October 27, 2024 • 37 mins
Hey Watch Fans,
Today I talk with Carol and discuss straps for our watches. Its amazing how discussing watches can really be a conduit to knowing a person more closely.
We reference Terry Crafted and StrapsCo. Both are passionate watch hobbiest and geniuses when it comes to the straps.
Terry Crafted:
email: hello@terrycrafted.com
www.terrycraftd.com
ig: @terrycrafted
StrapsCo
email: info@strapsco.com
www.strapsco.com
ig: @strapsco
Like WatchFanatics.ca on Facebook
Follow David @watchfanaticdavid on Instagram
AND
Please check out Carol at
IG: @spassense
Today I talk with Carol and discuss straps for our watches. Its amazing how discussing watches can really be a conduit to knowing a person more closely.
We reference Terry Crafted and StrapsCo. Both are passionate watch hobbiest and geniuses when it comes to the straps.
Terry Crafted:
email: hello@terrycrafted.com
www.terrycraftd.com
ig: @terrycrafted
StrapsCo
email: info@strapsco.com
www.strapsco.com
ig: @strapsco
Like WatchFanatics.ca on Facebook
Follow David @watchfanaticdavid on Instagram
AND
Please check out Carol at
IG: @spassense
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
You're listening to watch Fanatics podcasts. If you'd like, you
can follow me David at watch Fanatics David or Kevin
at watch fanatics dot Ca. Please subscribe and feel free
to leave us a five star review on wherever you
download your podcasts. We hope you enjoy the show. Welcome back, Carol.
(00:24):
I think in our last podcast that we recorded, we
started talking about straps. I edited some of that conversation.
Now we kept a little bit about it in you
had a story you knew someone with a platypus strap
is that perfect?
Speaker 2 (00:41):
So he didn't have that one. But he had shown
me a website that sold straps of very unique materials,
and they did focus on unfortunately animals at the time.
And now when I go and search for it on
the web, I cannot see any remnants of this platypus strap.
(01:04):
But I did come across other types of exotic watch
bands made of ostrich. I think they probably just take
like parts of ostrich sheddings or feathers and somehow integrated
into the watch. I hope it's that, But a lot
of times, if you're looking for it, they are vintage,
(01:27):
so I don't think they're in an active production.
Speaker 1 (01:31):
Oh okay, which makes sense. I'm sure with animal rights
groups and exporting and importing laws, because I think certain
skins are illegal to export and important, Like you think alligator,
like a genuine alligator, crocodile, those are illegal in certain countries.
(01:54):
You know, it's a funny thing that you brought that up,
because last week or two weeks ago at the Toronto Show,
I did buy a strap from Strap's cod and one
of them is like a fake Ostrich leather strap.
Speaker 2 (02:10):
There you go.
Speaker 1 (02:12):
It's obviously cow leather half leather, but they do an
Ostrich pattern strap. I guess their skin's a little different
and textures are different, so I did buy one.
Speaker 2 (02:25):
I guess if you're looking for straps like this, if
you put in a keyword in search of exotic watch
straps and then put like Ostrich or lizard or snake.
But they can also be mixed with things like carver, fiber, titanium,
and other metals as well. Stingray that was one of
(02:47):
the other exotic ones. I thought, the Stingray bands, Oh.
Speaker 1 (02:52):
Those are nice and they're apparently really durable. Again, the
first time I saw them in person in hand was
at the on time Piece Show. There was a guy
who was let me pull him up here, Terry Crafted.
So he was at the Toronto time p Show and
he had his materials lined out and he would us
(03:12):
to make strap or a wallet. But yeah, stingray is
the thing that is amazing.
Speaker 2 (03:20):
The texture is so unique. I didn't know there were
so many different other options that were not made of
metal for straps. I always thought it was caf and crocodile.
I've seen of course, So right, can you share it
with me? When you were at the Toronto time Piece Show.
What attracted you to the Ostrich strap?
Speaker 1 (03:38):
So the owner of the company, owner of Strapsko, was there, Martin,
and they actually I was looking for a strap for
my Sacle cocktail time and he actually had one in
his warehouse and they used for a few photo shoots
and he was like, you gotta just try this on.
(03:59):
And he was right like he was dead on. I mean,
I guess that's his business, right, so he knows straps
very well. Actually ended up buying three straps from him.
I was getting bored of my Seko cocktail time, but
now it's become my favorite dress watch thanks to Strapsco
(04:21):
and thanks to the magic of straps and just to
let you know, he's interested in coming onto the show
and talking, and I'd like to have him on. I
think maybe if we could schedule that you're a part
of the call because it's interesting. He started from one watch,
(04:41):
got bored of it, wanted a new strap, and then
long story short, he now owns Straps Co. And he's
getting over one hundred orders a day, very successful. And
he's not only been able to make a business, but
he's also incorporated, which is watches, which is the dream,
(05:03):
right you want to have a job that you enjoy,
and he's doing that.
Speaker 2 (05:08):
Maybe what a topic could be when he does join
the podcast is helped me with the Cassio Royale that
you gifted me from the last episode, which was like
one of those way till the end moments. And you know,
coming from someone who has not dabbled in watch straps collections,
I have a couple spare ones and I can tell
(05:30):
you the story about that very nonchalant experience. I wish
I had no more. I'd talked to you before about this.
I used to just get straps for spares, but I
have no idea how to match the type of watch
you have with straps that drive with the materials that
you may be interested in. So he may find me
(05:52):
rather amusing because I have no idea how to start.
Speaker 1 (05:56):
He would be the right person to talk to actually
know what I think. Moving forward, for this episode, let's
talk about a strap for that watch, and maybe maybe
let's hear this story. So you just collected straps just
for like spare parts. Was that what you were doing?
Speaker 2 (06:18):
So, as you know, I'm a hoighly practical person and
I don't really buy things out of aesthetics or just
simply for decorative purposes. I always have to have some
kind of utilitarian purpose. So while I was in Hong Kong,
I was gifted an and Passa had made watch. So
(06:40):
someone had actually gone into a workshop for m Passa
for six months and built a watch from scratch. And
he said, okay, so you've got a watch strap for
this one, and I picked one up for you, but
pick two more straps and he said, just in case
of wearing care. So of course there I go. I'm like, oh, well,
I don't really know or care at this point. I'm like,
(07:02):
you decide because it has to match the color of
the watch faith, which is sort of like a gold
bronzish finish on the inside. So the strap that he
had was a leather strap that had the same kind
of like mustardy bronze color, and I said, I, frankly
don't know what other color or tones and hues would
match with this. So I picked this green, the forest
(07:26):
green strap, because I'm like, that looks like crocodile. I
know it's not, but that one looks cool, and he's like, okay.
And then the second one I picked was a burgundy
and I think that was also leather as well, And
he's like, are you sure, And I said, I don't know.
I told you, I don't know what I'm doing. I
just needed for spars, right, So I'll show you in
(07:48):
the photos the straps that I've gotten. Now, the original
strap has since worn and torn, so I don't have
the original, but the one that I've currently fixed it
with is the burgundy red one. So that's as far
as I've gone with any sort of like strap replacements
or dressing up straps. Sorry. One more my Apple watch
(08:09):
that you know I wear once a year. I bought
a sort of like a blingy titanium big gold with
some fake zirconium crystal embedded because I needed to dress
up the watch to go to a Nashville event for work,
and it was like cowboy night. It was like blinging denim.
