Exploring the World of Scandinavian Watch Straps with REM

Passion can lead to much larger endeavors than you ever imagined. This was also the case for Totte el Siddig and Roger Clementz, who found each other through their passion for watches. As it turned out, they also saw an opportunity for watch straps to play a more integral part in the storytelling of the watch as a whole, and from that REM Scandinavian Watch Straps was born.

While the label of "Scandinavian" is strictly speaking right, REM watch straps are an even more local product, as they are manufactured in Sweden through a network of collaborating partners. With El Siddig in charge of design and Clementz's engineering expertise, they work together with special suppliers and processors to deliver the quality they want.

The leather itself is sourced from Tärnsjö, a Swedish village that has made a name for itself since 1873 with its high-quality hides. This quality also speaks for itself as all the leathers, a byproduct of the local meat industry, are tanned and treated using plant-based methods. In addition, Tärnsjö is also the only place in Scandinavia with a school for saddlery. The straps then move to Kallfelds leather in Nissafors, located in Småland, where the surface is treated, and the bands are punched. Then, it is time for REM's specialty, the laser engraving, stitching, and final finishing that set their straps apart.

Their collection starts with 'Plain Swedish,' highlighting the unique quality of the leathers used, with only some stitching as decoration. In their 'Embossed' collection, texture is added. This is available in different styles, from dots and waves to even hourglasses and embossing that resembles braided leather.

With the 'Laser Engraved' collection, we move to the core of REM straps. Here, various themes are highlighted, taking inspiration from specific fields in watch collecting. The 'Air Legends' collection is aimed at those who enjoy a good pilot's watch. Straps pay tribute to famous planes, such as the Mustang and Spitfire, all available in different colors and sizes. More whimsical is the 'Bear Force,' where a cute little bear is at the helm of a plane. The laser engraving not only offers high detail but also a beautiful contrast with the color of the leather itself.

Because of their thematic design, the straps are a natural match with watches from the same category. Where the 'Moon DNA' seems to be an obvious choice for any Speedmaster fan, the 'Flat Six Generations,' will not only appeal to Porsche fans in general but also those who like a watch with 'a need for speed,' such as the TAG Heuer Monaco or a Chopard Mille Miglia. A special 'Firenze Legends' collection is aimed at Panerai, even offering you the opportunity to get a strap with the corresponding reference number of your watch, filled in with luminous paint.

For those seeking a more personal touch, the bespoke straps an option. In 'Personalization,' text and dates can be laser engraved on the strap and colored in a desired hue. For those who want to go all in, is the 'Design Studio' the best option, as it allows you to work together with El Siddig to create the strap of your dreams. Prices start at €96 for the 'Plain Swedish,' moving to €144 for the 'Bear Force,' with some of the other laser engraved straps being slightly lower or higher, to €260 for the 'Design Studio' option.

For more info, visit REM watch straps, here.