Vario’s story started in 2016 with something rather simple: graphic watch straps. Ten years later, the Singaporean brand has grown into one of the most recognisable names in the microbrand watch world, creating watches and accessories with a strong focus on design and individuality. To celebrate their 10th anniversary, Vario has gone back to where it all began.

Straps.

But this time with something considerably more premium.

Enter their new Premium Strap Collection.

For this collection, Vario partnered with RIOS1931, a German family-owned strap maker with a long history of traditional craftsmanship. The brand was founded in Augsburg in 1931 by watchmaker Oswald Riemer and is still family-run today in its third generation.

The result is a strap built around one of the stars of the leather world: Novonappa from Haas Tanneries.

The strap is available in three colours: Camel Brown, which is the version I received, Walnut Brown for a darker look, and Coal Black. You can also choose between 18mm and 20mm lug widths.

One small note when looking at the photos: the Camel Brown can appear slightly different depending on the lighting setup I used. The warm tones in some of these shots can make the leather look lighter or richer than it does in natural light.

The Leather

Novonappa immediately feels different from an ordinary leather strap. It is incredibly soft and smooth, with a beautiful natural grain that gives the surface plenty of character. It feels refined without being overly polished or artificial.

And then there is the smell.

I know it might sound strange to dedicate part of a watch strap review to its smell, but honestly, it deserves it. The leather has that unmistakable rich, fresh leather aroma that you get from a genuinely beautiful piece of leather. It is one of those things you notice every time you pick up the watch. Of course, like any natural leather, the scent gradually fades with wear, but that first impression is something special and it lasts for a while.

That distinctive character comes from its origin. Haas is a historic French tannery that has been producing leather since 1842, and Novonappa is one of its best-known materials. It is double-tanned, combining chrome and vegetable tanning, which gives it its characteristic softness and allows it to develop a beautiful patina over time.

And that is part of what makes this one so interesting. It isn’t meant to remain perfectly pristine forever. The natural grain and finish will evolve with wear, gradually developing its own character.

The Construction

The strap is hand saddle stitched, a traditional technique that gives the stitching both a beautiful appearance and excellent durability. RIOS1931 itself highlights its hand-sewn saddler’s seam as one of its traditional craftsmanship techniques.

On the underside is Haas Zermatt leather, chosen for its comfort and resistance to moisture. After wearing the strap for some time, I can say that the comfort is one of its strongest points. It feels soft against the skin and doesn’t require a long break-in period.

The strap is approximately 114/82mm long and 3mm thick, with the 18mm and 20mm versions tapering to 16mm.

On the Wrist

This is where the strap really comes alive, so to say.

I’ve been wearing the Camel Brown version on my vintage Breitling chronograph, and I love the combination. The colour works beautifully with the aged character of the watch, while the softness of the Novonappa makes it extremely comfortable for all-day wear.

What I particularly like is how effortlessly well-made the strap feels. The quality comes through in the leather, the finishing, the stitching and, yes, that incredible smell. Nothing feels overstated; it simply feels like a beautifully crafted strap.

Vario started its journey with watch straps ten years ago. Coming back to straps for their 10th anniversary with a collection like this feels rather fitting.

The Premium Novonappa strap takes a familiar watch accessory and turns it into something that feels genuinely special.

Beautiful leather, excellent craftsmanship, extreme comfort and last but not least that smell.

For me, that’s a winning combination.

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Link to the strap:

Premium Watch Strap