Center-Notched Strap for Coach W501 in Black Epsom
Some watches will not take a standard strap because part of the case sits in the middle of the strap end, where a straight-cut strap would need to go. This Coach W501 was one of them, so we built a center-notched strap in black Epsom calfskin, cut to the measurements its owner sent us rather than to a catalog size.
The build
| Watch | Coach W501 |
|---|---|
| Strap style | Custom center-notched |
| X (full width of strap end) | 17 mm (0.67 in) |
| Y (width of the notch) | 7 mm (0.28 in) |
| Z (depth of the notch) | 5 mm (0.20 in) |
| Leather | Black Epsom |
| Strap length | 75/125 mm (2.95/4.92 in) |
| Shipped to | California, US |
Why these choices
A center-notched strap is the reverse of the familiar corner-notched pattern. Instead of cutting both corners away and leaving one tongue in the middle, we leave the strap full width at the corners and take a notch out of the center, so the strap seats around whatever part of the case drops into that space. On this order the strap end is 17 mm (0.67 in) across, and the notch is 7 mm (0.28 in) wide and cuts 5 mm (0.20 in) back. Those three numbers are the whole job. If any of them is off by a millimeter, the strap either will not seat or leaves a visible gap, which is why we cut to the customer's own X, Y and Z rather than trusting a model name. Widths can vary between references and production runs, so we always ask owners to measure their own watch, ideally with a jeweler's help.
Black Epsom suits a notched build for a practical reason. Epsom is a stamped-grain calfskin, the same family of leather Hermès uses for its bags, and it is light and scratch-resistant. A notched end puts the cut edges right next to the case, where a strap takes the most knocks, and the stamped grain holds its look there better than a smooth, polished leather would. Black also keeps the attention on the watch rather than on the notch.
The 75/125 mm (2.95/4.92 in) length is our regular pairing: 75 mm on the buckle side, 125 mm on the tail side. The notch changes how the strap meets the case, not how it sizes on the wrist, so the usual length chart still applies.
★★★★★
“This was a good way for me to start using my 30 year old watch, but the rubber band deteriorated years ago. The watch maker stopped making bands for it and finding your company that would make a custom band was great.”
Ivan H. · Verified purchase · Custom center-notched strap
FAQ
Do I need a center-notched strap for a Coach W501?
If part of your W501's case sits in the middle of the strap end, a straight strap will not seat, and a center-notched strap for the Coach W501 is the fix. Send us a photo before ordering if you are not sure whether your watch needs a center notch, a corner notch, or a curved end, and we will tell you which one fits.
How do I measure X, Y and Z?
X is the full width of the strap end, Y is the width of the notch cut from the middle, and Z is how far back the notch cuts. Measure in millimeters (1 inch = 25.4 mm). A jeweler with calipers will get you the most reliable numbers.
Order one for your watch
Every custom center-notched watch strap is cut to your measurements in any of our leathers, from Epsom leather watch straps to exotics. Browse more custom notched straps or our full range of custom leather watch straps. Made to order, allow 2–3 weeks to delivery.