Journal

Ostrich Leather Watch Straps: Leg Skin, Quill and How They Wear

How ostrich leg differs from quill ostrich, what the scales look like on a strap, how it wears, how to look after it and which watches it suits.

Padded vs Thin Leather Watch Strap: How to Choose

A thin strap keeps the watch low and light on the wrist; a padded strap adds a raised, cushioned centre. We compare looks, comfort, dress and sport use, and fit at the spring bars.

Butterfly Clasp vs Pin Buckle: Which Suits Your Leather Strap?

A pin buckle and a butterfly clasp close a leather strap in different ways. We compare wear on the holes and tail, comfort, sizing and looks, and explain when each one suits.

Edge Painting on Leather Watch Straps

What edge paint does on a leather watch strap, how painted, folded, burnished and raw edges typically compare, and how to look after a painted edge.

Leather Straps for the Omega Speedmaster: How to Choose

Rally, slim or padded: the straps we have photographed on a Speedmaster Professional, what each colour does to the black dial, and how to get the size right.

Watch Strap Taper Explained

Taper is the difference between a strap’s lug width and buckle width. Here is how it changes the look and feel of your watch, and how to choose.

How to Care for a Leather Watch Strap

Practical care for a leather watch strap: the daily habits that matter, how to deal with water and sweat, cleaning, whether to use a conditioner, storage and humidity, and how each leather we use n...

How to Change a Watch Strap

A step-by-step guide to swapping a watch strap with quick-release or standard spring bars, from checking your lug width to fitting the new strap without marking the case.

What Is Shell Cordovan? A Watch Strap Guide

Shell cordovan is a dense horse leather that tends to roll rather than crease and can deepen in shine. What it is, how to care for it and why it costs more.

Vegetable-Tanned Leather Watch Straps and How Patina Develops

What vegetable tanning means, the four factors that shape patina, careful care advice, and how our Buttero, Pueblo and Babele have aged on our own straps.