When I first stepped into the world of watches, my focus was always on bracelets. A watch on its original bracelet felt complete, and for a long time, that was the only way I wore them.
That changed when I discovered aftermarket straps. Leather, exotic skins, fabrics and rubber opened up a whole new side of the hobby. At first, it felt overwhelming, but then I discovered RSM Watch Straps, and that's where my journey truly began.
What drew me in first was simple. RSM is a local Singaporean brand, and I have always believed in supporting local entities. There is pride in wearing something that comes from the same place you call home. My first straps were fabric ones (Vintage Military 2-Piece Black watch strap), and they set the tone for everything that followed. Despite Singapore’s humid weather, they were light, breathable, and unexpectedly comfortable. That was when I realised straps could change not only the look of a watch but also the experience of wearing it.
The x-hatch strap came next. I was curious about its design, but what stayed with me was how it felt on the wrist. It held the watch snugly, structured but never stiff. By the end of the day, I had almost forgotten it was there, except for the times I caught myself admiring it. It was one of those small moments that shift your perspective, showing how much a strap can transform a watch.
I remember a few non-watch friends noticing it too. Usually, my watches went unremarked, but that day someone asked if my strap was new. Another mentioned how sharp the watch looked. That was when it clicked for me — straps can spark interest even from those outside the hobby, turning a watch into a conversation starter.
When RSM introduced their leather straps, I followed along. Each felt thoughtful and well-made, with supple leather that wore naturally from the start. I often paired one with my Cartier Tank, and the match was seamless. The strap didn’t just fit, it elevated the watch, adding refinement and character that kept me reaching for it again and again.
Photography has always been part of my watch journey, and straps have become an integral part of that story too. A change of strap could shift the entire mood of a photo — from casual and relaxed to formal and refined. It gave me more ways to rediscover the watches I already owned, adding new perspectives each time I picked up my camera.
Looking back, it amazes me how something as simple as a strap reshaped the way I see this hobby. What began with a single fabric strap evolved into a journey filled with small but meaningful moments — from humid days when comfort surprised me, to conversations sparked with people who rarely noticed my watches, to photographs that captured these quiet transformations.
And the journey is still ongoing. Each new strap feels like another chance to see my watches differently, another opportunity to share them in ways I had not imagined before. Thank you, RSM Watch Strap, for giving me a placeholder to express my thoughts, and for giving me something meaningful to share with the community that continues to grow alongside this hobby.
Bryson Wong
@thebrysonwong