(08:32):
So I thought, hey, the watch is the best accessory
to dress up any other regular outfit because I don't
have anything cowboy at home, so that would be my
bling for the night.
Speaker 1 (08:44):
Love it. I think what you shared was very interesting
because watch straps are both functional and fashion. I think
that's why it makes them so much fun. You know,
when you talk to someone about straps, I think one
of the things they'll first ask is what you're using
(09:05):
your watch for? Right, there's considerations. One of the clearest
things is is it going to get wet? Are you
going underwater? So there's a lot of silicone or rubber
strap options out there. Are you This is gonna sound weird,
but in the winter time or in the summertime, like
(09:26):
are you in a climate with a lot of humidity
versus not a lot of humidity? So sometimes the leather
straps aren't the best because they get sweaty and disgusting.
Speaker 2 (09:35):
That way.
Speaker 1 (09:36):
There's another function is which I had an interesting conversation
with wrote Timmy from Sovereign Watches, who believes that how
fast you need to remove a watch plays a role
into strap design as well. Do you have a little
(09:56):
buckle versus a deployment class on a brace? And that's
for people who use their watch properly as a chronograph,
because you're taking off to measure time or an event,
or if it's something like a tech meter, you want
to measure the duration event. So how fast you want
(10:19):
to put on and take off a watch is also important.
So those functions are important, like where and what purpose
you're using it for. But then it comes also right
down to the fashion sense you may have, so the
color of a dial, or the color of your outfit,
or just a color that you feel as your favorite
(10:40):
or least favorite, so colors you want to avoid. And
it goes into patterns as well. You know there's patterns
and festivities and events like Nashville. You want a cowboy
themed one. I have a Christmasy type natal strap that
I put on once a you're on one of my
say goes that plays a very important role, So something
(11:04):
to consider.
Speaker 2 (11:06):
When you say those things. Here are some of my spectacco.
I hope you're listening I do prefer one to take
off really quickly, because time is of the essence every
minute of the day. Actually, the strap that broke off
of my end passive was a buckle strap, and in
innocence of urgency, I tend to kind of try to
(11:26):
like rip it off, you know, when you undone the
holes and you're trying to rip it off of the buckle.
It's the wear and tear from my sense of urgency.
So I'm not great with buckles, so I do prefer
like the snap off one. But I have the skin sensitivity,
so the silicone doesn't work great for me, and that's
(11:48):
why I prefer like the stainless steel or the titanium,
because I tend to sweat quite a bit as well.
I don't know if it's also because here in Canada
it's gotten a lot about humid this summer, so I
find I'm always a little bit perspirery under the watch strap.
So I prefer the metallic straps. But I do enjoy
for an event or something ornate. The designs and things
(12:12):
that we talked about with the Ostrich is kind of
a really neat idea. The sting rays fun and I
don't know what else there is out there, but I
like the text string of the non metallic variety as well.
And I typically when I explore straps, I never think
(12:33):
to get it for the digital watches so much, but
definitely for the analogs. And I interestingly have a makeshift
watch strap replacement kit. It came with my Nashville strap,
I'll call it. So I kind of have an idea
of how to do it where you can shorten or
lengthen the straps. I know how to do that, So
(12:55):
I don't know, it's a hybrid of everything you said.
I don't know if that helps or refit further confuses.
Speaker 1 (13:03):
It absolutely makes it more interesting. And there's one thing
I know about a lot of the watch people. They
like these interesting problems to solve. A lot of watch
people are engineers. I think it's because of the mechanical
movements and whatnot, and engineers love problem solving. I think
(13:25):
I think we all like a little bit of problem
solving or troubleshooting, especially when it's not your own problem. Yeah,
we'll definitely have to ask Martin from strapscoll what he
asked to think, But have you ried any other straps
like the deployment class and they'll buckle. Because I hear
(13:48):
now and I saw this. It's a new take on
the deployment class and Strapsco has one, but unfortunately I
think it's on the rubber. But he's got springs built in.
Like the material is very springing, like metal spring, and
when you deploy it, it pops open as if they're
(14:09):
all like shot open with springs because the nature of
a spring, so it just pops open. It's even faster
to take off. And then when you're closing this thing,
it snaps into place. It's the spring of the material
that snaps everything back together, so it closes fast and secure.
It's really interesting. We'll have to have them on. Do
(14:32):
you like patterns on this strap?
Speaker 2 (14:35):
How do I explain this one? I like texture, but
not necessarily pattern, if that makes sense, and that's why
I kind of opted for you know, the things that
have maybe like it looks like crocodile but isn't or
has the textures the texture of the ostrich but doesn't
(14:57):
have the spotted patterns that you opt can see for stingray.
Speaker 1 (15:02):
Yeah, oh interesting texture. Well then Terry Crafted is someone
we have to get a hold of for you because
he has the materials there for you to actually feel
and see, because you're right, ostrich leather, even like textured
leather of the crocodile, or a smooth silkiness of a snake,
(15:26):
the ridges of a sting ray, they all have a
unique feel. Interesting to say, texture, I've never had anyone
say that, But then you know, when I watched the
Food Network or when I'm seeing people eat food, texture
plays a major role. And I never thought of it
(15:46):
that way because I just I'm not foody. I wish
I was more refined and I could have a palette
that could pick out these subtle differences. But yeah, here
texture is a big thing. Are you a texture eater?
Speaker 2 (16:02):
I am, So here's a weird one. And I find
that also for children, their palettes are oftentimes defined by textures.
When you're kids, you don't eat things that seem slimy
in nature, so texture plays a large role in their
formative development years. But for me food texture. I don't
like starchy, dry textured things, So I could never eat
(16:24):
like a boiled potato on its own, or a yam
or any sort of lagoon that's just like blanched, splash boiled.
Oh it's like a choking hazard.
Speaker 1 (16:37):
You know, yeah, actually, yeah, choking hazard. Maybe maybe you
have to chew more. I don't know.
Speaker 2 (16:49):
I think I need to drink it with lots of
milk or something.
Speaker 1 (16:52):
I get it. Yeah. Texture, I think that's what makes
French fries interesting. You have some people who like soft
fries versus crunchy FROs. Do you like people? You got
people who like the end bits or the long bits interesting?
You're right, texture is a big role. I'm going to
pay more attention not only in food, but into straps
(17:12):
now with your experience with metal straps, well with the
Casino Royale, and with your role as have you looked
into have you ever felt like a mesh bracelet? Ever
see the stainless steel mesh bracelets.
Speaker 2 (17:27):
I think that's such a nice dressy piece to have.
I have not gone to understand even how many different
types of configurations within the mesh collection there could be,
and how one goes to choose, because when you see
these law and order movies and they're trying to dress
up the client in a certain way. I don't know
if you've seen it, the Menendez Brothers. It's called Monsters
(17:50):
on Netflix right now, based on the true story, but
their wardrobe plays such a big part in the case,
and I will tell you if it was for better
or for worse. And I just also thinking for a watch,
based on what you choose, what does that say about you?
Speaker 1 (18:06):
Right? You've had this debate many many times with Kevin.
I'm curious what the Milinda's brothers think about watches because
I know if you have watches in your brains all
the time as a hobby like we do, knowing the
history behind the watch can shape our judgment and our
(18:28):
purchase of a watch. But I wonder, like when someone
who has no idea walks into a store, why are
they gravitating towards I have no idea? Like, I know
this is gonna sound horrible, but I know a lot
of jim brows that they want big and they want
the flashy. So they're okay with like a Diesel watch
(18:50):
for example, like yes or police maybe police. And they
don't care if it's good, if it's quartz, if it's automatic,
if it's you know, reseale or how old the brand,
they really don't care. They just they love it, right,
They just want something big, blingy. I don't know, what
(19:11):
do you think what do you look for to watch?
