Strapped In And Ready To Go

How a Malaysian craftsman is helping watch enthusiasts enjoy their hobby, one strap at a time.

- by Stuart Danker

One would imagine a watch-strap maker as a lover of horology before starting their business, but for Muhammad Syafiq Badrulizam, it is the other way around. He took an interest in leather-working before he even thought about watches. Even his college background — electrical and electronics engineering — veers wildly from his current vocation.

Yet through his craft, Syafiq has managed to pique the interest of watch enthusiasts from all over the world, gaining one loyal customer after another. The best part is that — having founded his business in 2022 — he has only just begun. Men’s Folio Malaysia speaks to him to learn more about this growing niche industry in Malaysia.

UNEXPECTED BEGINNINGS

Interestingly enough, the pandemic lockdown would be what set Syafiq down this path of entrepreneurship. "I started this journey by making my own cardholder. I had routinely bought card holders up to that point, until I realised I could probably make one myself. I was interested in just leather at first. But in the blink of an eye, I would end up with my strap-making business."

Getting nudged into this niche was a serendipitous affair. Syafiq's father would gift him a Seiko 5, and this particular model came with unconventional lugs. Aftermarket straps for this design were rare, and that prompted Syafiq to create one specifically for that watch.