Types of watch strap part 2 - Leather straps by Extropian
Leather straps are super versatile and come in a huge variety of styles, textures, finishes, and colors, from the plainest possible to embossed, stitched, perforated, and padded designs. We’re going to show you the different types of leather strap, as well as a few of the most iconic designs!
The different types of leather
Leather watch straps are most commonly made of cow or buffalo hide. But there are loads more options out there, from exotic leathers to animal-friendly, eco-conscious versions!
Alligator and Crocodile
Looking for something really distinctive? Then maybe an alligator or crocodile strap is the way to go! Alligator skin is strong, durable, and hypoallergenic, which makes it a great choice for people with sensitive skin. Crocodile leather looks very similar to alligator but has larger scales. But be warned! It also tends to be more fragile and can crack more easily if not properly cared for.
❤️ We love the vibrant green of this super chic crocodile strap.
Lizard
Although it’s a cheaper option than alligator or crocodile, lizard skin is also very durable, flexible, and tends to be thinner and softer. It’s also much easier to work and color than other exotic leathers, so it can come in some pretty funky colorways!
❤️Cool and quirky. This lizard strap is our kinda thing!
Suede
Suede has a very distinctive fuzzy, napped finish. It’s made from the underside of the animal skin, which is softer and more pliable, so it’s more delicate than regular leather, but also more prone to staining. In other words, it looks great, but needs special care and attention!
❤️ We think the suede strap on this Atelier Wen model is just so refined!
Vegan
For the vegetarians and eco-conscious amongst you, there are faux leathers such as pleather or vegan leather available. They’re not only more environmentally friendly but cheaper too!
Out Of Order - GMT Marrakesh
Leather/Rubber Hybrid
Leather/rubber hybrid straps offer the best of both worlds. Generally featuring a rubber base and leather upper, they combine comfort, flexibility, and durability in one super stylish package!
Venezianico - Nereide Ultraleggero
❤️ Stylish and super comfortable too! What more could you ask for?!
The most iconic types of leather strap
OK, now we’ve shown you all the different types of leather, we’d like to introduce you to some of the most iconic leather strap styles!
Rally Straps
Rally straps were originally designed for, yup you guessed it, racing drivers, and first became popular in the 1960s and 70s. They have large perforations dotted along their length to provide ventilation to the skin, which can be a huge advantage in warmer weather! It’s an iconic design that we think goes really well with larger watches, especially pilots and racing chronographs.
❤️ We think a classic Rally strap looks awesome paired with this minimalist dial!
Bund Straps
Bund straps originated with the German air force in the 1950s. Originally designed to protect pilots against changes of temperature at high altitude, they have a large leather pad to keep the watch case away from the skin (a watch can turn to a block of ice in an unheated cockpit!!!). We know it’s not exactly what the Germans had in mind, but we think its bulky looks are a great way to highlight a smaller watch! Famous fans of the Bund include Paul Newman, Steve McQueen, Ed Sheeran, Eric Clapton, and David Beckham!
❤️ We love the way a Bund strap lets the dial shine!
NATO style
The NATO style is one of the most iconic straps ever created! Although most commonly made of nylon, you do occasionally see them in leather
Zulu
Zulu straps are similar to NATOs but they’re thicker. More common in nylon, like the NATO you do sometimes see them in leather.
Conclusion
We bet there’s more to leather straps than you thought! Why not explore Extropian’s database to see how great different styles of leather strap look with different types of watches?!
Created the 2023-01-24
Modified the 2023-12-21