NO matter how good the quality of a leather watch strap, it will always be outlived by a well-produced watch. But this can be viewed as more of an opportunity than a problem. A fresh strap can help you appreciate a long-cherished watch anew. 

Many watch collectors find it vital to match watches with straps from the same manufacturer, an imperative with which we at Chrono Hunter have a great deal of sympathy. This also has a slight bearing on the value of the watch should you come to sell it. Whether you buy your new strap from the manufacturer of your timepiece or from a specialist strap maker like Hirsch, there is huge variety of leather straps out there. 

We are pleased to advise you on five different types. 

Alligator 

Alligator skin straps have instantly recognisable rectangular scales that lend them a beautifully tactile texture and give the strap a natural padding. Wider versions look better as there is more room to display the skin’s unique pattern. Most of the skin comes from alligator farms in Louisiana, in the Deep South of the United States. 

Ostrich 

Ostrich hide is characterised by small raised bumps that are slightly darker than the surrounding leather. Less popular than alligator skin, but arguably as elegant, it works well on all widths of strap. Most of the skin comes from ostrich farms in South Africa. 

Cordovan 

Cordovan leather is extremely hard wearing and becomes more attractive the older it is. It comes from the flat muscle under the hide of a horse’s rump. It is very difficult to dye so comes in a limited range of browns and black. The name is derived from Cordoba in Spain where it was first produced although the leather’s most famous tannery is the Horween Leather company in Chicago. 

Rally 

Rally watch straps have perforations in them to allow ventilation - racing driving can be a stressful business causing, to put it delicately, excess moisture. But as well as ventilation the perforations form a stylish pattern and give a sporty look. 

Colours 

Choosing a brightly coloured strap can completely revitalise a watch to which you may have become over-accustomed. All the materials or styles we have mentioned, apart from cordovan.  can be obtained in a range of colours. We would not advise pairing a bright strap with a dress watch - more muted browns or black are much more suitable.