As a picture can look so much better when it’s in a beautiful frame, a watch strap can make the difference when it comes to bringing your timepiece to life. If you’re reading this, then chances are you’ve already started to understand the importance that it has in terms of style and aesthetics, beauty, functionality, and comfort.
Choosing the right watch strap isn’t just a step towards a better design; it’s a step towards improving your overall watch experience. With this in mind, we’re going to explore the best leather watch straps and share with you our complete buying guide on deciding which one is the perfect investment for you.
View The Best Leather Watch Straps Below
1. WOCCI Watch Band
To kick things off, we’re going for a fantastic and affordable best leather watch strap that’s ideal for any watch and ticks the boxes for looking great and being super comfortable. This strap uses premium crazy-horse leather that has been handmade from start to finish, ensuring quality every step of the way. A stylish yet straightforward stainless steel silver buckle finishes the strap. The size, as we said about, will be ideal for most traditional watches. The band is adjustable along the whole 125mm distance, but if you need any changes or adjustments made, get in touch with WOCCI, who will be happy to help!
With five unique styles and designs to choose from, a fair level of durability against general wear and tear, and a stellar customer service team, for many watch strap searchers, you won’t need to look further than this.
Pros:
+ Made from genuine, crazy-horse leather
+ WOCCI will happily adjust your strap, so it’s the perfect
+ fit all the time
+ Will fit most traditionally sized watches
+ Available in five unique styles
Cons:
– Not very waterproof or tolerant against oils
Why We Like It – The comfort levels this strap provides is one of the best features. Not only do these leather straps feel fantastic on your wrist, like the real deal, but they’re also lightweight. No matter what you do in your day to day life, this is a watch strap you can trust.
2. iStrap Watch Band
iStrap is another simple yet effective leather watch strap that does precisely what it sets out to do, all while remaining affordable and suitable for any budget, as well as giving you a little extra. For example, this kit comes with an impressive four-piece spring bar and a tool that makes replacing your watches’ strap effortless.
This specific strap is designed and made using calfskin leather which has been specially chosen from calves between the ages of 2 and 22. Since the calfskin leather is rare, because it takes so many years to get it to the perfect condition, you can buy safe in the knowledge that this is quality you won’t find elsewhere.
With multiple watch band sizes to choose from, a comfortable design that has stood the test of time, and a perfect quality buckle built to last, there’s no wonder why this calfskin strap has thousands of five-star reviews from around the world.
Pros:
+ Made using premium calfskin leather from cows between the ages of two and 22
+ Comfortable and breathable material that’s lightweight in the wrist
+ Available in a wide variety of beautiful designs
Cons:
– The strap may be stiff the first few days of using it
Why We Like It – Looking for the best leather strap for watches to suit your style? Don’t worry; iStrap offers a range of straps for watches available in eight unique designs, making it super easy to find the one that’s right for you.
3. EACHE Genuine Leather Watch Band
If you’ve not heard of EACHE before now, and you’re looking for the best leather watch straps, you’re in for a treat. This model is made using the upper industry-standard of crazy horse leather but boasts a fantastic color thanks to the dying process, which uses vegetable oil and bee’s wax.
These are very traditional techniques that help only improve the authentic and luxurious feel this watch has. With multiple sizes available, an included tool to help you get your strap on your watch quickly, and a fully adjustable design, EACHE have made a name for themselves with this strap.
Pros:
+ Highly adjustable watch strap so you can find the perfect fit
+ Comes with a tool to help you install the strap easily
+ Genuine crazy-horse leather that’s going to last
+ Dyed using traditional vegetable oil coloring
Cons:
– Can feel synthetic compared with other watch straps
Why We Like It – The eye holes of this watch strap may seem slightly closer together than the typical watch bands on our list, and that’s because they are. Since these are closer together, you can find the optimal setting for your wrist, which is only going to maximize your level of comfort.
