Hirsch watch bands

A product worn as intensively and in such direct contact with your skin as a watch strap must be of the highest quality. Hirsch’s universal watch straps deliver this premium quality and more, combining wearing comfort and aesthetics with technical functionality. The Hirsch collection features a wide variety of straps for different types of watches, ranging from classic calfskin to vegan and hypoallergenic materials, or high-tech, water-resistant rubber. You can read more about this at the bottom of this page.

Since 1945, the Austrian company Hirsch has been manufacturing universal watch straps from top-quality leather, natural rubber, and innovative materials such as SEAQUAL®. These straps come with a three-month warranty, are available in a wide range of colors and sizes, and are easy to attach yourself thanks to the quick-release system.

The rich history of Hirsch watch straps

For generations, the Austrian family business Hirsch has combined traditional leather craftsmanship with groundbreaking technological innovations. Consequently, the company is a major supplier of straps to the most prestigious Swiss watch brands, though exactly which ones remain undisclosed due to non-disclosure agreements. In addition, Hirsch produces an extensive collection of universal watch straps for the consumer market. Although the modern company was established later, the Hirsch family's roots date back to 1765. Patriarch Johannes Franz Hirsch opened a small tannery in Lower Austria, where the family produced handmade leather for shoes and saddles for generations. This deep expertise in leatherworking laid the foundation for their future success. The watch strap business as we know it today was founded in 1945 by Hans Hirsch. Armed with nothing more than a pocket knife and a borrowed sewing machine, he began crafting his very first watch straps at his kitchen table, using leather offcuts from the shoe industry.

An industry pioneer Hans Hirsch was a true inventor. In 1955, he patented the Rembordé technique, an invention that would forever change the global watch industry. This technique seamlessly bonds the upper leather, padding, and lining together under heat and pressure, eliminating visible edges. The resulting watch straps are exceptionally supple and water-resistant, while also being protected against sweat, bacteria, and cosmetics. To this day, this technique remains the global quality standard for premium watch straps. Under the leadership of Hans's son, Hermann Hirsch, the company expanded internationally during the 1960s and 1970s. Hirsch introduced rigorous quality controls, including the famous "Sauna Test." Every Hirsch strap is engineered to effortlessly withstand extreme combinations of heat, moisture, and perspiration without losing its shape or comfort. Today, the fourth generation, Nikolaus and Matthaeus Hirsch, is at the helm. While Hirsch was once known for classic calf and alligator leather, the company now leads the way with modern, innovative materials. A Hirsch strap is not merely the perfect mount for your watch; it is the reliable foundation that allows both you and your timepiece to shine. It is with complete confidence, therefore, that Hirsch offers a 3-month warranty on its straps.

The various Hirsch watch strap series and their characteristics

Hirsch offers a very broad and innovative range of universal watch straps, divided into specific product lines that each possess their own functionality and aesthetic. The brand distinguishes itself by combining traditional leathers with technological innovations such as pure natural rubber, high-tech textiles, and even vegan, organic materials. An overview of the key Hirsch lines and their characteristics follows below:

Hirsch Performance Collection (Hybrid)

This is Hirsch’s most innovative and popular strap line. These watch straps combine the best of both worlds: a classic or fashionable upper side and a sporty, functional underside. The underside is always made of 100% premium caoutchouc, featuring a special geometric structure for optimal ventilation. The upper side varies from calfskin (such as the well-known James series) to high-tech perforated leather (including the Ayrton) or durable sailcloth-style textile made from recycled ocean plastic (Arne).

Hirsch Premium Caoutchouc (Pure Rubber)

The Premium Caoutchouc line was developed specifically for dive watches, athletes, and adventurers. They are made from 100% natural, premium rubber. Hirsch deliberately avoids cheap silicone rubber; their premium caoutchouc does not attract dust and is highly resistant to UV radiation, saltwater, and tearing. This material is used in the Accent and Pure lines.

Hirsch Classic Leather & Exotics (Classic Leather)

The traditional core of the Austrian brand, produced using the patented, seamless Rembordé technique. The straps are crafted from high-quality calfskin (Duke), robust buffalo leather (Buffalo), saddle leather, or supple sheepskin (Merino). This category also includes straps made from authentic, certified alligator, crocodile, lizard, or ostrich leather (Lizard and Massai). Affordable calfskin versions featuring an alligator or crocodile emboss that is virtually indistinguishable from the real thing (Louisiana look) can be found in the Crocograin line.

Hirsch Nature & Sustainable (Vegan & Organic)

For the eco-conscious consumer, Hirsch has developed a groundbreaking line that is entirely free of animal products and focuses on recycling. The straps are made from SEAQUAL® Marine Plastic and recycled PET; the Rush and Arne series feature textile-like straps woven from upcycled ocean plastic waste. Also available in this range are unique watch straps featuring top layers made of wafer-thin, flexible natural stone (slate), real dried autumn leaves, or sustainable tree bark, such as in the Leaf line.

