It was early 2020 in Siegen, Germany and Rolex connoisseur and collector Benjamin Loos has one small problem that money cannot buy nor fix – a leather strap for his beloved Rolex GMT Master II. The TINOetTINO story could have ended there on that winter day because, had he found a premium leather strap that was worthy of his impeccable taste, then TINOetTINO Masterstraps would not exist today.

The disappointment that his wish could not be fulfilled initiated the idea of producing the perfect leather strap for not only his Rolex, but for other Rolex aficionados as well.  From then on, and together with a small team, his only concern was to make a band with a seamless integration using the highest quality materials and exclusive colors.

A dream can be just that and stay as just a fantasy; however, converting Benjamin’s dream to reality proved far harder than initially envisioned. Initially, nobody suspected just how complicated the production of a leather watch band would be because Rolex
wouldn’t be THE premier watchmaker if the perfect leather strap/band could be so easily attached! Benjamin’s dream would have to be delayed before coming to
fruition!

Eventually, a manufacturer was finally found after months of research and Benjamin was back on track! The team proudly presented its designs to the manufacturer with the firm belief that the straps could be manufactured within three months; however, that optimistic prognosis came crashing back to Earth.  Of course, it wasn’t going to be easy!  The manufacturer’s employees had to break the bad news gently to Benjamin’s team by countering, “Do you know the peculiarity of the strap connections at Rolex?” Actually, the team did not know that Rolex always sets the holes for the spring bars differently depending on the product reference. Therefore, not every strap fits every watch!

Again, Benjamin and his team’s dream took yet another hit; however, this only drove them harder to overcome this latest hurdle. The initial idea of a seamless connection of a strap to the case seemed harder to envision coming to fruition because no one could tell them exactly where the holes are in the housing or where this information could be obtained. Talk about frustrating!

The team left the meeting with the following departing comment from the manufacturer -- “There were so many here who wanted to do exactly this and it never worked. If you ever get this data, please feel free to contact us.” This statement stayed in the head of Benjamin and his team and only increased their drive to overcome this massive hurdle. It only inspired them to greater heights of motivation to discover a solution.

Flash forward several more months of intense research and trialing and a solution was FINALLY found: each Rolex model was measured by laser. Technical drawings were created and the housing connections, the so-called TINOetTINO Masterstrap Cores, Titan and a patented plastic, were developed.  They ensure a seamless and safe connection of the TINOetTINO Masterstraps to the Rolex.