Hello everyone, and welcome to another of my reviews. In this article, I’ll do a quick review of a pair of MB&F MAD1 straps from the local watch accessories label Delugs.
I was fortunate enough to be allocated the new MB&F MAD1S, and was searching for new straps for the watch. That’s when I chanced upon the MB&F strap options from Delugs, and decided to order a rubber CTS option and a leather strap for my new watch.
I recently reviewed Delugs’ CTS rubber straps here, and my opinion remains the same – they are some of the most comfortable rubber straps on the market. In fact, Ed Sheeran apparently wore his Patek Philippe ref. 5004A on a black Delugs CTS rubber strap for his TIME cover shoot – if it’s good enough for Ed Sheeran’s Patek, it’s certainly good enough for my MB&F MAD1S.
The CTS rubber strap is adorned with a mosaic pattern that is eminently striking. Due to the angled nature of the pattern, the strap catches the light beautifully, resulting in an eye-catching appearance.
As always, Delugs’ straps are fitted with quick-release spring bars for added convenience. Here, the straps are specifically fitted with curved spring bars to accommodate the curved lugs of the MAD1S, which I imagine must involve additional engineering to develop. It’s worth noting that Delugs was really the pioneer in popularising quick-release spring bars – it’s the one feature that appears on every Delugs strap.
I found the baby blue rubber CTS strap to be a perfect match for my ice blue MB&F MAD1S. In fact, I’ve been complimented multiple times on the strap, with many enthusiasts initially thinking that it was the default strap that shipped with the watch. There’s no doubt that Delugs specifically engineered this colourway with the new ice blue MAD1S in mind—a testament to the brand’s dedication to serving the community’s needs, no matter how niche the market may be.
In an upgrade, Delugs now allows customers to personalise their clasps. It’s a smart option that differentiates them from other strap providers in the market. I decided to go with a simple engraving of my initials – subtle, but personal.
Delugs started out life as a leather strap provider, so it was a no-brainer for me to pick up a leather strap for my MB&F MAD1 as well. In particular, I chose the chevre goatskin leather option, which Delugs sources from the acclaimed French tannery Alran.
Commonly used in small leather goods, chevre leather has a fine pebbled texture that gives it a luxurious look. Compared to epsom leather, which often has an embossed texture, the pebbled surface of chevre is formed naturally during the tanning process of the goatskin. Additionally, chevre leather is also highly resistant to water and scratches, making it a durable material perfect for watch straps.
Delug’s leather straps are also lined with Zermatt leather from Haas tannery, which was specially developed for use as a lining material. I’ve owned multiple straps with Zermatt lining (it’s worth noting that Delugs isn’t the only local brand that uses this lining for their straps), and I can attest to its comfort. Furthermore, the strap is also saddle-stitched by hand (instead of machine-stitched) for increased durability and an added artisan flair.
I find the navy chevre leather strap to pair beautifully with my MAD1S – the navy colourway of the strap matches the navy time display of the watch perfectly. The chevre leather also elevates the watch, rendering it sophisticated enough to be worn with dressier outfits.
Conclusion – so Delugs MB&F MAD1 Straps “shiok” or not?
To my knowledge, Delugs is the only brand that currently offers straps specifically designed for the MB&F MAD1. That in itself deserves kudos – it shows Delugs’ roots as an enthusiast-led brand (Delugs’ founder Ken has multiple MB&Fs in his collection), instead of a brand that simply aims to meet existing market demand (like the dozens of brands that started offering PRX straps when its popularity boomed). In fact, Delugs’ rubber straps are apparently endorsed by Max Busser and the MB&F team, which is probably the highest praise one can get. I can definitely see why, as both the leather and rubber strap pair beautifully with my MAD1S. The rubber strap is superbly comfortable, though slightly pricey at S$285. In contrast, the leather strap may lack an obvious ‘wow’ factor, but it represents great value for money at just S$145.
Those interested in purchasing straps from Delugs can head over to its new showroom in Raffles Hotel to feel the straps in person. From humble beginnings in Ken’s bedroom to a sleek showroom in Raffles Hotel, it’s been incredible to witness how far the brand has come. I’m excited to see what the future holds for this remarkable homegrown success story.
View the Baby Blue Curved CTS Rubber Strap here.
View the Navy Chevre Strap here.
View the full range of Delugs’ watch straps here.
Delugs Flagship Boutique Address: Raffles Hotel Arcade, 328 North Bridge Road, Unit 02-35, Singapore 188719 (closed on Mondays)
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P.P.P.P.S Shiok is a common word Singaporeans use to express admiration or approval. As of 2016, you can find the definition of the word in the Oxford English Dictionary.
