Togo Leather Watch Straps, and How Togo Compares with Epsom

A Togo leather watch strap is a calfskin strap with a pebbled grain and a matte surface. Togo is a trade name, closely associated with Hermès and best known from its handbags, and leathers sold under it come from more than one tannery, so they are not all alike. The Togo Cernir uses comes from Weinheimer Leder in Germany.

On our straps, Togo is comfortable from the first wear and wraps around the wrist more easily than our Epsom. This article covers what the name does and does not tell you, how our Togo looks and wears, a quick Togo vs Epsom comparison, and the straps we make from it, including our folded-edge padded strap.

What the name Togo tells you

Togo describes a style of leather: calfskin with a raised, pebbled grain and a soft, low-shine surface. It does not fix the tannery, the thickness, the firmness or the finish, so one maker's Togo strap may feel quite different from another's. Treat the name as a starting point and ask where the leather comes from.

That is why we name our source. Our Togo calfskin comes from Weinheimer Leder in Germany, and each hide is checked by hand at our Da Nang workshop for consistent grain and colour before cutting. What we say below about feel and wear describes the leather we buy and the straps we make from it.

How our Togo looks on a watch strap

The pebbles are the first thing you notice. On our hides they are irregular, varying in size and outline across the surface, and on a strap they read as a soft, all-over texture even at arm's length. The finish is matte, so colours look muted and even.

Visually, we find the pebbled grain gives a watch a relaxed, understated character. It suits casual, tool and understated dress watches particularly well. We make it in black, navy blue, grey, taupe, beige, tan and golden brown, and to our eye the quieter shades show the grain most clearly.

How Togo feels and wears

In our straps, Togo is comfortable from the first wear and wraps the wrist more easily than our Epsom, so a new strap does not need much wearing in. Comfort also depends on construction. Our Slim straps are built in four layers. Under the Togo is a reinforcement layer to hold the shape and limit stretching, the spring bar ends are strengthened, and a soft Zermatt calfskin lining from Tanneries Haas sits against your skin.

The pebbled grain can make light marks less noticeable; it cannot prevent cuts or damage from sharp objects. Togo held its colour in our tests on finished straps, and in our experience the finish stays soft and matte. Like any leather, it will still show signs of wear over time, and with long wear a pebbled grain may flatten slightly where the strap bends most.

The strap is not waterproof. In our tests, brief light rain followed by natural drying caused little colour change. If it gets wet, blot it with a soft cloth and leave it at room temperature, away from hair dryers, direct heat and strong sun. Never soak it, and take it off before swimming.

The trade-off is structure. Togo feels softer than our Epsom and Saffiano, so a Togo strap holds a less crisp line. If you want sharp, defined edges and a tailored look on a slim dress watch, one of the firmer leathers may suit you better.

Togo vs Epsom

Both are calfskins with textured surfaces, and both names are linked to Hermès. On our straps the real differences are the grain and how the leather feels when new. The table compares the two leathers we use; it is not a specification for every Togo or Epsom on the market.

	Cernir Togo	Cernir Epsom
Source	Weinheimer Leder, Germany	Tanneries Haas, France
Grain	Large, irregular pebbles	Small, even embossed grain
Look	Soft and matte	Clean and tailored
Feel when new (our observation)	Comfortable from the first wear; wraps the wrist easily	Firm at first, then gradually conforms to the wrist
Over time (our observation)	Relaxed, follows the wrist	Holds defined lines
Water (our tests)	Not waterproof; brief light rain, left to dry naturally, caused little colour change	Not waterproof; light rain and perspiration, wiped off promptly, caused little colour change
Ready-made styles	Slim, plus one padded folded-edge strap	Slim, plus one Padded strap
Watches we pair it with	Casual, tool and understated dress watches	Dress and modern watches

Put simply: pick Togo if softness from day one and a relaxed texture matter most to you, and pick Epsom if you prefer a structured strap with a crisp outline. Our article on what Epsom leather is covers Epsom on its own.

The folded-edge padded Togo strap

Most of our straps have cut edges that are sanded, sealed and painted. Our taupe Togo padded folded-edge strap is made differently. On this Rembordé strap the outer leather is folded around the edges instead of being cut and painted, so leather runs over the edge from top to underside. It also has a raised, cushioned centre.

Visually, we find the folded edge gives the strap a soft, rounded outline that matches Togo's relaxed grain, and the padding gives it more presence next to a larger case. It is our only ready-made Rembordé strap, it is made in taupe and it comes with the butterfly clasp shown in its photos. Through our custom page you can also order the folded-edge construction in Epsom and alligator.

Folding the edges by hand takes time; this short video shows how we do it on a Rembordé strap.

Our Togo leather watch straps

We make Togo in our Slim style, 2.5mm at the lugs tapering to 1.8mm at the tail, in seven colours, alongside the taupe folded-edge padded strap. You can see them all in our Togo leather watch straps collection. Every strap ships with two quick-release spring bars and a stainless steel pin buckle already fitted, or you can add a butterfly clasp. Prices for standard straps start at $75, each is made to order within 3–7 business days, and standard shipping is free worldwide.

If you like Togo's softness but want a finer, flatter grain, our Alran Chevre Sully goatskin is worth a look. For every leather we use side by side, read our leather comparison guide.

Frequently asked questions

Is Togo real leather?

Yes. Togo is a calfskin with a pebbled grain. The Togo we use comes from Weinheimer Leder in Germany.

Is Togo softer than Epsom?

On our straps, yes. Our Togo is comfortable from the first wear and wraps the wrist easily, while our Epsom starts firm and conforms to the wrist gradually.

Does Togo leather scratch?

The pebbled grain can make light marks less noticeable, but it cannot prevent cuts or damage from sharp objects, and like any leather it shows wear over time.

How do I clean a Togo watch strap?

Clean it with a soft cloth, dry or very slightly damp, and let it dry at room temperature. Keep alcohol wipes, sanitiser, solvents and household cleaners away from it. We do not recommend conditioner as a routine; if you use one, test it on a hidden area first, as it may darken the leather. Our leather strap care guide has more detail.