Sigma Cinch Watch Strap Review

I first found myself on the SigmaStrap website after scouring the internet to try and find a metal bracelet option for my CWC 1983 Diver. Job done, their Sigma S2 Bracelet is designed specifically for CWC Quartz and Automatic Dive Watches. At least I thought it was job done, but no, the dreaded "out of stock-notify me" message hung below the listing, teasing me, so it was off to ebay. I was lucky enough to score a lightly used S2 Bracelet and I can tell you that it has managed to exceed my expectations in quality and wear. The fit and finish is fantastic and it even has an on-the-fly micro-adjust that works really well.

As the wearing experience of my CWC Diver was transformed so much by the S2, I decided to head back to the Sigma site to look at the nylon straps I had spotted on there. My typical fabric strap preference is either a Marine Nationale or a Single-Pass Nato as both help watches sit lower on the wrist. Marine Nationale watch straps like the ones sold by ErikasOriginals are definitely my favourite if I am looking for an alternative to the stainless-steel bracelets that I have on most of my watches. I have loads of them kicking around the house, sourced from lots of different places and bought at varying price points but I have always been on the look out for something different, a variation on a theme if you like, enter the Sigma Cinch Strap.

This strap has been very well thought out and has a twin buckle design that utilises a tension locking system which gives a millimetre precise fit that can be easily adjusted as and when needed. In use I find it every bit as easy to adjust as a Marine Nationale strap and I would rate it as one of the most comfortable fabric watch straps that I have worn, certainly leagues ahead of any Nato in that department. It also eliminates the protruding buckles and hooks that form a large part of the reason I struggle to get on with Nato's and also some Marine Nationale straps. From the website pictures, I initially thought that the keeper looked bulky and could be a weak spot but as soon as I started using the Cinch it was clear that it does it job well and keeps any excess tucked neatly away.

When I placed my first order I opted for an olive green strap with matte black buckles only to change my mind as soon as the order was in, doh! I emailed Sigma and Sadiq(owner) came back to me very quickly, it was an easy swop out to brushed steel buckles. A brief email conversation with Sadiq left me in no doubt that he is very passionate about his business and has put a lot of time and effort into producing his small but perfectly formed collection of fabric straps and steel bracelets. I now own two Cinch straps, an olive green and a black one, both with brushed steel buckles. I have been asked more questions about these straps than any Nato or Marine Nationale that I have worn and everyone agrees that the Cinch looks great on wrist. This combination of good looks together with precise adjustability and supreme comfort has made the Cinch my go-to fabric strap. To top it all off, the strap even comes in its own wash bag, nice touch!

Quality and comfort usually comes with a high price tag but I think that Sigma are charging a fair price for this strap. Judging by my own experience and from reading reviews, I think that great customer service is assured from an owner that is obviously very passionate about what he does. Ordering is simple, questions are answered quickly, and both of my Cinch straps arrived within 48hrs of placing the order(UK). If you're anything like me and find NATO straps frustrating, and you're searching for a more comfortable and easily adjustable alternative, I highly recommend trying out Sigma Cinch Straps.