In the bustling city of Chicago, a small company is making big waves in the world of watch accessories. Veblenist, a name that might not be familiar to everyone, has quickly become synonymous with quality, craftsmanship, and American-made excellence in the watch strap industry. Let’s dive into the fascinating story of how this company came to be and why it’s capturing the hearts of watch enthusiasts across the nation.
The Birth of Veblenist Watch Straps
Veblenist was born from a simple yet powerful idea: to create high-quality watch straps right here in the United States. The company’s founder, Howard, was a watch enthusiast who found himself frustrated with the lack of American-made options for watch straps. He believed that the US had the talent and resources to produce world-class watch accessories, and he was determined to prove it.
In 2017, Howard Riady took a leap of faith and started Veblenist in his hometown of Chicago. The company began in a small workshop, with Howard personally crafting each strap by hand. His first product was a classic leather watch strap, meticulously designed and created to showcase the potential of American craftsmanship
From Humble Beginnings to Watch Strap Sensation
Veblenist’s journey from a one-man operation to a respected name in the watch accessory world wasn’t an overnight success story. It took time, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to quality. Veblenist takes advantage of the countless hours perfecting their craft, sourcing the finest materials, and developing unique designs to set their products apart from the competition.
The company’s first big break came when a popular watch blog featured one of Veblenist’s watch straps. Suddenly, orders started pouring in from all over the country. Watch enthusiasts were thrilled to discover a high-quality, American-made alternative to imported straps
What Sets Veblenist Apart?
In a market flooded with mass-produced watch straps, Veblenist has managed to carve out a unique niche. Here’s what makes them special:
1. Made in the USA: Every Veblenist strap is proudly crafted in Chicago, supporting local artisans and the American economy. This commitment to domestic production ensures high-quality control and contributes to the local job market.

2. Quality Materials: Veblenist uses only the finest leathers, canvases, and hardware in their straps, ensuring durability and comfort. They source premium materials like Horween Shell Cordovan leather, known for its unique properties and ability to develop a beautiful patina over time.
3. Customization: Customers can personalize their straps, choosing from a variety of colors, materials, and sizes. Veblenist goes above and beyond by offering custom color matching for stitching at no additional cost, allowing customers to perfectly complement their watch dials.

4. Attention to Detail: Each strap undergoes rigorous quality checks before leaving the workshop, guaranteeing a premium product every time. The company pays attention to even the smallest details, including the packaging, which contributes to an impressive unboxing experience.
5. Innovative Designs: Veblenist constantly pushes the boundaries of strap design, offering unique styles you won’t find anywhere else. For example, their Carbon Black Ridged strap features an embossed texture reminiscent of ribbed rubber diver straps, but crafted in leather for a distinctive look and feel.


6. Comfort and Wearability: Veblenist straps are designed with the wearer in mind. Many of their straps are soft and comfortable right out of the box, requiring little to no break-in period. This attention to comfort sets them apart from many other strap makers.
7. Excellent Customer Service: The company, led by founder Howard, is known for its responsive and helpful customer service. They’re willing to work with customers on custom requests and provide quick, clear communication throughout the ordering process.
8. Competitive Pricing: Despite the high quality and customization options, Veblenist offers their straps at fair and competitive prices, making premium, American-made watch accessories accessible to a wider audience.
Veblenist on Instagram: A Visual Feast for Watch Enthusiasts
For those who want to see more of Veblenist’s stunning creations, their Instagram account (@veblenist) is a must-follow. The account serves as a visual showcase of their diverse strap collection, featuring high-quality photos that highlight the textures, colors, and craftsmanship of their products.
The Veblenist Difference: American Craftsmanship at Its Finest
One of the most compelling aspects of Veblenist’s story is their commitment to American manufacturing. In an era where many companies outsource production overseas, Veblenist stands firm in its belief that the best quality comes from keeping things local.
By manufacturing in Chicago, Veblenist not only ensures top-notch quality control but also supports the local economy. They’ve created jobs for skilled artisans and have become a shining example of what American manufacturing can achieve in the 21st century.

