One of the easiest ways to enjoy your watches in a different way is to change the strap.
Even with the same watch, changing the material, color, or stitching of the strap can completely change its appearance and the overall look on the wrist.
Here, I’m introducing six brands that I would recommend both to those choosing a leather strap for the first time and to those who already own several watches.
There are many brands offering leather watch straps, with a wide variety of materials, colors, and designs available.
From those, I’ve selected six brands that are easy to consider when looking for a leather strap and offer options that work across a wide range of styles.
Each brand has its own characteristics and price range, so take a look and find a strap that suits your watch, your personal taste, and the occasions you plan to wear it for.
What to Consider When Choosing a Leather Watch Strap
The color, stitching, and buckle can all change the overall look of a watch.
1. Color
Black
A formal, refined look.
Brown
A classic and softer look.
Tan / Beige A lighter, more casual look.
2. Stitching
Matching stitching
A clean and understated look.
Contrast stitching
A more casual look with a distinctive accent.
3. Buckle
Pin buckle
Simple and classic.
Deployant buckle
Easy to put on and take off, and because you do not have to fasten the buckle in the same way each time, it can help reduce stress on the leather strap.
Choosing Leather Straps for Different Seasons and Occasions
I mainly wear watches on leather straps myself, but I tend to choose straps from brands such as BAMBI, Condor Straps, and Morellato during warmer months, when I want something that is easy to wear while still offering a good level of quality.
During cooler months, I tend to use leather straps from higher price ranges, choosing different straps according to the materials, construction, and price of each brand and model.
Leather straps can be affected by sweat and humidity during hot weather or in humid environments. They can also become dry and brittle when exposed to excessively dry conditions, so a little care can help maintain the condition of the leather.
A simple habit, such as gently wiping the underside of the strap with a soft cloth after use, can help keep it in good condition.
Using several straps in rotation can also help prevent excessive wear on any one strap while allowing you to enjoy differences in materials and colors. This can also help extend the life of each strap.
6 Recommended Leather Watch Strap Brands
Leather watch straps range from brands that offer a wide variety of materials and designs to those that allow you to choose everything from the leather and construction to smaller details.
Here, I’ve divided the six brands into two groups: three brands that offer a broad selection of ready-made straps, and three that allow you to put more emphasis on materials and craftsmanship.
Brands with a Wide Selection of Ready-Made Straps
Morellato / Condor Straps / BAMBI
These three brands each have their own characteristics, while offering a broad range of materials, colors, and designs, making it easy to find a leather strap that works well with your watch.
1. Morellato
Country: Italy
Founded in 1930, Morellato is an Italian brand offering watch straps in a wide range of materials, colors, and designs.
Features
The ready-made collection is particularly extensive, ranging from simple leather straps to more distinctive designs.
Why consider it
Many of the designs work well with everything from suits to casual clothing, making it enjoyable to choose a strap based on both your watch and what you are wearing.
With options ranging from relatively accessible models to straps made from more premium materials, Morellato offers plenty of choice, including options that can work well with watches from luxury brands.
2. Condor Straps
Country: United Kingdom
Condor Straps is a British brand that has been making watch straps since 1939.
Features
The brand offers a wide range of leather straps, including suede, with colors ranging from classic tones to brighter, more vibrant shades.
Why consider it
From understated classic colors to brighter options, the range makes it easy to experiment with different looks.
3. BAMBI
Country: Japan
BAMBI is a Japanese watch strap manufacturer founded in 1930.
Features
The brand offers a wide range of materials, including cowhide, lizard, alligator, and cordovan. Its official online store also allows you to search by material, color, and size.
Why consider it
With options ranging from relatively accessible models to straps made from more premium materials, BAMBI is an easy brand to explore if you are looking to try a leather strap for the first time.
Brands with a Focus on Materials and Craftsmanship
Camille Fournet / Jean Rousseau / J.C. PERRIN
These three brands are worth considering if you want to pay closer attention to the leather, craftsmanship, and smaller details when choosing a watch strap.
In addition to ready-made straps, they also offer bespoke options, allowing you to make more detailed choices based on your watch.
Recommended for:
Those who want to choose their leather strap with particular attention to details such as the type of leather, finish, and stitching.
4. Camille Fournet
Country: France
Founded in 1945, Camille Fournet is a French leather goods brand that works with a range of leather products, including watch straps.
Features
The brand offers watch straps in a variety of materials, including calfskin, alligator, lizard, and ostrich.
Why consider it
In addition to the quality of the materials themselves, there are options for details such as the leather finish, stitching, and lining, making it possible to choose a strap that complements your watch.
Alongside its ready-made collection, Camille Fournet also offers made-to-measure options, allowing you to customize the strap in greater detail.
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5. Jean Rousseau
Country: France
Founded in 1954, Jean Rousseau is a French leather goods brand known for its watch straps and other leather products.
Features
The brand offers watch straps in a wide range of materials, including calfskin, lizard, ostrich, and alligator.
Why consider it
In addition to ready-made straps, Jean Rousseau offers bespoke services, allowing you to choose details such as the material, color, and stitching and have a strap made specifically for your watch.
It is also a brand to consider if you want to go beyond selecting from a ready-made collection and determine the finer details of your strap.
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6. J.C. PERRIN
Country: France
Founded in 1954, J.C. PERRIN is a French leather goods brand specializing in watch straps as well as small leather goods.
Features
The brand offers watch straps in a variety of leathers, including calfskin, alligator, and lizard, with different materials, colors, and finishes available.
Why consider it
In addition to ready-made straps, J.C. PERRIN offers made-to-order options where you can choose details such as the material, color, and size, allowing you to have a strap made to suit your watch.
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Conclusion
A leather watch strap is an easy way to give the same watch a completely different look.
Each brand offers different materials, designs, and price ranges, so choosing a strap based on your watch and personal taste can be a great way to enjoy a watch in a different way.
Morellato / Condor Straps / BAMBI
Recommended for those looking for a high-quality leather strap from a broad ready-made selection, with plenty of materials, colors, and designs to choose from. They are also good options if you want to explore different styles and find a strap that works well with your watch.
Camille Fournet / Jean Rousseau / J.C. PERRIN
Recommended for those who want to pay closer attention to materials and craftsmanship and choose finer details based on their watch.
They are also worth considering if you want to have a strap made to your own specifications through a bespoke or made-to-order service.
