When you choose a handcrafted watch strap, you’re not just selecting an accessory: you’re choosing a companion for your watch and your wrist. The type of leather you pick plays a key role in defining not only the look and feel of the strap, but also how it ages, wears, and reflects your personality over time.
From the smooth, refined finish of French Chevre to the rich, deep patina of Shell Cordovan, each leather has its own story; a unique blend of texture, scent, and resilience. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most commonly used leathers at Roiberd Atelier, their characteristics, and how to choose the one that best suits your lifestyle, your watch, and your taste.
Because in the end, your strap is more than just a detail: it’s an expression of who you are.
1. A Closer Look at Our Leathers
At Roiberd Atelier, each leather is handpicked from prestigious tanneries around the world, known for their traditional techniques and exceptional quality. Below is an overview of the leathers currently available for our custom watch straps:
Alligator
Sourced from certified farms and tanned with precision, alligator leather is a hallmark of refinement. Its surface features a natural scale pattern with elegant symmetry and a subtle sheen, making it the preferred choice for collectors and those who seek understated luxury.
Alligator straps are supple yet durable, and pair beautifully with formal or classic dress watches, adding an elevated and timeless appeal.
Ready to add prestige to your timepiece? Design your Alligator watch strap with Roiberd.
Alligator Flanks
Taken from the flank section of the hide, this cut offers a more rugged, irregular texture compared to the belly. The scales are larger, with greater visual variation, perfect for those who want the allure of exotic leather, but with a bolder, more artisanal character.
Its casual refinement suits both luxury tool watches and unique vintage pieces.
Discover the bold beauty of flank leather. Create your Alligator Flanks strap today.
Crocodile
Crocodile leather offers a more consistent scale pattern and a slightly firmer feel than alligator. Its refined texture, often featuring smaller, well-aligned tiles, gives it a dignified presence that works effortlessly with both contemporary and heritage timepieces.
A strap in crocodile is ideal for someone who values classic sophistication with a touch of exotic charm.
Add distinction to your wrist. Customize your Crocodile strap now.
Ostrich Leg
Far from common, ostrich leg leather delivers a one-of-a-kind texture, with natural scale transitions that almost resemble dragon skin. It shines with a natural luster, and its exotic appeal is undeniable.
This leather is bold and expressive, ideal for watches with character, or collectors who want to stand out.
Make a statement with every gesture. Design your Ostrich Leg strap now.
Alran Chevre Sully
From the world-renowned French tannery Alran, this goatskin leather is soft, light, and exceptionally resistant. Its fine, tight grain gives it a sophisticated feel, while its ability to absorb rich, vibrant dyes makes it a favorite for those who enjoy color.
Whether you’re pairing it with a sporty chronograph or a minimalist watch, Chevre adapts effortlessly.
Looking for color and comfort? Design your Chevre strap with your favorite hue.
Buttero
A vegetable-tanned leather from Conceria Walpier in Tuscany, Buttero is smooth, firm, and richly pigmented. It has a natural pull-up effect that evolves over time, creating a warm patina unique to the wearer.
Perfect for those who love leather that tells a story, and for watches with mechanical soul.
Let time leave its mark. Create your Buttero strap and watch it evolve.
Badalassi Wax
This leather is wax-finished and deeply saturated, offering intense color depth and a tactile, almost oily texture. It’s rustic, robust, and full of character from day one.
Badalassi Wax is perfect for vintage-style watches, tool watches, and anyone who values the imperfections that make a strap truly personal.
Your watch deserves a strap with soul. Customize your Badalassi Wax strap.
Pueblo
Pueblo is a leather that starts out raw and matte, almost dusty, with a hand-brushed finish. Over time, it darkens, polishes itself with use, and develops a deep, organic glow. It’s tactile, earthy, and incredibly expressive.
Ideal for watches with heritage-inspired design or for those who appreciate patina above all.
From raw to rich—design your Pueblo strap and embrace the journey.
Epsom
Epsom is an embossed calfskin with a fine crosshatch grain, giving it a refined, modern appearance. Its semi-rigid structure holds shape beautifully, while offering exceptional resistance to scratches and moisture.
A great match for sleek, elegant watches, especially for formal occasions.
Go modern, stay classic. Create your Epsom strap with enduring style.
Saffiano
Created by hot-pressing a crosshatch texture into full-grain leather, Saffiano is then finished with a protective coating. The result: a crisp, high-shine surface that resists water, scratches, and daily wear.
It’s ideal for busy lifestyles and everyday watches that still call for polish.
Durable meets dapper. Design your Saffiano strap that keeps up with you.
Dollaro
This leather features a pebbled texture with a soft hand and great durability. It’s supple, sporty, and versatile, ideal for casual wear or active settings.
Pair it with dive watches, field watches, or anything that accompanies you on the go.
Style without compromise. Customize your Dollaro strap today.
2. The Leather’s Role in Craftsmanship
The way leather behaves under the knife, needle, and burnishing wheel is crucial. Some leathers like Chevre or Saffiano offer sharp, clean lines and a sleek polish. Others, like Pueblo or Badalassi Wax, respond beautifully to handwork, showing natural inconsistencies that become part of the strap’s character.
The hand-stitched construction, precise edge finishing, and natural materials used at Roiberd Atelier all adapt to each leather’s properties. No two straps feel the same, because no two leathers are.
3. Which Leather Fits Your Watch Style?
Here we present a simple editorial table to guide your choice according to the type of watch:
| Watch Style | Recommended Leathers |
|---|---|
| Dress Watch | Alligator, Epsom, Saffiano |
| Sports/Casual Watch | Dollaro, Chevre Sully, Saffiano |
| Statement Watch | Ostrich Leg, Alligator Flanks, Crocodile |
| Everyday Watch | Chevre Sully, Epsom, Saffiano |
| Heritage-Inspired Watch | Pueblo, Buttero, Badalassi Wax |
4. Ready to Design Yours?
You’ve explored the textures, the tones, and the stories behind each leather. Now it’s your turn to create.
Start designing your ideal strap directly from any product page by selecting your preferred leather, stitching, length, and finish.
Prefer a guided approach? Our Watch Straps by Leather page helps you explore all options based on the leather you love most.