Speaker 2 (19:15):
Yeah, you're right on what I think. Depending on your
formative experience with watches, it does drive well, first of all,
how important it is for you to have a watch.
There are still people out there that choose not to
wear one and rely on just looking at their phone
for time. You'll still see people carry pocket watches around,
(19:36):
but then most of the time you'll see people with
an Apple watch and I'll just end it there. So
for me, my experience with time comes from as a kid,
you know, watching movies, whether it's Disney or something from
like the medieval times all the way up to you know,
(19:56):
the Roaring twenties. The one time piece that really stayed
with me was the Grandfather Clock.
Speaker 1 (20:05):
Yeah, yeah, yeah, a great decreat dog exactly. Yeah.
Speaker 2 (20:11):
And there were also they were also in a lot
of horror movies, which I you know, I'm a big
horror back everyone. If you've not watched Long Legs with
Nicholas Cage, don't watch it alone. But the Grandfather Clock
for me, had always this like darkness that it enshrouded
itself within terms of the energy or you know, what
happens when it strikes twelve? What happens when it strikes
(20:33):
three am. What's happening around in the house, said, it's
in and even the sound of it when it strikes.
You know, those magical hours always stayed with me and
I don't know what it is, but it always made
me think of time and certain times of the day
and you know how a person or your environment might
change with that. So for those who are not into horror,
(20:57):
three am is like the ghost hours when all the
ghost come out to play and hunt and possess. So
you're hoping that you're already like deep in sleep and
you don't notice these things for those that believe it.
So for me, the Grandfather clock was a big part
of my upbringing and then later on in life. I
had mentioned before my first watch was from my mom,
(21:18):
and if it were for her, I probably you know,
the only time I would ever look at a watch
was you know, for the recess bell at cool and
so you'd have the watch in the classroom, right or
the watch in the lunch room the clock sorry not
to watch. So it wasn't until I kind of got
my first time piece as a gift that I thought,
oh my gosh, this is important. I need to know
(21:41):
what's going on and what time it is any time
given time as a day. And for those that don't
know me, I ended up working in project management, and
of course time management is all I think about, right,
So you know, time for me is so important, and
so when I go into look for a watch, I
(22:02):
look for watchmakers, of course, within a reasonable budget, so
I'll look for expert watchmakers, and I'll also look for
one that has a historic legacy for consistency and stability.
And that's why the Seko was big for me, right,
and that's why the Rolex is big. I also look
for sort of fun and sporty watches because I do
(22:23):
do a lot of all inclusive vacations to the ocean,
so I need something that's some ocean salt water friendly,
so I'll oftentimes go for things like a Cassio g
Shock or right now, amazingly, the fossil Snooky watch has
withheld all the years I've been in the ocean, since
probably like twenty twelve.
Speaker 1 (22:42):
Wow, Snooky's been with you that long, Nuoki.
Speaker 2 (22:45):
I don't know how old you are now, girl, but
thanks for doing that show I want.
Speaker 1 (22:50):
Yeah, when was the last Jersey shore with Snooky.
Speaker 2 (22:55):
Two thousand and nine was when it would pree.
Speaker 1 (22:59):
Wow, two thousand and nine. Now, I don't know how
long we're going to go on this tangent, because if
planetbus stratched, God's going on this particular tangent. What do
you plan to do with your watches? Do you plan
on reselling them? Do you plan on holding onto them
(23:19):
and maybe gifting them to someone, putting them in your will?
Do you want to get buried with them? Have you
thought about that? Yeah?
Speaker 2 (23:28):
I have not. Hmmm. I might donate them to a
museum so that other people can appreciate it if they
wanted to remember what it was like to own a watch.
Maybe in fifty years from now, we won't need one.
Speaker 1 (23:44):
Right, isn't Elon planting a chip in all our heads
or something?
Speaker 2 (23:48):
Yeah, you probably see the clock in your eyeballs, so
you won't need a watch. So maybe that'll be a
unique time capsule relic for others to imagine what it
was like when you had to keep your own time.
Speaker 1 (24:05):
Museum piece. Definitely, in Toronto, we need that. We have
like the baddest shoe museum, right, so why not a
watch museum?
Speaker 2 (24:12):
No, that is true, I didn't think about why they
wouldn't by now, especially when you have Toronto time Piece
as a recurring event.
Speaker 1 (24:19):
Yeah, Jason Hunter from Toronto time Piece, he should be
honored in our museum. If this event takes off like
it does, he absolutely should be. I know what I'm
gonna do when it win a lot tonight, I'm gonna
have a small portion dedicated to our watch museum. I yes,
(24:39):
your watches will definitely have a spot. Oh, thank you,
You'll be my God, You'll definitely be one of the founders.
Speaker 2 (24:48):
Yeah, that's amazing. I hope those sixty million good to
you tonight.
Speaker 1 (24:52):
How many millions do you think I need to start
a watch museum.
Speaker 2 (24:56):
Well, if you want to get into the business side
of things and incorporate as a nonprofit, that's a different
business model. You might be able to economize a bit better.
Speaker 1 (25:06):
Yes, well, my time with a nonprofit. I think there
can be benefits with a nonprofit, But at the same time,
I don't want to work with a nonprofit right now.
It's not the best feeling in the world to work
with a nonprofit my opinion, because it's like any other machine,
(25:29):
its number one goal would have to be make money,
so it could sustain itself, but as a private museum.
I want to make the goal the watches, and maybe
as a private collection at first. If I win the
first watch, I'll put in there. I have a Texas
(25:52):
Instrument digital watch from nineteen seventy seven that will definitely
go in there. It's a Texas instrument.
Speaker 2 (25:59):
Texas instrument the Calculator Company as a watch, yes.
Speaker 1 (26:05):
And it's a Star Wars watch of all things. And
I will put it in the museum.
Speaker 2 (26:15):
That is fascinating.
Speaker 1 (26:16):
Let go of it and put it in the museum.
I'm gonna go buy more tickets after this.
Speaker 2 (26:23):
And here's a fun fact about nonprofit. Did you know
Rolex is a nonprofit?
Speaker 1 (26:28):
What waite view now? So our last podcast I really
loved roletts Now do I like or last? It's houses
a nonprofit. I feel like as a nonprofit there's some
witchcraft going on with nexes.
Speaker 2 (26:50):
It's governed by a charitable trust that's a nonprofit.
Speaker 1 (26:54):
Oh okay, yeah, Like I said, there's some witchcraft with
taxes and grant money is going on. I'm sure they're
doing a lot of good.
Speaker 2 (27:03):
All of their profits go straight into the foundation tax
under Swiss law, so they don't need to pay corporate
taxes on their profits, so they actually donate ninety percent
of their profits to this trust. Makes sense.
Speaker 1 (27:16):
Hopefully that trust is well managed.
Speaker 2 (27:19):
I mean it's Swiss Bank. I think they'll be okay.
Speaker 1 (27:23):
Well, I mean well managed. They're going to altruistic causes.
Speaker 2 (27:27):
Oh, I see, I hear you.
Speaker 1 (27:30):
Yeah, Swiss Banks. I'm sure it's well taken care of. Rolette.
