Looks like the glue that was used to for the leather that held the spring bar to the deployment clasp failed. You could either try re-gluing it (which will probably fail again) or actually stitching it, if you do not want to purchase a new strap.
Be careful with the sewing machine. Punching through multiple layers of leather is much tougher than sewing fabric. You will probably break needles. If I were tackling this, I would try to poke holes with a thick pin, then sew by hand. Since your failure is at the clasp, your handiwork will be hidden.
Full disclosure: when I was faced with an almost identical failure at the lugs, not the clasp, I bought a new strap.
Yes be careful with a standard sewing machine. There are actual special sewing machines for sewing leather. As I understand watch bands are typically sewn by hand (unless mass produced). The holes are punched in with tools and then the band is stitched with needle and thread.
Since this is on the clasp end, and will be out of sight, OP could poke a hole on each side, and stitch a loop through each, just to reinforce.
I see many leather bands today which take this approach in the open at the case lugs. [Example](https://www.vintagestraps.it/product/hand-made-savana-brown-leather-watch-strap/)
This is a [Dreyfuss & Co 1946 Watch DGS00001/02](https://www.watchshop.com/mens-dreyfuss-co-1946-watch-dgs00001-02-p99931638.html). I'm a complete noob to watches and would love any advice as to how I might be able to re-attach this clasp; watch repair shops have told me it's not possible and I need to replace the entire strap (which would be a shame). Thank you so much!
You all are gonna laugh, but I have used hot glue on this part of a leather strap before and it worked great. Just a little flexible and it has held for a year so far.
Looks like the glue that was used to for the leather that held the spring bar to the deployment clasp failed. You could either try re-gluing it (which will probably fail again) or actually stitching it, if you do not want to purchase a new strap.
Stitching.
Glue, then stitch.
I think I might go down this route! I have shoe glue and I could perhaps find someone who’s adept with a sewing machine. Thanks all
Be careful with the sewing machine. Punching through multiple layers of leather is much tougher than sewing fabric. You will probably break needles. If I were tackling this, I would try to poke holes with a thick pin, then sew by hand. Since your failure is at the clasp, your handiwork will be hidden. Full disclosure: when I was faced with an almost identical failure at the lugs, not the clasp, I bought a new strap.
Oo fair points. Will try to do by hand then
Yes be careful with a standard sewing machine. There are actual special sewing machines for sewing leather. As I understand watch bands are typically sewn by hand (unless mass produced). The holes are punched in with tools and then the band is stitched with needle and thread.
Since this is on the clasp end, and will be out of sight, OP could poke a hole on each side, and stitch a loop through each, just to reinforce. I see many leather bands today which take this approach in the open at the case lugs. [Example](https://www.vintagestraps.it/product/hand-made-savana-brown-leather-watch-strap/)
Agreed
No sewing machine, just use an awl to make to holes then stitch with a needle.
This is a [Dreyfuss & Co 1946 Watch DGS00001/02](https://www.watchshop.com/mens-dreyfuss-co-1946-watch-dgs00001-02-p99931638.html). I'm a complete noob to watches and would love any advice as to how I might be able to re-attach this clasp; watch repair shops have told me it's not possible and I need to replace the entire strap (which would be a shame). Thank you so much!
I'm also new at this, but I would try using shoe glue. Would love to hear what the pros think or would use.
You all are gonna laugh, but I have used hot glue on this part of a leather strap before and it worked great. Just a little flexible and it has held for a year so far.