4. OliBoPo Handmade Vintage Replacement Leather Watch Strap
Any watch straps you wear will be in constant contact with your wrist. If you have sensitive skin, then buying a new one can be a hassle, especially if certain materials irritate you, or cause any other nasty conditions. If this sounds like you, don’t worry; this is the best watch strap for you.
These handmade watch straps are vintage and pride themselves on their hypoallergenic properties. This means you won’t have to worry about any of these wellbeing conditions, and you can enjoy your watch while getting on with your day. Available internationally, and suitable for all budgets, this is a watch strap you can trust.
Pros:
+ Dozens of five-star reviews from customers all around the world
+ Stainless steel buckle with hypoallergenic properties
+ Water-resistant band with a leather lining
+ Handmade to a perfect vintage style
Cons:
Not as aesthetically pleasing as other designs
Why We Like It – Even the buckle has been designed in a way that’s hypoallergenic, thanks to the silver-plated stainless steel materials. This steel buckle helps ensure that all aspects of the watch are hypoallergenic and ready to treat you properly.
5. MAIKES Watch Band
While we’re still on the topic of beautiful vintage watch straps, another one of the best, and easily one of the most popular, comes from MAIKES, a renowned manufacturer and designer in the watch strap industry. These watches and bands are suitable for any modern-day watch, and you can fit them easily using the included tool.
Like most vintage leather watch straps, these are made using the same iconic oil wax finish. These particular straps are available in a retro art style; ten or more to be precise, so you can easily find a vintage design you’re going to love. What more could you ask for?
Pros:
+ Comes with a strap and an installation tool
+ Comes with a 12-month warranty to ensure the leather watch straps are built to last
+ Genuine handmade design with real leather materials
Cons:
– Not suitable for wearing when partaking in water-based activities
Why We Like It – Weighing in at only 60-grams, this is one of the most lightweight leather straps on our list. This means you’ll never have to worry about irritation on your wrist or the feeling that your wrist is too heavy, meaning you can fully enjoy your watch.
6. Ritche Quick Release Leather Watch Bands
There are two main problems you’ll come across when it comes to changing and upgrading to new leather straps watches. The first is finding the right size, and the second is getting it onto your watch at all. With the Ritche watch, you won’t have to worry about either.
This strap is available in plenty of sizes, which makes it incredibly easy to find the one that’s the best for you. However, what sets this watch apart from the rest is the fact it comes with a Quick Release tool. This means installing and removing this strap takes seconds and allows this to be a hassle-free task from start to finish.
Pros:
+ Available in multiple sizes so you can guarantee the perfect fit
+ Made using optimally sourced materials, including cowhide and surgical steel
+ Free replacement service if you’re unhappy with your strap in any way
+ Quick Release tool to help you install and change your strap in seconds
Cons:
– Doesn’t have a size under 16mm available
Why We Like It – The quality of this strap is unparalleled. This strap contains some of the highest-grade cowhide around and is finished with a beautiful surgical-grade steel buckle that you know you can trust.
7. BARTON Watch Bands
In the market for the best sleek and sophisticated straps that don’t fit the typical vintage leather trends, but rather a beautiful and bespoke design that oozes professionalism? You won’t need to look further than this.
The Barton watch contains the easy-to-switch mechanics that make changing to this strap a breeze, and there are all the sizes you could want between 17mm and 23mm, ensuring this strap will be perfect for whatever watch you have.
Pros:
+ Available in five unique designs to suit your personality
+ Premium quality materials with a professional finish
+ Quickly upgrade to this strap in a matter of seconds
Cons:
– Slightly more expensive than most typical straps
Why We Like It – The attention to detail that’s gone into this strap is outstanding and guarantees this is a strap you’ll be enjoying for years to come. From the premium hand stitching to the stainless-steel buckle with top grain leather, in many cases, this is as good as it gets.
8. CIVO 2 Packs Genuine Leather Watch Bands
If you don’t want to spend a fortune on a watch, but you still like choice, or perhaps you want a strap for work or one which is more casual, CIVO has an option that could be ideal for you. Within this pack, you’ll receive not one, but two straps to help you customize however you please.
