Leather bracelets Bracelets and watch buckles

Leather watch band, a matter of elegance

At once classic, elegant and comfortable, leather is the preferred material for luxury watch straps, at least for those worn in the city. It is logically not suitable for timepieces such as diving watches. That said, watches with a sporty look, worn in a sporty chic spirit, perfectly accept this type of strap, even more so if the leather is overstitched or has holes reminiscent there of racing, here of golf. There are actually multiple models of leather bracelets, depending on the skin used, its shade, the work done ... The most common types of leather for watch straps are calf, cowhide and buffalo. The first two give rather smooth bracelets, the calf leather is finer to the touch than the cowhide. Buffalo leather, on the other hand, is thicker and has a grained texture. The biggest brands distinguish themselves with bracelets made of alligator leather, also thick and robust, when they don't prefer to bet on the originality of an ostrich leather (with its raised dots) or lizard leather. Each with its own specificities, the choice of leathers depends largely on their aesthetics. Snake or crocodile ones, for example, have a naturally scaled appearance. Another criterion may be the bracelet's resistance to water and even the sun, knowing that some leathers, without specific treatment, can quickly deteriorate and cause unsightly stains to appear. A shark leather strap is going to prove very resistant to water and corrosion, ideal for waterproof timepieces. A schrunk cowhide lining will protect the strap from perspiration.

Leather, a noble material that is maintained

Appearance, rigidity, but also color, the choice of a leather strap meets the taste of each and obviously adapts to the style of the timepiece for which it is intended. On the color side, if beige, brown or black remain definitely timeless, the dye offers a wide palette. This step comes after tanning, which is intended to soften the animal's skin and make it unalterable: the work of leather still obeys traditional techniques, which also gives the material its nobility. However, the processes have evolved. For example, we now find biodegradable leather bracelets, tanned with titanium and with other biological components. Common leather or on the contrary rare and expensive, smooth or grainy texture, sober or more original color, the leathers of watch straps, in addition to their elegance and aestheticism, all have a common characteristic: they must be maintained to last. Leather is indeed an evolving material, which reacts to its environment, can age, stain and dry out. Products such as leather grease or a dedicated spray, or even makeup remover, can maintain a leather bracelet by cleaning it while a waterproofing spray will help it resist humidity. Those who prefer "grandma's recipes" can opt for damp Marseille soap, terre de Sommières or a beeswax/turpentine mixture on the dirtiest leathers. Everyone has their own method, but you should know that a leather watchband should be cleaned every two months, and gently.