Leather Watch Strap Guide

Thinking of buying a new leather watch strap? Wondering whether leather’s the right choice, or trying to figure out what type of leather strap to choose? Our leather strap guide has all the answers!

Watch straps make a statement about you. They say something about your interests, your style and your values. They add a touch of the unique to every outfit you wear, and can effortlessly complement any outfit you put together. From subtle to outrageous, from simple to elegant, there’s a watch strap to match any style or occasion. And an absolute classic all-rounder is, of course, the leather watch strap; a versatile accessory that comes with endless opportunities for customisation and personalisation.

What is a leather watch strap?

A genuine leather watch strap is made from animal skin; usually cattle, but sometimes crocodile, alligator, and other more exotic creatures. The skin undergoes a process called ‘tanning’. This transforms it into a highly durable and long-lasting material that can be used to make a variety of things, from furniture and sporting equipment to clothing – and accessories such as watch straps. 

Types of leather watch bands

When it comes to leather watch straps, you’ll find you have a choice in the type of leather you can pick. Some of the most common – and popular – types of leather used for watch straps include:

Bovine leather

Traditional leather is typically made from calf, buffalo, and other bovine animals. This is by far the most common type of leather used for watch straps, and produces a classic, timeless aesthetic.

Alligator & crocodile leather

Watch straps made from alligator and crocodile leather are typically more ornate and decorative thanks to the unique patterning of the skin. These straps tend to have a distinctive texture.

Lizard leather

Lizard leather is one of the more unusual materials used to make leather watch straps. Like crocodile and alligator leather, it has a stunning pattern, but with smaller scales which make it appear more delicate.

Are leather watch straps a good choice?

On the whole, yes! We recommend leather watch straps for anyone looking for straps that are…

Long-lasting

Leather is a very high-quality, robust, and hard-wearing material, and it’s designed to last. If you want something that’s going to stand the test of time without damaging easily, leather is a great choice.

Comfortable

Over time, leather absorbs the oils in your skin and becomes softer, stretchier, and more malleable, moving with your wrist and adapting to your shape. This can make it incredibly comfortable to wear.

Good for sensitive skin

If you have sensitive skin, leather can be just what you need. As it’s a natural material, it’s less likely to cause a reaction than some alternatives. Plus, some straps are coated in an anti-allergic solution.

Versatile

Want to choose from a wide range of colours? You’re in luck with leather! Leather can be dyed pretty much any colour under the sun, from classic browns to vibrant oranges and bold purple hues.

Easy to clean

Leather can be wiped down quickly and easily using a damp cloth to remove dust and grime, and left to dry naturally. You can also buy leather cleaning products which can help keep things looking good.

When NOT to opt for leather

As you can see, leather watch straps can be a great choice. However, there are a few situations in which you might want to consider something a little different. Firstly, you’ll want to really think about the look of your watch. If it’s something really sporty, would it look better with a nylon strap? If it’s very small and dainty, would a more delicate strap work better than a heavy, robust leather band?

You’ll also want to think about where you’re going to be wearing your watch. Most leather straps aren’t waterproof. While they’ll be absolutely fine in a little rain, or with a small splash or two, they can become damaged if they’re exposed to large quantities of water – showering, for example, or swimming and other water-based activities. In this instance, you’ll be better off browsing silicone watch straps or rubber watch straps. These are far more suitable for wearing in wet environments.

How to choose a leather watch strap

With so many different types of options available, how do you choose? Here’s what to consider:

1. Usage

A good starting point when choosing a new leather watch strap is to determine where you’re going to be wearing it. This can help you decide between all the different materials, finishes and prices.

For everyday activities – going to the office, dining out, enjoying a leisurely stroll, and so on – you can pretty much look into all types of leather straps. If there’s unlikely to be much strain on the strap, you’ll have a massive amount of choice, and may choose something quite luxurious and lavish.

On the other hand, if you’re likely going to be wearing your watch during sporting activities, you might want to pick something a little more rugged and basic. These types of leather straps are ideal if you want the leather look but don’t need the features and durability of a luxury leather watch strap.

2. Aesthetic

When it comes to watch straps, appearance matters! After all, your watch is on your wrist, and it’s not just a way to keep time; it’s an accessory to your outfit and a way to show off your personality.

There are three things to think about when it comes to aesthetics. Firstly – and perhaps most obviously – is colour. You can find leather watch straps in almost every colour imaginable, so look for something that suits both your watch case, and the colour scheme you tend to wear most often.

Secondly, regardless of the base leather used to make the strap, you can also select from a range of finishes. These are layered on top of the base layer to produce a unique look. Buffalo and calf finishes give a timeless leather look, while crocodile, alligator, deer, and lizard tend to be more patterned. Another option is a suede finish, which has a slightly softer appearance and a warmer texture.

Finally, consider stitching. While some leather watch straps are completely smooth with no visible stitching, others make stitching the star of the show. If you want something more on the subtle side, matching stitching blends in well with the strap itself. Or choose contrast stitching for a bolder look.

3. Size

Perhaps the most important consideration when choosing a leather watch strap is size. After all, if your strap doesn’t fit your watch case, you won’t be able to use it! Watch cases all come in different sizes, so you’ll need to know what you’re working with and select a compatible strap. Your watch case or current strap may have the size engraved or printed on the back, so be sure to check first.

If you can’t find the size, you’ll need to measure it yourself. But don’t worry – this is easier than it sounds. Our guide on how to measure a watch strap will tell you everything you need to know.

How to maintain a leather watch strap

It’s important to remember that leather is skin. And just like our own skin, it can become quite dry at times. The easiest solution for keeping your leather watch strap healthy and looking its very best is to use some dedicated leather conditioner on it every few months. This feeds some much-needed moisture into the material without soaking or saturating it, helping to prevent unsightly cracks.

Where can I buy a leather watch strap replacement?

You can buy a leather watch strap replacement right here at Watch Strap Style! We’ve got an extensive collection of leather watch straps, made from a variety of leathers with a wide range of finishes, and in a huge number of colours. 

Why not take a look?

We’re even here to help you remove your old watch strap, and attach your brand new leather band. Just check out our handy guide on how to replace a watch strap using quick-release pins or spring bar mechanisms. Once you know how, you should be able to fit your new leather strap in just minutes. 

What are some good leather alternatives?

If you love the look of genuine leather, but you don't feel it’s quite right for you, consider a vegan alternative. Vegan leather watch straps are almost indistinguishable from the real thing, and are designed to mimic the appearance of high quality, top-grain leather. Yet they’re made from vegan-friendly materials with absolutely zero animal products, such as plastics and apple fibres. Some materials – like pineapple leather – even produce a similar texture and patterning to exotic animal leather, with intricate detailing that produces a truly striking and realistic leather appearance. 

Give your watch the very best

Choosing the right leather watch strap can enhance not only the functionality but also the aesthetics of your timepiece. Whether you opt for classic bovine leather, the distinctive textures of alligator, or the unique patterns of lizard, a leather strap offers a timeless elegance and incredible versatility. 

It's a durable choice that becomes more comfortable each time you wear it, making it suitable for a variety of settings and styles. However, consider the specific demands of your lifestyle and the conditions in which you'll wear your watch to ensure leather remains the best choice. If traditional leather doesn’t fit your needs, modern alternatives like vegan leather offer a similar look and feel, while accommodating your own preferences. Whatever you choose, embrace the opportunity to personalise your watch with a strap that truly reflects your individual style, personality, tastes, needs, and values.