I don't know what you guys are doing. Well, you
learn something new every day. I don't know where your
watches will end up, Carol, but I'm sure hoping that
you have many more watches to add to your collection
(27:52):
in the future, and many more watch straps to add.
Speaker 2 (27:57):
I'm excited for this strap from hobbyists. You know, I
haven't really been able to name a hobby in the
last quarter of my life, so maybe this is a
new thing. And what a great time to do that
is an adult that's fiscally responsible can dabble in something
that's both functional, nostalgic and something crafty. With all of
(28:19):
these wonderful strap makers who have made this their legacy
and their story of passion, I think there's so much
behind that. And why not meet an engineer and give
them a good challenge. I've got a nice specs competition
for you.
Speaker 1 (28:33):
Just you wait, you are you very crafty? That sounds weird.
Are you good with crafts?
Speaker 2 (28:44):
I wish I was. If it's a fine arts Probably not.
I think I always envision myself to be a talented painter,
so my art teachers tell me. And I think I
work well with charcoal for the portraits. But I'm talking
(29:05):
about twenty years ago. I think when I think about crafty,
I think of craftiness in words. So maybe it was
what your original intent when you asked if I was crafty.
I'm pretty crafty with my words. Yeah, so funny enough.
As part of a gift to myself this new milestone
in my life where I live into my new place,
(29:27):
I bought myself a book that a coworker recommended me
and it was called the only astrology book You'll ever need.
And I can't wait to read it with her. The
occupations for my star sign as a Gemini is to
be a writer or a journalist, and I always thought, yeah,
I'm not going to work in Chinese culture. I can't
do that stuff. Parents will kill me. It's not one
of the white color jobs. That they gave me the
(29:49):
choice of right more and more in my life. Now
I see how it's always drawn me back to writing
or speaking. Like you inviting me to this podcast for
the second time is nothing I would ever have considered,
but it's so much fun because they get to use
my words.
Speaker 1 (30:07):
Well, you're not invited. You're part of the podcast. Now,
you are? You are? When I have time, I'm going
to go change the bio and have your contact information
in there. You're not a guest. You are part of
the podcast, and you are crafty. I swear that.
Speaker 2 (30:29):
Thank you.
Speaker 1 (30:33):
In a good way. In a good way because every
time I talk to you, I'm like, I'm always stunned
at how intelligent you sound and how stupid I must
sound next to you, because your words are very deliberate
in intention so you get the right emotion. Your communication
(30:54):
levels are, I have to say, probably one of the
best I've across working in my field and also in
the nonprofit and also interviewing people for this podcast. Your
communication skills are like next level.
Speaker 2 (31:12):
No, I can't believe you just said that to me. Now,
can you repeat it to my parents because they have
a different view. Thank you so much for that.
Speaker 1 (31:21):
Ah parents kids in their parents? When are kids free
from that persona persona See, no.
Speaker 2 (31:35):
That's a project management work. Don't worry about that one.
Speaker 1 (31:39):
But I don't want to take up too much of
your time. I can't remember when you had to get
off maybe on that note. Actually no, I swear I
had too much coffee. So where I was going with
this craftiness? Your your ability to craft. I know that
you can create and make your own straps. I've seen
(32:01):
patterns for natal straps, so people have gone and bought
material and made their own natal straps, bought like the
little hoops and rings off eBay for like pennies, and
then made their own straps. My nephew tried to make
a natal strap with leather and he got to the
damn close. He just chose the wrong thickness of leather,
(32:22):
but he nailed it. He just has to go back
to the drawing board and pick a better material. If
you want to elevate your hobby with straps, I encourage
anyone to like make your own strap.
Speaker 2 (32:36):
Okay, don't kill me for this idea. I have an
old LV wallet that I can't use anymore. It's the
white and gray monogram I was like, what do I
do with this? It's it's kind of wear and tear,
so I don't want to use it, but I don't
want to throw it away. I'm like, do I try
to light it on fire to make sure it's fire
repellent like they tell me? Or can I use that
to make a watch strap?
Speaker 1 (32:58):
Ooh, you can use didn't make your own strap if
you're nervous about it, maybe even call up Terry Crafted
cool and they made a strap for you.
Speaker 2 (33:13):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (33:14):
Was this wallet from your hard earned cash? Or was
it a gift?
Speaker 2 (33:18):
Oh, my gosh, it was a gift. Yes, it was
a gift from my partner at the time, and I
was just in my undergrad years and he gifted it
to me, probably for my birthday or for Christmas.
Speaker 1 (33:34):
Yeah, it turned on in this Wait, well did it end? Well?
Speaker 2 (33:39):
No, it was horrific. But that's okay because I think
what it will remind me of is that, you know,
when this was a gift, it was a gift of luxury.
It was the gift of leather, and it was a
gift of time that we had. And you know, with leather,
it really doesn't you're the sads of time. If you
(34:02):
preserve it well. So just like in any relationship, right,
if you preserve it well, you understand it and you
give it what it needs, and you remember to reciprocate
that kindness. I think it's a great reminder about being
grateful for the relationships you have that shape you today,
and what you've taken is gratitude to move forward in
(34:24):
your future. As we were coming into Thanksgiving weekend and all,
I think that actually has a great message, despite you
know how it may have ended. I'm scared to see
it torn up, but then it's just sitting there forgotten. Anyways,
Wonder how many straps carry can make for me, and
then I can give you one.
Speaker 1 (34:41):
I don't know how many straps you can make from it,
but he's probably worth an email or a phone call.
Do I want to wear something from Carol's boyfriend's past?
Boyfriend's past?
Speaker 2 (34:54):
It's fire repellent? Do you have a fire repellent watch strap?
Speaker 1 (34:58):
Yet?
Speaker 2 (34:59):
Oh?
Speaker 1 (34:59):
That's true? That is cool. Isn't that a Matthew McConaughey
movies girlfriend's Plans? I don't know.
Speaker 2 (35:09):
I wish I didn't tell you that one. Now I
can have been Hey, look you got an LV Wes strap.
It's one of the kind.
Speaker 1 (35:17):
That is so wicked. That's such a great idea. I
wonder if can't do that.
Speaker 2 (35:21):
Yeah, I might go look for it, make sure I
have it first before I ask. But I think I
would love to convert that and maybe even do some
like maybe like just small other goods with it, like
a keychain folder or something. I know that's not for
Terry perhaps, but or make a couple of straps, and
then you can decide if you want to carry my
past relationship legacy on your wrist and with that.
Speaker 1 (35:46):
Hey, that'd be kind of a full story actually your
ex relationships legacy. Well, I'm sure this Terry Crafted guy,
he can do anything, you know what. I will put
his information in the show notes. I seen his stuff
at the show. It wasn't just strapped, So I'm sure
he can do anything you ask him to. Oh wow,
(36:09):
I don't know. We'll see how he feels about working
with LV instead of sting, raising snake skin and cow leather.
I don't know. We'll see what he says, but I
think he can do it absolutely.
Speaker 2 (36:24):
You know, back in the day. I don't know if
they still have this as part of their repertoire for materials.
But Gucci, do you know how they procure their leather? No,
they have their own herd of cows. There's special cows
that they make leather from. There's special cows. That's what
(36:45):
made them so expensive before.
Speaker 1 (36:47):
Oh my god, m h wow. I guess there is
some reasoning behind price tags of these luxury brands if
they go and actually grow their own.
Speaker 2 (36:58):
Cattle, take care of their own yeah, I had no idea.
