Racing & Rally Watch Straps: The Complete Guide (Racing Holes vs Rally Holes)
A racing (or rally) watch strap is a leather band perforated with rows of motorsport-style holes - inspired by the lightweight, ventilated straps worn by mid-century rally and racing drivers. At Moc Goods, every racing and rally strap is hand-perforated and made to order in our small workshop in Da Nang, Vietnam, from $80.
- Racing holes are blind (non-through) perforations backed by a coloured leather underlay that peeks through - a bold two-tone, sporty look.
- Rally holes go all the way through the leather - fully open, lighter and more breathable.
- Both are hand-cut from Epsom calfskin (also ostrich, alligator and lizard), with a soft leather lining and quick-release spring bars.
- Every detail is customisable: underlay colour, keeper colour, stitch, edge paint, profile and cut. Prices start at $80 USD.
What is a racing or rally watch strap?
A racing or rally strap is a leather watch strap drilled with a repeating pattern of holes down its length. The design comes straight from motorsport: in the 1960s and 70s, rally and racing drivers wore perforated leather straps because the holes shed weight, let the wrist breathe through long stages, and looked unmistakably fast. Today the "rally strap" is a design icon - and it pairs beautifully with chronographs and vintage-style sports watches.
At Moc Goods, we hand-punch each strap rather than machine-stamping it, so the holes sit cleanly and the leather keeps its structure. You can see the full range in our Racing & Rally collection.
Racing holes vs rally holes: what's the difference?
This is the question we're asked most. The short answer: racing holes have a coloured underlay showing through; rally holes are open all the way through.
| Racing holes | Rally holes | |
|---|---|---|
| The holes | Blind - stop partway, not open | Through - open all the way |
| What you see | A second colour (the underlay) peeking through each hole | Your wrist / open air through each hole |
| Look | Bold, two-tone, graphic | Clean, lightweight, classic |
| Best for | Colour contrast & a sporty statement | Breathability & a purist rally look |
| Hole sizes | Small or large | Small or large |
Both styles are available in small holes (a fine, dense pattern) and large holes (fewer, bigger perforations for a more aggressive stance) - so you can dial the look from subtle to full-send.
Featured racing & rally straps
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How Moc Goods makes them
Each strap is cut, perforated, stitched and finished entirely by hand in Da Nang. We build most racing and rally straps from Epsom calfskin - a firm, fine-grained leather that holds a crisp hole and a clean edge - and also offer them in ostrich, alligator and lizard for something rarer. Every strap includes:
- A soft leather lining against the wrist for all-day comfort
- Hand-painted, burnished edges
- Your choice of contrast or tone-on-tone hand-stitching
- Quick-release spring bars - swap it onto your watch in seconds, no tools
- Cut to your exact lug width (16mm to 24mm, plus custom sizes on request)
Make it yours - colours, cuts & customisation
Because every strap is made to order, you choose everything. On a racing strap you pick the underlay colour (the shade that shows through the holes), the keeper-loop colour, the stitch colour and style, the edge paint, and the profile (flat or padded). You can even combine the rally-hole pattern with a shaped middle cut for a sleeker silhouette, like the red-and-black Swift example below.
The easiest way to design one is our live builder, where you can see each choice as you go:
Specs at a glance
- Style: Racing holes (blind, with underlay) or Rally holes (through) - small or large
- Leathers: Epsom calfskin, ostrich, alligator, lizard
- Lug widths: 16-24mm, plus custom
- Profile: Flat or padded
- Hardware: Quick-release spring bars; steel buckle or butterfly clasp
- Price: from $80 USD (Epsom); ostrich & other skins priced higher
- Made: By hand in Da Nang, Vietnam - made to order
- Lead time: ~3-5 days to craft, then 10-15 days tracked standard delivery
- Shipping & returns: $8 flat worldwide shipping; 30-day returns
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a racing strap and a rally strap?
The terms are often used together. At Moc Goods, "racing holes" are blind perforations with a coloured leather underlay showing through, while "rally holes" are open all the way through. Both are the same motorsport-inspired perforated style.
Are the holes punched all the way through?
Only on rally-hole straps. Racing-hole straps are blind-punched and backed by an underlay, so you see a second colour rather than open air.
What watches do racing straps suit?
They're a natural match for chronographs and vintage-style sports watches, but the quick-release spring bars fit any watch with a standard 16-24mm lug width.
How much does a racing or rally strap cost?
Epsom calfskin racing and rally straps start at $80 USD. Ostrich, alligator and lizard versions are priced higher. Every strap is made to order.
Can I choose my own colours?
Yes. You pick the underlay colour, keeper colour, stitch colour and style, and edge paint. Use the racing builder or rally builder to design yours.
Where are Moc Goods straps made?
Every strap is cut, stitched and finished by hand in our workshop in Da Nang, Vietnam, and made to order for each customer.
Ready to build yours?
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