1. For Formal Occasions: Suits or Black-Tie Events

Formal settings like business meetings, weddings, or black-tie galas demand subtlety and sophistication. Your vintage watch should complement your attire without stealing the show. Opt for deep, classic colors like black, dark brown, or deep blue—these provide an understated elegance that highlights the watch's dial and case while blending seamlessly with formal wear.

For a black suit, stick with a black strap to maintain a cohesive, polished look. Avoid high-contrast colors that might pop too much and disrupt the formality—think of it as an extension of your belt or shoes for a unified ensemble. A black strap keeps things sleek and professional.

Here are some top recommendations from Samurai Vintage to elevate your formal style:

• Midnight Black Grand Italian Calf Leather Watch Strap ($49.00 USD)
  Created with Paris luxury in mind and inspired by Hermes leather goods, this handmade strap uses premium pebbled Italian calf leather for a sophisticated texture. It's perfect for formal occasions, offering durability and comfort. Pair it with a vintage dress watch like a classic King Seiko for a timeless black-on-black vibe that exudes confidence in a boardroom or at a gala.
• Kyoto Series Black Handcraft French Calfskin Leather Watch Strap with White Stitching ($35.00 USD)
  Affordable yet stylish, this strap draws from Japanese craftsmanship in Kyoto, featuring double-tanned French calfskin with a buttery smooth surface and anti-allergic backing. The white stitching adds a subtle contrast for interest without overwhelming formality. It's ideal for those seeking high-quality without the premium price—match it with black shoes for a sharp, put-together look.
• Midnight Black Ostrich Leather Watch Strap ($49.00 USD)
  For luxury material and great comfort, this genuine African ostrich leather strap boasts a unique textured grain with natural rose-like patterns and added padding. It pairs beautifully with high-end vintage watches, giving them a prestigious edge. Style it with a tuxedo for black-tie events; the subtle texture adds depth without clashing.

2. For Blue or Grey Suits: Your Usual Work Day Outfit

For watch straps that pair with blue or grey suits, you can venture beyond strict black for a touch of personality. Consider dark brown, grey, or even beige/khaki straps to add a playful yet refined vibe—especially if your suit has warmer undertones. Matching your strap to brown shoes and belts creates harmony, while a grey strap offers modern versatility.

• Elephant Grey Grand Italian Calf Leather Watch Strap ($49.00 USD)
  One of our best-sellers, this pebbled Italian calf leather strap is handmade in Hong Kong and inspired by luxury icons. Its neutral grey tone works wonders with grey suits, providing a subtle elevation that's formal yet approachable.
• Saddle Series Leather Watch Strap - Resett Brown ($35.00 USD)
  Match this with your brown shoes and belt for seamless coordination. Made from oil-wax-treated Italian calf leather, it develops a unique patina over time, adding character to your vintage watch. The soft lining ensures all-day comfort during long events.
• Kyoto Series Brown Handcraft French Calfskin Leather Watch Strap with White Stitching ($35.00 USD)
  For a shinier, sharper option, this Kyoto-inspired strap uses double-tanned French calfskin that patinas beautifully. The white stitching gives a crisp edge, perfect for grey suits wanting a bit of contrast.

3. For Smart Casual Occasions: Oxford Shirt or Polo with Jeans/Khaki Pants

Smart casual is all about balance—think an Oxford shirt with khaki pants or a polo with jeans. This is where you can get playful with colors like dark green, light beige, or navy blue, adding personality while keeping things polished. These straps enhance the vintage vibe of your watch without feeling stuffy.

For an Oxford shirt and khaki pants combo, go for straps that bridge dressy and relaxed, like earthy tones or subtle blues.

• Khaki Brown Grand Italian Calf Leather Watch Strap ($49.00 USD)
  Best for smart casual with a dress-up vibe, this pebbled Italian calf leather strap is durable and versatile. Its khaki tone pairs effortlessly with khaki pants, giving a cohesive, adventurous look.
• Jade Green Grand Italian Calf Leather Watch Strap ($49.00 USD)
  Add a pop of color with this Hermes-inspired pebbled calf leather. It's ideal for injecting playfulness into smart casual outfits, like a green-accented shirt.
• Saddle Series Leather Watch Strap - Prussian Blue ($35.00 USD)
  For a low-profile yet stylish option, this navy strap offers subtle depth. Pair it with jeans for a nautical-inspired smart casual ensemble.
• Saddle Series Leather Watch Strap - Resett Brown ($35.00 USD)
  Inspired by horse saddles, this strap is crafted from Italian Crazy Horse leather with a natural wax coating that evolves over time, creating a unique patina through scratches, creases, and shine. Handmade in a Hong Kong workshop blending saddle-making heritage with modern elegance, it features a first-ever quick-release mechanism for tool-free strap changes in seconds. The Resett Brown color provides a subtle, earthy tone that enhances the vintage character of your watch, aging beautifully to develop a rustic, well-traveled look—perfect for a low-key smart casual ensemble where texture transforms the vibe.

4. For Casual Days Out or Beach Outings: Shorts with Oxford or Simple Tee

Casual vibes call for relaxed, chill straps—less tied-up, more fun. Play with materials to enhance the vintage feel, like rich textures for weekends or warm tones for winter. For a beach outing or simple tee with shorts, opt for straps that feel effortless and weather-resistant.

• Saddle Series Leather Watch Strap - British Racing Green ($35.00 USD)
  Our cowboy-inspired Horween-like leather (using Crazy Horse) has a rich texture that ages beautifully, perfect for casual days. It gives a warm, vintage vibe that pairs well with tees.
• Khaki Brown Grand Italian Calf Leather Watch Strap ($49.00 USD)
  Our signature Grand Italian straps in Khaki Brown not only give the watch a dressy look, with a sharp colour mix and match it also works well with dress down apparel of a denim jacket.
• Rocky Blue Suede Heritage Calf Leather Watch Strap ($35.00 USD)
  One of our best-sellers in the suede series, this ultra-soft Italian calf suede with white stitching adds a vintage element. It's comfortable for all-day wear and suits casual outfits like shorts and tees, brightening up beach days with its rocky blue hue.