Speaker 1 (37:03):
Two things I learned today roles as a nonprofit in
Gucci cow farmers. That's crazy. Imagine your business card. I'm
a Gucci cow farmer, Like, that's crazy. LinkedIn Gucci cow farmer.
I don't know, that's crazy. But on that note, I
should probably let you go. But again, nice talking to you,
(37:26):
and we'll talk very soon, okay, Carol.
Speaker 2 (37:29):
Yes, thank you. It's my pleasure. And I can't wait
to get a hold of Terry's contact and bide my
wallet and see what crafty things he can do with it.
Speaker 1 (37:38):
I'm sure they'll blow you out of the water.
Speaker 2 (37:40):
Ye can't wait.
You're listening to watch Fanatics podcasts. If you'd like, you
can follow me David at watch Fanatics David or Kevin
at watch fanatics dot Ca. Please subscribe and feel free
to leave us a five star review on wherever you
download your podcasts. We hope you enjoy the show. Welcome back, Carol.
(00:24):
I think in our last podcast that we recorded, we
started talking about straps. I edited some of that conversation.
Now we kept a little bit about it in you
had a story you knew someone with a platypus strap
is that perfect?
Speaker 2 (00:41):
So he didn't have that one. But he had shown
me a website that sold straps of very unique materials,
and they did focus on unfortunately animals at the time.
And now when I go and search for it on
the web, I cannot see any remnants of this platypus strap.
(01:04):
But I did come across other types of exotic watch
bands made of ostrich. I think they probably just take
like parts of ostrich sheddings or feathers and somehow integrated
into the watch. I hope it's that, But a lot
of times, if you're looking for it, they are vintage,
(01:27):
so I don't think they're in an active production.
Speaker 1 (01:31):
Oh okay, which makes sense. I'm sure with animal rights
groups and exporting and importing laws, because I think certain
skins are illegal to export and important, Like you think alligator,
like a genuine alligator, crocodile, those are illegal in certain countries.
(01:54):
You know, it's a funny thing that you brought that up,
because last week or two weeks ago at the Toronto Show,
I did buy a strap from Strap's cod and one
of them is like a fake Ostrich leather strap.
Speaker 2 (02:10):
There you go.
Speaker 1 (02:12):
It's obviously cow leather half leather, but they do an
Ostrich pattern strap. I guess their skin's a little different
and textures are different, so I did buy one.
Speaker 2 (02:25):
I guess if you're looking for straps like this, if
you put in a keyword in search of exotic watch
straps and then put like Ostrich or lizard or snake.
But they can also be mixed with things like carver, fiber, titanium,
and other metals as well. Stingray that was one of
(02:47):
the other exotic ones. I thought, the Stingray bands, Oh.
Speaker 1 (02:52):
Those are nice and they're apparently really durable. Again, the
first time I saw them in person in hand was
at the on time Piece Show. There was a guy
who was let me pull him up here, Terry Crafted.
So he was at the Toronto time p Show and
he had his materials lined out and he would us
(03:12):
to make strap or a wallet. But yeah, stingray is
the thing that is amazing.
Speaker 2 (03:20):
The texture is so unique. I didn't know there were
so many different other options that were not made of
metal for straps. I always thought it was caf and crocodile.
I've seen of course, So right, can you share it
with me? When you were at the Toronto time Piece Show.
What attracted you to the Ostrich strap?
Speaker 1 (03:38):
So the owner of the company, owner of Strapsko, was there, Martin,
and they actually I was looking for a strap for
my Sacle cocktail time and he actually had one in
his warehouse and they used for a few photo shoots
and he was like, you gotta just try this on.
(03:59):
And he was right like he was dead on. I mean,
I guess that's his business, right, so he knows straps
very well. Actually ended up buying three straps from him.
I was getting bored of my Seko cocktail time, but
now it's become my favorite dress watch thanks to Strapsco
(04:21):
and thanks to the magic of straps and just to
let you know, he's interested in coming onto the show
and talking, and I'd like to have him on. I
think maybe if we could schedule that you're a part
of the call because it's interesting. He started from one watch,
(04:41):
got bored of it, wanted a new strap, and then
long story short, he now owns Straps Co. And he's
getting over one hundred orders a day, very successful. And
he's not only been able to make a business, but
he's also incorporated, which is watches, which is the dream,
(05:03):
right you want to have a job that you enjoy,
and he's doing that.
Speaker 2 (05:08):
Maybe what a topic could be when he does join
the podcast is helped me with the Cassio Royale that
you gifted me from the last episode, which was like
one of those way till the end moments. And you know,
coming from someone who has not dabbled in watch straps collections,
I have a couple spare ones and I can tell
(05:30):
you the story about that very nonchalant experience. I wish
I had no more. I'd talked to you before about this.
I used to just get straps for spares, but I
have no idea how to match the type of watch
you have with straps that drive with the materials that
you may be interested in. So he may find me
(05:52):
rather amusing because I have no idea how to start.
Speaker 1 (05:56):
He would be the right person to talk to actually
know what I think. Moving forward, for this episode, let's
talk about a strap for that watch, and maybe maybe
let's hear this story. So you just collected straps just
for like spare parts. Was that what you were doing?
Speaker 2 (06:18):
So, as you know, I'm a hoighly practical person and
I don't really buy things out of aesthetics or just
simply for decorative purposes. I always have to have some
kind of utilitarian purpose. So while I was in Hong Kong,
I was gifted an and Passa had made watch. So
(06:40):
someone had actually gone into a workshop for m Passa
for six months and built a watch from scratch. And
he said, okay, so you've got a watch strap for
this one, and I picked one up for you, but
pick two more straps and he said, just in case
of wearing care. So of course there I go. I'm like, oh, well,
I don't really know or care at this point. I'm like,
(07:02):
you decide because it has to match the color of
the watch faith, which is sort of like a gold
bronzish finish on the inside. So the strap that he
had was a leather strap that had the same kind
of like mustardy bronze color, and I said, I, frankly
don't know what other color or tones and hues would
match with this. So I picked this green, the forest
(07:26):
green strap, because I'm like, that looks like crocodile. I
know it's not, but that one looks cool, and he's like, okay.
And then the second one I picked was a burgundy
and I think that was also leather as well, And
he's like, are you sure, And I said, I don't know.
I told you, I don't know what I'm doing. I
just needed for spars, right, So I'll show you in
(07:48):
the photos the straps that I've gotten. Now, the original
strap has since worn and torn, so I don't have
the original, but the one that I've currently fixed it
with is the burgundy red one. So that's as far
as I've gone with any sort of like strap replacements
or dressing up straps. Sorry. One more my Apple watch
(08:09):
that you know I wear once a year. I bought
a sort of like a blingy titanium big gold with
some fake zirconium crystal embedded because I needed to dress
up the watch to go to a Nashville event for work,
and it was like cowboy night. It was like blinging denim.
(08:32):
So I thought, hey, the watch is the best accessory
to dress up any other regular outfit because I don't
have anything cowboy at home, so that would be my
bling for the night.
Speaker 1 (08:44):
Love it. I think what you shared was very interesting
because watch straps are both functional and fashion. I think
that's why it makes them so much fun. You know,
when you talk to someone about straps, I think one
of the things they'll first ask is what you're using
(09:05):
your watch for? Right, there's considerations. One of the clearest
things is is it going to get wet? Are you
going underwater? So there's a lot of silicone or rubber
strap options out there. Are you This is gonna sound weird,
but in the winter time or in the summertime, like
(09:26):
are you in a climate with a lot of humidity
versus not a lot of humidity? So sometimes the leather
straps aren't the best because they get sweaty and disgusting.