In the pack, you’ll find both black and brown leather variations of the same strap, all available in sizes between 16mm and 24mm. As you would expect, there is a spring bar tool to ensure installation and switching between the two is easy, and the quality of both means each strap will last for years to come.
Pros:
+ Easy to install thanks to the included tools
+ Uses some of the best materials for stainless steel straps and leather watch straps
+ Available in sizes ranging from 16mm to 24mm
+ Two different colored straps (black and brown) included with each purchase
Why We Like It – With a strap pack like this, you’ll easily be able to set up your watches however you like, no matter what watch you’re using. From traditional digital watches to the most modern smartwatches, this is a strap you can use wherever you want!
9. Vietnamcreations Men’s Genuine Crocodile Watch Strap Band
On the hunt for a strap that’s a little more primal than your traditional leather strap, why not treat yourself to this crocodile example? The strap is 100% handmade and looks fantastic, exactly how you would expect a crocodile leather strap watch to look like.
There are a handful of color styles to choose from, a silver and gold buckle variety, and premium quality materials that will last for decades to come. If you want a sustainable strap, this could be the one to add to your collection.
Pros:
+ Made from real, genuine crocodile leather
+ Fits all major watch types and brands, so suitable for any watch collection
+ Comes with everything you need to upgrade your straps
Cons:
– Patterns can vary dramatically since the leather strap is real
Why We Like It – Everything you’ll need to make your upgrade is included with your purchase, so you don’t have to worry about making anything else. From the spring bars to the buckles, this is a complete kit that ensures whatever watch you have will look and feel amazing.
10. TIME4BEST Strap Leather Watch Bands
Finally, to finish off our list, we’ve opted for the TIME4BEST strap. This handy strap is the most premium option on our list, but for many good reasons. Made from 100% high-quality calf leather, the strap features premium stitching and quality metals that excel the ordinary strap.
A variety of sizes are available from 19mm to 23mm and everything in between. The design oozes beauty, made specifically with both men and women in mind. With multiple tightness options available, and a 100%
return guarantee if you’re not happy for any reason; meaning you won’t be left out of pocket.
Pros:
+ Comes with a 100% money-back guarantee if you’re not happy
+ 3mm thickness for ultimate comfort
+ Available in an array of sizes and widths
Cons:
– Not a suitable strap if you plan on being in the water for a long time
Why We Like It – Both sides of this strap are made from genuine calf leather, which means this watch does not only look great but feels great on your wrist, and can genuinely be regarded as a luxury watch experience.
Leather Watch Straps Buyer’s Guide
Now that you’ve seen ten of the best leather straps out there, it’s time for you to choose which one you want to wear on your wrist. Below, we’re going to explore some of the key features you should be keeping an eye out for, to ensure you make the best decision.
The Strap Size
The most important thing you’ll want to think about is what size your strap and watch are, so they fit together best. Always make sure you’re checking the size of your watch first and then buying a strap of the same size.
Some companies will allow you to make changes if you need them for specific watch models and some watches are slightly adjustable, so always read the product description before you buy it.
Ease of Use
Changing straps used to be tough work, especially if there’s a lot of fiddly parts, but this is no longer the case if you get the right watch. You can get a watch with a quick-release feature, or one that comes with a tool to help you change the strap easily.
The Design
There are plenty of designs out there to choose from, and it’s always worth doing your research to see which one suits your personal preference. For example, getting a black strap on a black watch would be a standard design, but mixing a black strap up with, say, a white watch, could be even better. If you like the more traditional styles, a vintage strap would be ideal.
Material Quality
The last aspect you’ll want to think about is the quality of the leather strap you’re buying. You don’t want a knockoff or a type of material that isn’t going to last. Always check what type of leather the strap uses, and always check the price. You won’t tend to get anything of good quality under $10.
Expert Tip
Always check the photo online or the strap in person to see how many setting holes it has. This will indicate how tight you can set the
watch on your wrist, and therefore how comfortable it’s going to be.