How to choose a Hirsch strap for your watch

To choose a Hirsch strap for your watch, the first step is to determine the required lug width. If your watch has straight lugs, measure the distance between the watch lugs. Use a ruler or a pair of calipers for this purpose. Next, we recommend considering the style of your watch and how you intend to use it. Is it a classic dress watch or a rugged diver's watch? Do you prefer a splash of color, or would you rather opt for a more understated tone?

Classic and Dress Watches (Formal Watches)

The Duke series is the most popular strap choice for classic dress watches. It is one of the most sought-after straps for smart timepieces, crafted from fine Italian calfskin with a refined alligator-embossed finish. It offers a traditional, luxurious look that pairs perfectly with a slim watch worn under a dress shirt or suit. Straps made from genuine exotic leathers (such as alligator, lizard, or ostrich) also complement this type of watch beautifully.

Sport Watches and Chronographs (Active Daily Use)

The Performance collection (including models like the James, Arne, or Robby) is ideally suited for sport watches. These innovative hybrid straps feature a top layer of stylish leather or sailcloth textile and an underside made of premium natural rubber. They are water-resistant up to 300 meters, breathable, and sweat-resistant. This makes them the perfect upgrade for luxury sport watches or smartwatches worn in both the office and the gym.

Rugged field, pilot, or heavy-duty watches (Casual/Vintage)

The Liberty and Mariner lines are the best match for rugged (military-style) watches. Liberty straps are crafted from thick, robust saddle leather featuring distinctive contrasting stitching, making them an excellent choice for military or pilot watches. The Mariner features firm internal padding—ensuring a heavier watch case stays stable on the wrist—combined with a water-resistant finish.

Dive watches and water sports (Functional)

The Pure and Accent straps are perfect for dive watches. They are made entirely from pure natural rubber. They are waterproof, tear-resistant, and hypoallergenic, and they retain their shape underwater.

Certified exotic leather

All Hirsch straps made from the leather of exotic species (such as alligator, lizard, shark, etc.) are CITES-certified. This means that all exotic hides used originate from regulated, sustainable farms and certified suppliers. This guarantees that the trade poses no threat to the survival of the species in the wild. CITES certification does not apply to leathers from animals such as calf, cattle, or sheep, as these species are not listed as endangered flora and fauna.

Hirsch watch straps with and without a clasp

Some Hirsch straps are supplied without a clasp or buckle. This allows you to decide which type of clasp to attach to the strap, or to reuse your watch's original clasp or folding clasp. If you wish to purchase a new watch clasp, please visit our watch clasps page. Some Hirsch straps are also supplied without a fixed attachment point, featuring instead a small flap that you need to glue in place yourself. These straps are designed for ‘fixed-lug’ watches, where the spring bar or pin cannot be removed.

How much does a Hirsch watch strap cost?

The price of Hirsch watch straps depends on the material used. A very simple Perlon strap costs just €11, whereas a wide, padded ‘Rembordé’ alligator leather strap costs €366. The popular 20mm-wide Duke strap costs €49, and a leather strap with a Performance lining costs around €100.

Popular choices

The best-selling Hirsch strap at mastersintime.ch is the 18mm black calfskin strap with a gold-tone buckle. This strap is so popular because it suits a wide variety of women's watches. Also highly sought-after are the golden-brown Boston straps (in 20mm and 18mm), the smooth black 20mm Corse, and the 22mm black Duke with a crocodile print.

Frequently asked questions about Hirsch watch straps

Are Hirsch straps of good quality?

Hirsch watch straps are of excellent quality, crafted from high-quality, innovative materials. Because production takes place in-house, Hirsch maintains control over the entire process. It is no coincidence that the brand is an official supplier to various top Swiss watch brands.

Where do Hirsch straps come from?

Hirsch watch straps are still manufactured in their own workshop in Austria.

How long does a Hirsch strap last?

Whether you wear the strap during intense sports sessions or for daily use, a Hirsch watch strap delivers optimal performance under all conditions. The dimensionally stable material is highly resistant to heat, perspiration, and moisture; the high-quality rubber straps are even waterproof to a depth of 300 meters. Thanks to this robust quality, the average Hirsch strap boasts an impressive lifespan of 3 to 5 years, even with prolonged and intensive wear.

What is the warranty period for a Hirsch watch strap?

While most watch straps come with no warranty or only a short-term one, Hirsch offers a full 3-month warranty on its products.

Are Hirsch watch straps waterproof?

Hirsch offers three types of waterproof straps. The Premium Caoutchouc straps, found in lines such as Pure and Accent, are 100% waterproof. The High-Performance straps (including Arne, Robby, Andy, and Tiger) are waterproof to 300 meters, while the water-resistant straps (Mariner, Heavy Calf, and Carbon) are water-resistant to 100 meters.

Are Hirsch straps suitable for the Apple Watch?

Yes; by using an adapter, you can easily make Hirsch watch straps (in 20mm, 22mm, and 24mm widths) compatible with the Apple Watch. Please keep your Apple Watch size in mind to find a suitable strap and adapter. You can find more information about this on our Apple Watch page.