Name/Title
Leather wristwatch strapEntry/Object ID
2025.1.94Description
A single wristwatch strap of dark navy-blue to black grained leather, photographed front (obverse) and reverse. The obverse presents a uniformly dyed, lightly pebbled leather surface with a stitched seam running the length of each side and a row of buckle-adjustment holes; several holes show enlargement and surrounding abrasion from repeated fastening, and one or two have torn into short slits. A fixed leather keeper (retaining loop) crosses the strap near the midpoint. A white-metal buckle with a pin (prong) is mounted at the upper end. The reverse reveals the natural, undyed tan underside of the leather, edge-stitched throughout, with a leather keeper and the buckle frame visible; the buckle bar carries a faint ridged or textured pattern that is not legibly inscribed. The strap shows substantial wear: surface scuffing, loss of dye exposing paler leather at the edges and folds, stiffening, and soiling consistent with prolonged everyday use.Collection
The Cabrera Arús family collectionMade/Created
Notes
Maker
Unidentified. No maker's mark, brand, or country-of-origin stamp is legible on either face.
Date
Circa mid-to-late 20th century (undetermined). Dating rests only on materials, construction, and wear; no datable marks are present.
Place of Origin
Undetermined.Materials
Material Notes
Materials
Leather (exterior dyed dark blue/black; reverse natural tan); white-metal alloy buckle and pin; sewing thread.
Technique
Cut and dyed leather, machine- or hand-stitched along the edges; folded and stitched keeper; cast or stamped metal buckle with pin.Relationships
Related Person or Organization
Person or Organization
Gertrudis Caraballo GálvezNotes
ownerRelated Places
Place
City
HavanaCountry
CubaRegion
Caribbean, Central AmericaNotes
useResearch Notes
Notes
The strap belongs to the material culture of watch use, maintenance, and reuse — a recurring theme within the Cuba Material collection, where consumer goods were typically repaired, re-strapped, and kept in service far longer than in import-rich economies. The pronounced wear at multiple adjustment holes indicates extended use, and the absence of any brand marking is itself characteristic of low-cost or locally produced/replaced accessories.Created By
María A. Cabrera ArúsCreate Date
November 17, 2025Updated By
María A. Cabrera ArúsUpdate Date
June 4, 2026
