Calfskin watch straps, handmade from world-class leather
Calfskin is the classic watch strap leather. It's strong enough to last years of daily wear, supple enough to be comfortable from day one, and it comes in more finishes than any other leather. Every strap we make starts with leather we've chosen from tanneries we know and trust.
Vegetable-tanned leather
Vegetable tanning uses natural tannins from tree bark and takes weeks rather than hours. The result is a firm, natural leather that darkens and polishes with wear, building a patina unique to you. Our favourites come from Badalassi Carlo in Tuscany, including their Wax, Pueblo and pin-grain leathers. We also use Buttero from Conceria Walpier and Barenia from the Haas tannery in France.
Waxy and oiled leathers
Horween Chromexcel from Chicago and our Art Wax leather are rich in oils and waxes. When the strap flexes they shift and lighten, giving a "pull-up" effect that makes each strap look more lived-in over time. Small marks usually rub out with a thumb.
Structured and textured calfskin
For a watch you wear every day, a pressed grain such as Epsom or Saffiano holds its shape, resists scuffs and keeps a crisp, clean look. Our French calfskin offers a smooth finish with a very light grain that suits dress and vintage watches alike.
Styles and constructions
Choose from classic stitched straps, minimal stitch designs, rally straps with ventilation holes for a motorsport look, padded straps with more depth, and slimline straps for thinner and vintage watches. Many are also available for Omega-style deployant clasps.
Made to order or ready to wear
Our ready to wear leather straps ship quickly in the most popular sizes. For a specific lug width, length, stitching colour or edge finish, design your own strap and we'll make it to your specification.
FAQs
What's the difference between vegetable-tanned and chrome-tanned leather?
Vegetable-tanned leather is tanned slowly with natural tannins. It starts firmer and changes colour more with age. Chrome-tanned leather such as Chromexcel is softer from the start and more resistant to water.
How long does a calfskin watch strap last?
With normal wear and some care, a good calfskin strap will last years, and many look better with age than when new.
Which calfskin is best for everyday wear?
Textured leathers like Epsom and Saffiano are the most resistant to scuffs. Waxy leathers hide marks well because light scratches can simply be rubbed out.
