Extra-Long Strap for Seiko SPB289: Cognac Badalassi
An 8.5-inch wrist is exactly where most strap makers stop. A standard 75/125mm strap runs out of holes, and the watch ends up worn too tight or sitting off-center. This order from Ohio was for a Seiko SPB289 on an 8.5-inch (216mm) wrist, so we built an extra-long strap in cognac Badalassi Wax with a deployant clasp.
The build
| Watch | Seiko SPB289 |
| Wrist | 8.5 in (216mm) |
| Length | 90/145mm (3.54/5.71 in), extra-long |
| Leather | Badalassi Wax, cognac |
| Buckle width | 18mm (0.71 in) |
| Buckle | Deployant, stainless steel |
| Spring bars | Quick release |
| Stitching | Side stitching, matching |
| Padding | Flat |
| Tip | Tapered |
Why these choices
90/145mm instead of 75/125mm. The two pieces together come to 235mm (9.25 in), against 200mm (7.87 in) for our regular length. Adding 15mm to the short piece and 20mm to the long piece keeps the watch head centered on top of the wrist, instead of pushing all the extra length into the tail. Our extra-long watch straps cover wrists from 8.5 to 12 inches, which is the range most makers leave out.
A deployant on a long strap. With a deployant, the strap is set to one position and the clasp does the opening and closing. On a long strap, that means the leather is not bent at a different hole each morning, and the tail does not flap past the keeper. For a larger wrist it is also easier to put on with one hand. The customer asked for quick-release spring bars if they fit the SPB289, which makes swapping straps a tool-free job.
Cognac Badalassi Wax. Badalassi Wax (Pueblo and Minerva Wax) is a wax pull-up vegetable-tanned leather: flex it and the color lightens where the oils move, then settles back. On a steel Seiko, cognac warms up the look without turning it into a dress watch. Matching side stitching and a flat profile keep the strap from adding bulk on a longer build. More colors are in our Badalassi Wax leather straps, and this strap is also available as a cognac Badalassi Wax watch strap.
★★★★★
“Perfect fit and quality. Those with big wrists who like small watches rely on Vgreen.”
Jason K. · Verified purchase · Dark brown Badalassi Wax strap
FAQ
What length do I need for an extra-long strap for Seiko SPB289?
Measure your wrist snugly with a soft tape. At 8.5 inches, 90/145mm leaves adjustment room on both sides of the clasp; above about 9 inches, we go longer again. Tell us your wrist size when you order and we will check the numbers.
Will quick-release spring bars fit my Seiko?
Quick-release bars have a small lever that needs room between the lugs. If your case does not leave room for it, we use regular spring bars, which need a spring bar tool to remove.
If standard straps run out of holes on you, start with our extra-long watch straps. Every strap is made to order; allow 2–3 weeks to delivery.