Kesumba Leather Strap
Kesumba Leather Strap
Introducing Waktu Horology's First Anniversary release: The Kesumba Leather Strap. As a vital part of the Anniversary Collection, this edition marks the first time we have captured the "existential fire" of our heritage in a bespoke accessory.
The name Kesumba — a term rooted in the traditional scarlet dyes of the Nusantara — is a tribute to the oldest Sultanate, Kedah. It represents the Darah Tanah Air (Blood of the Homeland) and the legendary bravery found within the Hikayat (Tales).
In Malay culture, scarlet red is the colour of the Pahlawan (Warrior). It symbolises courage, sacrifice, and the life force that sustains the spirit. Crafted from premium Scarlet Red calf leather, the Kesumba strap is designed for those who carry a bold, heroic spirit.
The choice of a Black Lining and Scarlet Red Stitching creates a deep, intense aesthetic, ensuring the strap feels grounded in strength rather than just brightness.
For this variant, we feature the Bunga Ukir (Carved Flower) motif, meticulously hand-painted in Ochre-Gold pigment. Inspired by the intricate wood carvings found in traditional Malay architecture, this motif represents the "Softness within the Warrior"—the heart and grace that beat beneath a coat of courage.
By keeping the design focused on this singular carved flower, we allow the intensity of the Kesumba to speak for itself. It is a symbol of Bravery and Victory, mimicking the gold-threaded attire of a Panglima (General).
The use of ochre-gold paint against the scarlet leather creates a striking, earthy contrast—a nod to the traditional pigments found in ancient Malay art. This combination transforms the strap into a piece of Warrior’s Regalia, echoing the raw and uncompromising spirit of the Pahlawan. To ensure this artistry stands the test of time, the hand-applied pigments are treated with a specialised finish to withstand tropical elements, including rain, without compromising the leather’s signature suppleness.
Every Waktu Horology Anniversary Strap is a product of "Slow Craft," made by hand in Singapore from start to finish. In keeping with this philosophy, every Kesumba strap is exclusively made to order.
This pre-order window is available for a limited time only, with a dedicated lead time of 4 weeks. This duration allows our master leathersmiths and artists the necessary time to ensure every hand-painted detail is perfected before the piece reaches your wrist.
The strap size is 20mm at the lugs and 18mm at the buckle.
Designed to fit fine mechanical watches.
Made & Inspected in Singapore. Quality and Satisfaction Guaranteed.
Please note that any local import duties, VAT, or customs taxes are the responsibility of the recipient and will be collected by the courier upon arrival.
**Actual product colour may vary from the image(s) shown. Every monitor or mobile display has a different capability to display colours, and every individual may see these colours differently.
"Creating our first-ever strap collection was a deeply personal project. I wanted to ensure that the same heritage and 'Kalbu' (soul) found in our watches could be felt in the leather that touches your skin. This release is a tribute to our first year and the community that has grown with us."
~ Dahliah, Founder
The Existential Fire: Darah Tanah Air
The name Kesumba—a term rooted in the traditional scarlet dyes of the Nusantara—serves as a tribute to the oldest Sultanate, Kedah.
In Malay literature, this deep scarlet is the "existential colour," representing the Darah Tanah Air (Blood of the Homeland).
It is the life force that sustains the spirit and the fire found within the legendary Hikayat (Tales).
Crafted from premium Scarlet Red Epsom calf leather, the Kesumba strap is a wearable manifesto for those who carry a bold, heroic spirit.
The Softness of the Warrior: Bunga Ukir
For this variant, we feature the Bunga Ukir (Carved Flower) motif, meticulously hand-painted in a grounded ochre-gold pigment.
Inspired by the intricate wood carvings found in traditional Malay architecture, this motif represents the "Softness within the Warrior"—the refined heart and grace that beat beneath a coat of courage.
By focusing on this singular carved flower, we allow the intensity of the scarlet leather to speak for itself, honouring the philosophy that true strength is always balanced by character.
The Warrior’s Regalia: The Art of Contrast
The use of ochre-gold paint against the scarlet leather creates a striking, earthy contrast—a deliberate nod to the traditional natural pigments found in ancient Malay art and textiles.
This high-contrast combination mimics the aesthetic of a Panglima (General) in full attire, transforming the strap into a piece of Warrior’s Regalia.
It offers a sharp, modern silhouette that carries the raw and uncompromising authority of the Pahlawan.
The "Silent Warrior": A Bespoke Detail
The strap keeper is the "silent warrior" of your timepiece—the small but mighty component that secures the tail end of the leather in place.
Often neglected in standard watchmaking, we have chosen to elevate this detail. With a bespoke mindset, Shu Yi (@yi.leatherco) has designed each strap with a moveable keeper in a contrasting, harmonious colour.
This subtle shift ensures that every small detail counts, creating a balanced and intentional look that distinguishes a Waktu Horology commission from the mass-produced.
The Ethics of "Slow Craft"
Every Waktu Horology Anniversary Strap is made by hand in Singapore from start to finish.
10 Years of Mastery: Hand-cut and hand-stitched by Shu Yi (Yi Leather) using traditional tools—no lasers, no mass production.
Artisanal Pigments: Hand-painted layer-by-layer by Aries (Hui.Art), requiring hours of air-drying between applications to achieve a "living" glow.
Tropical Resilience: The pigments are treated with a specialised finish to withstand rain and humidity without compromising the leather’s signature suppleness.
Notice for United States-bound Orders
As Waktu Horology reaches collectors across the globe, we wish to maintain complete transparency regarding evolving international trade policies. Please be advised that all orders destined for the United States are currently subject to a baseline tariff of 10% on the total value of the strap.
This percentage is subject to fluctuation as and when announced by the United States Administration and does not include additional "reciprocal tariffs," which have currently been suspended for a 90-day window.
These federal tariffs may be applied in addition to any existing state or local consumption taxes and charges. These fees will be collected directly by our delivery partner upon fulfilment and are not collected upfront by Waktu Horology.
Due to the artisanal and strictly limited nature of the Anniversary Collection, all orders are final; they cannot be cancelled, returned, or refunded. By proceeding with your purchase, you acknowledge and agree to these terms and the no-cancellation policy currently in force.