The Future Looks Bright for Veblenist
As Veblenist continues to grow, they’re not resting on their laurels. The company is constantly innovating, exploring new materials, and refining their production processes. They’re also expanding their product line, branching out into other watch accessories such as watch storage and travel accessories while staying true to their core values of quality and American craftsmanship.
With a loyal customer base and a reputation for excellence, Veblenist is poised for even greater success in the coming years. They’re proving that with passion, skill, and a commitment to quality, American-made products can compete with the best in the world.
Why Choose Veblenist Straps?
If you’re a watch enthusiast looking for the perfect strap to complement your timepiece, Veblenist offers a compelling choice. Here’s why you should consider a Veblenist strap for your next watch accessory:
1. Unmatched Quality: Each Veblenist strap is a testament to American craftsmanship, built to last and improve with age. The company uses premium materials like Horween leather, known for its durability and ability to develop a beautiful patina over time. Every stitch, every cut, and every finish is meticulously executed to ensure a product that not only looks great but stands the test of time.
2. Unique Designs: Stand out from the crowd with Veblenist’s innovative and eye-catching strap designs. From their classic leather straps to more adventurous options like the Carbon Black Ridged strap, Veblenist offers styles you won’t find anywhere else. These unique designs allow you to express your personal style and make your watch truly one-of-a-kind.
3. Support American Manufacturing: By choosing Veblenist, you’re supporting local artisans and the American economy. In an era where many companies outsource production, Veblenist’s commitment to manufacturing in Chicago creates jobs and helps preserve traditional craftsmanship skills. Your purchase directly contributes to the growth of American small businesses.
4. Customization Options: Find the perfect strap for your watch with Veblenist’s range of customization options. You can choose from various leather types, colors, and sizes to match your watch and personal style. Veblenist even offers custom stitching colors at no extra cost, allowing you to create a truly personalized strap.
5. Excellent Customer Service: Veblenist is known for its dedication to customer satisfaction, ensuring you have a great experience from purchase to wear. The team is responsive to inquiries, offers helpful advice on strap selection, and is willing to work with customers on special requests. This personalized service adds value beyond just the product itself.
6. Comfort and Wearability: Veblenist straps are designed with the wearer’s comfort in mind. Many of their straps are soft and pliable right out of the box, requiring little to no break-in period. This means you can enjoy your new strap immediately without the discomfort often associated with stiff, new leather straps.
7. Versatility: Whether you have a vintage dress watch or a modern sports timepiece, Veblenist offers straps that can complement a wide range of watch styles. Their diverse collection ensures you can find a strap that not only fits your watch but also suits different occasions, from formal events to casual outings.
8. Value for Money: While Veblenist straps are premium products, they offer excellent value for money. The combination of high-quality materials, expert craftsmanship, and unique designs justifies the price point. Moreover, the durability of these straps means they’ll last longer than cheaper alternatives, providing better long-term value.
9. Eco-Friendly Options: For environmentally conscious consumers, Veblenist offers vegan-friendly strap options. These straps provide the look and feel of leather without using animal products, allowing you to enjoy a premium strap while aligning with your values.
10. Limited Editions and Collaborations: Veblenist occasionally releases limited edition straps and collaborations with watch brands or influencers. By choosing Veblenist, you gain access to these exclusive offerings, allowing you to own truly special and rare pieces.
11. Educational Resources: Veblenist doesn’t just sell straps; they also provide educational content about watch straps, care instructions, and styling tips. This commitment to customer education helps you make informed decisions and get the most out of your purchase.
12. Community Engagement: When you choose Veblenist, you’re not just buying a product; you’re joining a community of watch enthusiasts. Through their social media presence and customer features, Veblenist fosters a sense of community among their customers, allowing you to connect with like-minded individuals who share your passion for watches and quality accessories.
Do not take my word for it. See what else people have to say about Veblenist
Conclusion: More Than Just Watch Straps
Veblenist is more than just a company that makes watch straps. It’s a testament to the power of passion, craftsmanship, and the enduring appeal of American-made products. From its humble beginnings in a Chicago workshop to its current status as a respected name in the watch accessory world, Veblenist’s journey is an inspiring example of what can be achieved with dedication and a commitment to quality.
As we wrap up this first part of our series on Veblenist, we hope you’re as excited as we are about this remarkable company. Stay tuned for our next post, where we’ll take a deeper dive into Veblenist’s product line and share some customer experiences.
Whether you’re a watch enthusiast looking for the perfect strap or simply someone who appreciates quality craftsmanship, Veblenist offers something special. Why not give them a try and experience the Veblenist difference for yourself?


