’ll make a leather sleeve for my iPhone. Been eyeing a few, but nothing has made me pull the trigger.
Wow! Very nice. Putting in an order for one of these bad boys now.