The Rally Strap – How to Add Vintage Flair to Your Watch
The rally strap is a great option for those looking to add some vintage flair to their watch. Here we’ll touch on a few of the most common questions relating to rally straps.
What are rally straps?
The classic rally strap is a type of leather watch strap distinguishable by its distinct holes or perforations along the leather. The rally strap gets its name from rally racing, and is a classic addition to many watches from the 1960s and 1970s that are synonymous with motorsport racing of their day. While suited best to a classic Heuer chronograph or Omega Speedmaster, the rally strap or racing strap provides an excellent option for a leather watch band with a bit more flair for any watch.
Though typically leather, it’s not uncommon to find rally-style straps in rubber as well. These straps can sometimes be called tropic straps, or tropic rally straps and work especially well on vintage divers. Less uncommon is the rally bracelet, featuring the same holes as the straps but milled into a steel bracelet.
Why do racing straps have holes?
Also commonly known as racing watch straps, rally straps have holes for both function and aesthetics. The thought is that during a vigorous rally race across the Pan-American Highway, the holes in the watch strap would give increased breathability to a driver’s wrist.
Racing and rally watch straps can have holes of varying sizes, from dozens of pinpoints to one single strip of large holes that span the width of the strap and expose the skin underneath. These smaller perforated holes, while providing some additional breathability, are primarily aesthetic and are inspired by the perforations in the leather steering wheel or racing seats found on classic cars of the period.
Where to buy racing straps
Most companies that sell watch bands also have an offering of racing or rally straps. There are some different names these straps go by: rally strap, racing strap, le mans, or grand prix. Often these straps are made from leather or shell cordovan, but some companies sell stainless rubber straps and steel rally bracelets as well. Just like any other strap, these offerings vary in price and quality. Some favorites that I’ve worn:
- B&R Bands – A good selection of multiple styles of rally strap
- The House of Straps – Many pre-made options but this company will make you a custom racing strap for you from scratch
- Bulang & Sons – A popular strap maker that creates straps with a great vintage aesthetic
- Hirsch Straps – Great entry-level straps that give you the feel of a rally strap without shelling out too much for a custom strap
- Etsy – There are tons of leatherworkers out there who can provide a quality custom strap built to your specifications
Sizing of rally straps
Make sure to get the right size when ordering your strap! If you have an odd-sized lug width like 19mm, you may find it harder to find the less common rally strap in your preferred configuration than the more common 20mm or 22mm. In this case, I’ve found some success ordering a 20mm and either squeezing it into place or slightly wearing down the edges until the strap fits the 19mm lugs.
Additionally, consider whether you prefer a short, medium, or long strap as many companies offer this option when ordering. Take your digital caliper to your best-fitting watch strap and note the measurements!
