When I craft a leather strap, I’m not just creating a watch accessory, I’m building something that’s meant to live with your timepiece, your wrist, and your routine. At the core of every strap I make is one decision that shapes everything else: the leather.
In this watch strap leather guide, I want to walk you through the types of leather I work with at Roiberd Atelier. Each one has its own texture, feel, and personality — and choosing the right leather can completely transform the look and character of your strap.
1. A Personal Overview of the Leathers I Work With
Every leather I use comes from trusted tanneries with a long tradition of craftsmanship. I select each hide based on its quality, feel, and how it will age. Whether you want something refined or rugged, classic or bold. There’s a leather that fits both your watch and your style.
Alligator
Luxurious and timeless. Its symmetrical scales and soft sheen make it one of the most elegant options I offer. I recommend it especially for dress watches and collector timepieces.
Ready to add prestige to your timepiece? Design your Alligator watch strap with Roiberd.
Crocodile
Slightly firmer than alligator, with more uniform tiles. It’s a classic choice if you want a refined look that works for both formal and everyday watches.
Lizard
Thin, glossy, and full of detail. Lizard leather has fine, tight scales that add an elegant touch. I recommend it for slim watches or when you want something truly refined.
Discover the bold beauty of lizard leather. Design your Lizard 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Nubuck
Soft, velvety, and matte. Nubuck offers understated luxury. It has a casual feel and works beautifully on modern or minimalist watches.
Your watch deserves a strap with soul. Create your Nubuck strap and watch it evolve.
2. Why Leather Choice Matters in My Craft
Each leather responds differently in the workshop. Some, like Chevre or Epsom, allow for crisp lines and a refined finish. Others, like Pueblo or Badalassi Wax, have more natural behavior and pick up every touch of the handwork. Every cut, every edge burnish, every stitch.
That’s why I adapt my process to each leather, working entirely by hand and using the saddle stitch technique with Meisi linen thread. From cutting to the final polish, the material always sets the rhythm.
3. Matching Leather to Watch Style
If you’re not sure where to start, here’s a quick guide I often share with clients to help them pair their watch with the right leather:
| Watch Style | Recommended Leathers |
|---|---|
| Dress Watch | Alligator, Chevre, Epsom, Lizard |
| Sports/Casual Watch | Dollaro, Badalassi Wax, Buttero, Alligator Flanks |
| Vintage Watch | Pueblo, Nubuck, Badalassi Wax, Ostrich Leg |
| Minimalist Watch | Saffiano, Chevre, Epsom |
| Everyday Watch | Dollaro, Nubuck, Saffiano, Pueblo |
| Collector’s Piece | Alligator, Ostrich Leg, Lizard, Crocodile |
4. Ready to Design Yours?
Each strap I make is custom-built to your specs: leather, thread color, length, lining. All carefully chosen and handcrafted in my small atelier.
If you’re ready to start, take a look at the Custom Watch Strap Guide. There, I explain the process step by step and help you choose the right options based on your watch and your preferences.
And if you still have questions, feel free to get in touch I’ll be happy to help you find the perfect combination.
There’s a leather for every story, and I’d love to craft one for yours.