Hello everyone, and welcome to another of my reviews. In this article, I’ll be reviewing a pair of new canvas straps from local strap label RSM.
After offering a premium reversible silk strap, RSM turned its attention to making fine canvas straps. I found this interesting – canvas watch straps are usually paired with tool watches, but RSM wanted to subvert the norm by making slim, refined canvas straps that are appropriate for dressier watches. Let’s see if they are any good.
RSM Canvas Straps – Video Review
For those interested in seeing some hands-on footage of the straps, do check out my Youtube review of RSM’s canvas straps below:
RSM – the Brand
I previously covered the brand story of RSM in my initial review of its straps here.
RSM Canvas Straps – Review
The canvas straps come in two variations – basic, and with white accents.
The basic variant is devoid of any stitching whatsoever, thus resulting in a sleek and clean look that serves as the perfect canvas (pun intended) to elevate a dress watch (such as my Kurono Toki).
On the other hand, the white accents variant features a pair of white hand-stitching near the lugs of the strap, which also happens to be the most vulnerable portion (in terms of the leather splitting from wear and tear). In other words, the stitching isn’t merely decorative, but also theoretically results in a more durable strap. With the contrasting stitching, this variant would perhaps be better suited for more casual, everyday watches.
Both variants feature Zermatt lining, resulting in comfortable wear on the wrist. For those unfamiliar, Zermatt is a luxurious, hypoallergenic leather used by big brands such as Hermes to line leather products like bags, watch straps, etc. It’s supple and soft to the touch, and resistant to both sweat and water. There are also quick-release spring bars for easy interchangeability.
Both my straps are 20mm wide, and they taper rather aggressively to a 16mm buckle width. The result is a streamlined look that’s eminently dressy.
The buckle is often an afterthought – some strap brands don’t even have a signed buckle – but RSM has introduced a unique buckle design here that’s a spin on the buckles on its fabric strap. I quite like the buckle as it results in a fantastically seamless aesthetic.
As for the material itself, RSM states that its canvas straps are fashioned out of densely woven canvas from a Japanese manufacturer, which are naturally woven and lightly starched. The brand purchased from a limited stock and turned them into straps, so once said stock runs out so do the straps.
I’m a big fan of the canvas material used here. I’ve reviewed and worn canvas straps before, and I can genuinely say that this is a cut above the rest. There’s a refinement to the material – it feels smoother and more premium to the touch, as compared to the coarseness of regular canvas straps. One can also visually see that it’s more densely woven than usual, which in theory should also result in a more durable strap.
Conclusion – so RSM’s Canvas Straps “shiok” or not?
RSM’s new canvas straps are definitely the best that I’ve tried. Not only are they slim and tailored for dressier watches (a unique selling proposition in itself) but the straps are also made from premium canvas material. If you’re looking for canvas straps for dress/thin watches, then these are a no-brainer. The only drawback is once again the price: at US$70/~S$95, they are triple, if not quadruple the price of mainstream canvas straps. These are clearly premium products, aimed at premium watches – make no mistake about that.
Those interested in purchasing from RSM Straps can use the promo code “WAHSOSHIOK” to enjoy 10% off all products from its webstore. After the discount, the fine canvas strap can be had for US$70/~S$95. Your wallet may not thank you, but your watch certainly will.
View RSM’s canvas straps here.
View RSM’s full range of offerings here.
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P.P.S: Do check out the new “Discounts!” page for exclusive discounts for Wah so Shiok readers! More brands will be added very soon – stay tuned!
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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.