Speaker 2 (09:35):
That way.
Speaker 1 (09:36):
There's another function is which I had an interesting conversation
with wrote Timmy from Sovereign Watches, who believes that how
fast you need to remove a watch plays a role
into strap design as well. Do you have a little
(09:56):
buckle versus a deployment class on a brace? And that's
for people who use their watch properly as a chronograph,
because you're taking off to measure time or an event,
or if it's something like a tech meter, you want
to measure the duration event. So how fast you want
(10:19):
to put on and take off a watch is also important.
So those functions are important, like where and what purpose
you're using it for. But then it comes also right
down to the fashion sense you may have, so the
color of a dial, or the color of your outfit,
or just a color that you feel as your favorite
(10:40):
or least favorite, so colors you want to avoid. And
it goes into patterns as well. You know there's patterns
and festivities and events like Nashville. You want a cowboy
themed one. I have a Christmasy type natal strap that
I put on once a you're on one of my
say goes that plays a very important role, So something
(11:04):
to consider.
Speaker 2 (11:06):
When you say those things. Here are some of my spectacco.
I hope you're listening I do prefer one to take
off really quickly, because time is of the essence every
minute of the day. Actually, the strap that broke off
of my end passive was a buckle strap, and in
innocence of urgency, I tend to kind of try to
(11:26):
like rip it off, you know, when you undone the
holes and you're trying to rip it off of the buckle.
It's the wear and tear from my sense of urgency.
So I'm not great with buckles, so I do prefer
like the snap off one. But I have the skin sensitivity,
so the silicone doesn't work great for me, and that's
(11:48):
why I prefer like the stainless steel or the titanium,
because I tend to sweat quite a bit as well.
I don't know if it's also because here in Canada
it's gotten a lot about humid this summer, so I
find I'm always a little bit perspirery under the watch strap.
So I prefer the metallic straps. But I do enjoy
for an event or something ornate. The designs and things
(12:12):
that we talked about with the Ostrich is kind of
a really neat idea. The sting rays fun and I
don't know what else there is out there, but I
like the text string of the non metallic variety as well.
And I typically when I explore straps, I never think
(12:33):
to get it for the digital watches so much, but
definitely for the analogs. And I interestingly have a makeshift
watch strap replacement kit. It came with my Nashville strap,
I'll call it. So I kind of have an idea
of how to do it where you can shorten or
lengthen the straps. I know how to do that, So
(12:55):
I don't know, it's a hybrid of everything you said.
I don't know if that helps or refit further confuses.
Speaker 1 (13:03):
It absolutely makes it more interesting. And there's one thing
I know about a lot of the watch people. They
like these interesting problems to solve. A lot of watch
people are engineers. I think it's because of the mechanical
movements and whatnot, and engineers love problem solving. I think
(13:25):
I think we all like a little bit of problem
solving or troubleshooting, especially when it's not your own problem. Yeah,
we'll definitely have to ask Martin from strapscoll what he
asked to think, But have you ried any other straps
like the deployment class and they'll buckle. Because I hear
(13:48):
now and I saw this. It's a new take on
the deployment class and Strapsco has one, but unfortunately I
think it's on the rubber. But he's got springs built in.
Like the material is very springing, like metal spring, and
when you deploy it, it pops open as if they're
(14:09):
all like shot open with springs because the nature of
a spring, so it just pops open. It's even faster
to take off. And then when you're closing this thing,
it snaps into place. It's the spring of the material
that snaps everything back together, so it closes fast and secure.
It's really interesting. We'll have to have them on. Do
(14:32):
you like patterns on this strap?
Speaker 2 (14:35):
How do I explain this one? I like texture, but
not necessarily pattern, if that makes sense, and that's why
I kind of opted for you know, the things that
have maybe like it looks like crocodile but isn't or
has the textures the texture of the ostrich but doesn't
(14:57):
have the spotted patterns that you opt can see for stingray.
Speaker 1 (15:02):
Yeah, oh interesting texture. Well then Terry Crafted is someone
we have to get a hold of for you because
he has the materials there for you to actually feel
and see, because you're right, ostrich leather, even like textured
leather of the crocodile, or a smooth silkiness of a snake,
(15:26):
the ridges of a sting ray, they all have a
unique feel. Interesting to say, texture, I've never had anyone
say that, But then you know, when I watched the
Food Network or when I'm seeing people eat food, texture
plays a major role. And I never thought of it
(15:46):
that way because I just I'm not foody. I wish
I was more refined and I could have a palette
that could pick out these subtle differences. But yeah, here
texture is a big thing. Are you a texture eater?
Speaker 2 (16:02):
I am, So here's a weird one. And I find
that also for children, their palettes are oftentimes defined by textures.
When you're kids, you don't eat things that seem slimy
in nature, so texture plays a large role in their
formative development years. But for me food texture. I don't
like starchy, dry textured things, So I could never eat
(16:24):
like a boiled potato on its own, or a yam
or any sort of lagoon that's just like blanched, splash boiled.
Oh it's like a choking hazard.
Speaker 1 (16:37):
You know, yeah, actually, yeah, choking hazard. Maybe maybe you
have to chew more. I don't know.
Speaker 2 (16:49):
I think I need to drink it with lots of
milk or something.
Speaker 1 (16:52):
I get it. Yeah. Texture, I think that's what makes
French fries interesting. You have some people who like soft
fries versus crunchy FROs. Do you like people? You got
people who like the end bits or the long bits interesting?
You're right, texture is a big role. I'm going to
pay more attention not only in food, but into straps
(17:12):
now with your experience with metal straps, well with the
Casino Royale, and with your role as have you looked
into have you ever felt like a mesh bracelet? Ever
see the stainless steel mesh bracelets.
Speaker 2 (17:27):
I think that's such a nice dressy piece to have.
I have not gone to understand even how many different
types of configurations within the mesh collection there could be,
and how one goes to choose, because when you see
these law and order movies and they're trying to dress
up the client in a certain way. I don't know
if you've seen it, the Menendez Brothers. It's called Monsters
(17:50):
on Netflix right now, based on the true story, but
their wardrobe plays such a big part in the case,
and I will tell you if it was for better
or for worse. And I just also thinking for a watch,
based on what you choose, what does that say about you?
Speaker 1 (18:06):
Right? You've had this debate many many times with Kevin.
I'm curious what the Milinda's brothers think about watches because
I know if you have watches in your brains all
the time as a hobby like we do, knowing the
history behind the watch can shape our judgment and our
(18:28):
purchase of a watch. But I wonder, like when someone
who has no idea walks into a store, why are
they gravitating towards I have no idea? Like, I know
this is gonna sound horrible, but I know a lot
of jim brows that they want big and they want
the flashy. So they're okay with like a Diesel watch
(18:50):
for example, like yes or police maybe police. And they
don't care if it's good, if it's quartz, if it's automatic,
if it's you know, reseale or how old the brand,
they really don't care. They just they love it, right,
They just want something big, blingy. I don't know, what
(19:11):
do you think what do you look for to watch?
Speaker 2 (19:15):
Yeah, you're right on what I think. Depending on your
formative experience with watches, it does drive well, first of all,
how important it is for you to have a watch.
