Soft Goods Design
Watch Strap Design for Kromm
A collection of watch straps combining generative design, craftsmanship and mechanical innovation.
Watch strap design beyond the watch
The strap collection explores how Kromm’s distinctive design language can extend beyond the watch itself.
For Kromm Watches, Groen Boothman developed a dedicated watch strap collection that extends the distinctive character of the watch into materials, tactility and precise detailing.
Inspired by Kromm's generative design language, we explored unconventional strap designs that bring together craftsmanship, comfort and mechanical functionality.
Alongside the collection, we developed a custom buckle and a miniature self-locking mechanism for quickly exchanging straps and bracelets. Each element was considered as part of the same design system.
A different kind of exotic
The organic, almost unpredictable shapes of Kromm Watches became the starting point for the collection.
Drawing on the same biomimetic principles, we explored a design language that moves away from the familiar forms of traditional watch straps. Rather than simply repeating the shapes of the watch, the straps were conceived as an extension of its character.
The result is a collection that brings a different perspective to traditional watchmaking, combining unconventional forms with a strong sense of material and detail.
Craft and tactility
A watch strap is more than a functional attachment. It is the part of the watch that comes into direct contact with the wearer, making tactility, comfort and craftsmanship essential to the design.
We paid particular attention to the interaction between materials, surface details and construction. The aim was to introduce a sense of playfulness without losing the precision and quality associated with mechanical watches.
The collection offers different possibilities for personal styling, allowing the character of the watch to change with the strap.
Complementary Buckle Design
A distinctive watch strap deserves a buckle of its own. Even the smallest component should feel like it belongs to the same design.
But how do you give such a small, functional part its own character without overdesigning it?
For Kromm, we developed a dedicated buckle with carefully considered proportions and subtle references to the organic design language of the watch collection.
A small detail, but an important one in making the design feel complete.
A self-locking quick-change mechanism
Changing a watch strap is traditionally a rather technical operation, often requiring a special tool.
For Kromm, we designed a miniature self-locking mechanism that allows straps and bracelets to be exchanged quickly and easily.
The inspiration came from an unexpected source: the simple mechanical principle of a traditional self-locking garden gate latch.
By translating this principle into a compact watch mechanism, we created a practical solution that makes changing straps an integral part of the user experience.
What we did: Watch strap collection design, buckle design and mechanism development
Groen Boothman developed the design vision and creative direction for the Kromm strap collection.
Our work included exploring the biomimetic design language, developing signature strap designs and considering the relationship between craftsmanship, materials and the distinctive geometry of the watch.
We also designed the buckle and the miniature self-locking quick-change mechanism, bringing together mechanical functionality and ease of use.
The project reflects our approach to product development, where form, material, engineering and user experience are considered together from the beginning.
LET'S WORK TOGETHER
Have a project in mind?
Tell us what you are working on. We are happy to think along.