There are still people out there that choose not to
wear one and rely on just looking at their phone
for time. You'll still see people carry pocket watches around,
(19:36):
but then most of the time you'll see people with
an Apple watch and I'll just end it there. So
for me, my experience with time comes from as a kid,
you know, watching movies, whether it's Disney or something from
like the medieval times all the way up to you know,
(19:56):
the Roaring twenties. The one time piece that really stayed
with me was the Grandfather Clock.
Speaker 1 (20:05):
Yeah, yeah, yeah, a great decreat dog exactly. Yeah.
Speaker 2 (20:11):
And there were also they were also in a lot
of horror movies, which I you know, I'm a big
horror back everyone. If you've not watched Long Legs with
Nicholas Cage, don't watch it alone. But the Grandfather Clock
for me, had always this like darkness that it enshrouded
itself within terms of the energy or you know, what
happens when it strikes twelve? What happens when it strikes
(20:33):
three am. What's happening around in the house, said, it's
in and even the sound of it when it strikes.
You know, those magical hours always stayed with me and
I don't know what it is, but it always made
me think of time and certain times of the day
and you know how a person or your environment might
change with that. So for those who are not into horror,
(20:57):
three am is like the ghost hours when all the
ghost come out to play and hunt and possess. So
you're hoping that you're already like deep in sleep and
you don't notice these things for those that believe it.
So for me, the Grandfather clock was a big part
of my upbringing and then later on in life. I
had mentioned before my first watch was from my mom,
(21:18):
and if it were for her, I probably you know,
the only time I would ever look at a watch
was you know, for the recess bell at cool and
so you'd have the watch in the classroom, right or
the watch in the lunch room the clock sorry not
to watch. So it wasn't until I kind of got
my first time piece as a gift that I thought,
oh my gosh, this is important. I need to know
(21:41):
what's going on and what time it is any time
given time as a day. And for those that don't
know me, I ended up working in project management, and
of course time management is all I think about, right,
So you know, time for me is so important, and
so when I go into look for a watch, I
(22:02):
look for watchmakers, of course, within a reasonable budget, so
I'll look for expert watchmakers, and I'll also look for
one that has a historic legacy for consistency and stability.
And that's why the Seko was big for me, right,
and that's why the Rolex is big. I also look
for sort of fun and sporty watches because I do
(22:23):
do a lot of all inclusive vacations to the ocean,
so I need something that's some ocean salt water friendly,
so I'll oftentimes go for things like a Cassio g
Shock or right now, amazingly, the fossil Snooky watch has
withheld all the years I've been in the ocean, since
probably like twenty twelve.
Speaker 1 (22:42):
Wow, Snooky's been with you that long, Nuoki.
Speaker 2 (22:45):
I don't know how old you are now, girl, but
thanks for doing that show I want.
Speaker 1 (22:50):
Yeah, when was the last Jersey shore with Snooky.
Speaker 2 (22:55):
Two thousand and nine was when it would pree.
Speaker 1 (22:59):
Wow, two thousand and nine. Now, I don't know how
long we're going to go on this tangent, because if
planetbus stratched, God's going on this particular tangent. What do
you plan to do with your watches? Do you plan
on reselling them? Do you plan on holding onto them
(23:19):
and maybe gifting them to someone, putting them in your will?
Do you want to get buried with them? Have you
thought about that? Yeah?
Speaker 2 (23:28):
I have not. Hmmm. I might donate them to a
museum so that other people can appreciate it if they
wanted to remember what it was like to own a watch.
Maybe in fifty years from now, we won't need one.
Speaker 1 (23:44):
Right, isn't Elon planting a chip in all our heads
or something?
Speaker 2 (23:48):
Yeah, you probably see the clock in your eyeballs, so
you won't need a watch. So maybe that'll be a
unique time capsule relic for others to imagine what it
was like when you had to keep your own time.
Speaker 1 (24:05):
Museum piece. Definitely, in Toronto, we need that. We have
like the baddest shoe museum, right, so why not a
watch museum?
Speaker 2 (24:12):
No, that is true, I didn't think about why they
wouldn't by now, especially when you have Toronto time Piece
as a recurring event.
Speaker 1 (24:19):
Yeah, Jason Hunter from Toronto time Piece, he should be
honored in our museum. If this event takes off like
it does, he absolutely should be. I know what I'm
gonna do when it win a lot tonight, I'm gonna
have a small portion dedicated to our watch museum. I yes,
(24:39):
your watches will definitely have a spot. Oh, thank you,
You'll be my God, You'll definitely be one of the founders.
Speaker 2 (24:48):
Yeah, that's amazing. I hope those sixty million good to
you tonight.
Speaker 1 (24:52):
How many millions do you think I need to start
a watch museum.
Speaker 2 (24:56):
Well, if you want to get into the business side
of things and incorporate as a nonprofit, that's a different
business model. You might be able to economize a bit better.
Speaker 1 (25:06):
Yes, well, my time with a nonprofit. I think there
can be benefits with a nonprofit, But at the same time,
I don't want to work with a nonprofit right now.
It's not the best feeling in the world to work
with a nonprofit my opinion, because it's like any other machine,
(25:29):
its number one goal would have to be make money,
so it could sustain itself, but as a private museum.
I want to make the goal the watches, and maybe
as a private collection at first. If I win the
first watch, I'll put in there. I have a Texas
(25:52):
Instrument digital watch from nineteen seventy seven that will definitely
go in there. It's a Texas instrument.
Speaker 2 (25:59):
Texas instrument the Calculator Company as a watch, yes.
Speaker 1 (26:05):
And it's a Star Wars watch of all things. And
I will put it in the museum.
Speaker 2 (26:15):
That is fascinating.
Speaker 1 (26:16):
Let go of it and put it in the museum.
I'm gonna go buy more tickets after this.
Speaker 2 (26:23):
And here's a fun fact about nonprofit. Did you know
Rolex is a nonprofit?
Speaker 1 (26:28):
What waite view now? So our last podcast I really
loved roletts Now do I like or last? It's houses
a nonprofit. I feel like as a nonprofit there's some
witchcraft going on with nexes.
Speaker 2 (26:50):
It's governed by a charitable trust that's a nonprofit.
Speaker 1 (26:54):
Oh okay, yeah, Like I said, there's some witchcraft with
taxes and grant money is going on. I'm sure they're
doing a lot of good.
Speaker 2 (27:03):
All of their profits go straight into the foundation tax
under Swiss law, so they don't need to pay corporate
taxes on their profits, so they actually donate ninety percent
of their profits to this trust. Makes sense.
Speaker 1 (27:16):
Hopefully that trust is well managed.
Speaker 2 (27:19):
I mean it's Swiss Bank. I think they'll be okay.
Speaker 1 (27:23):
Well, I mean well managed. They're going to altruistic causes.
Speaker 2 (27:27):
Oh, I see, I hear you.
Speaker 1 (27:30):
Yeah, Swiss Banks. I'm sure it's well taken care of. Rolette.
I don't know what you guys are doing. Well, you
learn something new every day. I don't know where your
watches will end up, Carol, but I'm sure hoping that
you have many more watches to add to your collection
(27:52):
in the future, and many more watch straps to add.
Speaker 2 (27:57):
I'm excited for this strap from hobbyists. You know, I
haven't really been able to name a hobby in the
last quarter of my life, so maybe this is a
new thing. And what a great time to do that
is an adult that's fiscally responsible can dabble in something
that's both functional, nostalgic and something crafty. With all of
(28:19):
these wonderful strap makers who have made this their legacy
and their story of passion, I think there's so much
behind that. And why not meet an engineer and give
them a good challenge. I've got a nice specs competition
for you.
Speaker 1 (28:33):
Just you wait, you are you very crafty? That sounds weird.
Are you good with crafts?
Speaker 2 (28:44):
I wish I was. If it's a fine arts Probably not.
I think I always envision myself to be a talented painter,
so my art teachers tell me. And I think I
work well with charcoal for the portraits. But I'm talking
(29:05):
about twenty years ago. I think when I think about crafty,
I think of craftiness in words. So maybe it was
what your original intent when you asked if I was crafty.
I'm pretty crafty with my words. Yeah, so funny enough.
As part of a gift to myself this new milestone
in my life where I live into my new place,
(29:27):
I bought myself a book that a coworker recommended me
and it was called the only astrology book You'll ever need.
And I can't wait to read it with her. The
occupations for my star sign as a Gemini is to
be a writer or a journalist, and I always thought, yeah,
I'm not going to work in Chinese culture. I can't
do that stuff. Parents will kill me. It's not one
of the white color jobs. That they gave me the
(29:49):
choice of right more and more in my life. Now
I see how it's always drawn me back to writing
or speaking. Like you inviting me to this podcast for
the second time is nothing I would ever have considered,
but it's so much fun because they get to use
my words.
Speaker 1 (30:07):
Well, you're not invited. You're part of the podcast. Now,
you are? You are? When I have time, I'm going
to go change the bio and have your contact information
in there. You're not a guest. You are part of
the podcast, and you are crafty. I swear that.
Speaker 2 (30:29):
Thank you.
Speaker 1 (30:33):
In a good way. In a good way because every
time I talk to you, I'm like, I'm always stunned
at how intelligent you sound and how stupid I must
sound next to you, because your words are very deliberate
in intention so you get the right emotion. Your communication
(30:54):
levels are, I have to say, probably one of the
best I've across working in my field and also in
the nonprofit and also interviewing people for this podcast. Your
communication skills are like next level.
Speaker 2 (31:12):
No, I can't believe you just said that to me. Now,
can you repeat it to my parents because they have
a different view. Thank you so much for that.
Speaker 1 (31:21):
Ah parents kids in their parents? When are kids free
from that persona persona See, no.
Speaker 2 (31:35):
That's a project management work. Don't worry about that one.
Speaker 1 (31:39):
But I don't want to take up too much of
your time. I can't remember when you had to get
off maybe on that note. Actually no, I swear I
had too much coffee. So where I was going with
this craftiness? Your your ability to craft. I know that
you can create and make your own straps. I've seen
(32:01):
patterns for natal straps, so people have gone and bought
material and made their own natal straps, bought like the
little hoops and rings off eBay for like pennies, and
then made their own straps. My nephew tried to make
a natal strap with leather and he got to the
damn close. He just chose the wrong thickness of leather,
(32:22):
but he nailed it. He just has to go back
to the drawing board and pick a better material. If
you want to elevate your hobby with straps, I encourage
anyone to like make your own strap.
Speaker 2 (32:36):
Okay, don't kill me for this idea. I have an
old LV wallet that I can't use anymore. It's the
white and gray monogram I was like, what do I
do with this? It's it's kind of wear and tear,
so I don't want to use it, but I don't
want to throw it away. I'm like, do I try
to light it on fire to make sure it's fire
repellent like they tell me? Or can I use that
to make a watch strap?
Speaker 1 (32:58):
Ooh, you can use didn't make your own strap if
you're nervous about it, maybe even call up Terry Crafted
cool and they made a strap for you.
Speaker 2 (33:13):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (33:14):
Was this wallet from your hard earned cash? Or was
it a gift?
Speaker 2 (33:18):
Oh, my gosh, it was a gift. Yes, it was
a gift from my partner at the time, and I
was just in my undergrad years and he gifted it
to me, probably for my birthday or for Christmas.
Speaker 1 (33:34):
Yeah, it turned on in this Wait, well did it end? Well?
Speaker 2 (33:39):
No, it was horrific. But that's okay because I think
what it will remind me of is that, you know,
when this was a gift, it was a gift of luxury.
It was the gift of leather, and it was a
gift of time that we had. And you know, with leather,
it really doesn't you're the sads of time. If you
(34:02):
preserve it well. So just like in any relationship, right,
if you preserve it well, you understand it and you
give it what it needs, and you remember to reciprocate
that kindness. I think it's a great reminder about being
grateful for the relationships you have that shape you today,
and what you've taken is gratitude to move forward in
(34:24):
your future. As we were coming into Thanksgiving weekend and all,
I think that actually has a great message, despite you
know how it may have ended. I'm scared to see
it torn up, but then it's just sitting there forgotten. Anyways,
Wonder how many straps carry can make for me, and
then I can give you one.
Speaker 1 (34:41):
I don't know how many straps you can make from it,
but he's probably worth an email or a phone call.
Do I want to wear something from Carol's boyfriend's past?
Boyfriend's past?
Speaker 2 (34:54):
It's fire repellent? Do you have a fire repellent watch strap?
Speaker 1 (34:58):
Yet?
Speaker 2 (34:59):
Oh?
Speaker 1 (34:59):
That's true? That is cool. Isn't that a Matthew McConaughey
movies girlfriend's Plans? I don't know.
Speaker 2 (35:09):
I wish I didn't tell you that one. Now I
can have been Hey, look you got an LV Wes strap.
It's one of the kind.
Speaker 1 (35:17):
That is so wicked. That's such a great idea. I
wonder if can't do that.
Speaker 2 (35:21):
Yeah, I might go look for it, make sure I
have it first before I ask. But I think I
would love to convert that and maybe even do some
like maybe like just small other goods with it, like
a keychain folder or something. I know that's not for
Terry perhaps, but or make a couple of straps, and
then you can decide if you want to carry my
past relationship legacy on your wrist and with that.
Speaker 1 (35:46):
Hey, that'd be kind of a full story actually your
ex relationships legacy. Well, I'm sure this Terry Crafted guy,
he can do anything, you know what. I will put
his information in the show notes. I seen his stuff
at the show. It wasn't just strapped, So I'm sure
he can do anything you ask him to. Oh wow,
(36:09):
I don't know. We'll see how he feels about working
with LV instead of sting, raising snake skin and cow leather.
I don't know. We'll see what he says, but I
think he can do it absolutely.
Speaker 2 (36:24):
You know, back in the day. I don't know if
they still have this as part of their repertoire for materials.
But Gucci, do you know how they procure their leather? No,
they have their own herd of cows. There's special cows
that they make leather from. There's special cows. That's what
(36:45):
made them so expensive before.
Speaker 1 (36:47):
Oh my god, m h wow. I guess there is
some reasoning behind price tags of these luxury brands if
they go and actually grow their own.
Speaker 2 (36:58):
Cattle, take care of their own yeah, I had no idea.
Speaker 1 (37:03):
Two things I learned today roles as a nonprofit in
Gucci cow farmers. That's crazy. Imagine your business card. I'm
a Gucci cow farmer, Like, that's crazy. LinkedIn Gucci cow farmer.
I don't know, that's crazy. But on that note, I
should probably let you go. But again, nice talking to you,
(37:26):
and we'll talk very soon, okay, Carol.
Speaker 2 (37:29):
Yes, thank you. It's my pleasure. And I can't wait
to get a hold of Terry's contact and bide my
wallet and see what crafty things he can do with it.
Speaker 1 (37:38):
I'm sure they'll blow you out of the water.
Speaker 2 (37:40):
Ye can't wait.
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