7 Best Leather Strap Watches to Accentuate Elegance

In the watchmaking industry, leather straps have become synonymous with reliability and comfort in formal settings. Pairing a watch with a leather strap is one of the most traditional forms of craftsmanship. As a crucial element in a wristwatch, a leather strap doesn’t only serve utilitarian purposes but also exudes an elegant appeal.

Among the vast collection of timekeeping devices today, there are some of the best leather strap watches to discover from various brands. Most timepieces that come with leather straps usually fall into the category of dress watches. Before getting into Gnomon’s recommendations, let’s take a look back into the history of leather watch straps and the reasons to choose them!

When Were Leather Watch Straps Invented?

The connection between leather and watches was formed in the late 19th century for British soldiers to tell time during the war. At first, a watch band was called a “wristlet.” It was a mass-produced leather tool to strap a pocket watch on the arm.

Instead of using one of their hands to grab pocket watches to tell time, soldiers could check the watch on their arms without shifting their concentration. The Times reported the sighting of the obligatory wristwatches during the First World War.

Noticing the demand for such a tool, watch manufacturers immediately responded by mass-producing watches with leather straps. In its initial stage, the leather strap didn’t look like the modern-day versions available in the market today.

The first leather strap featured an open face or a type of cup to hold a pocket watch. Wires or loops are soldered onto each side of the case to secure the leather strap. Even though the war ended decades ago, the invention stood the test of time and morphed into the modern leather strap watches people know today.

Reasons to Choose Leather Watch Straps

As the first of many watch bands that grace the watch industry, leather straps have become a staple. When the conversation about a wristwatch comes up, the first thing that most people connect to the ticking time-telling tool is probably a leather strap. Though many materials have made appearances throughout history, leather remains undefeated for its versatility.

The best leather strap watches can make delightful impressions in a business meeting, a wedding party, a red carpet, or a casual hangout. These watches come in varying colors, sizes, and textures, which make them reliable accessories for casual watch wearers. To sum it up, some of the main reasons to choose leather watch straps are as follows:

• Premium leather is a durable material for long-term wear.
• Leather straps mold to the wrist, which allows a perfect fit over time.
• Watches with leather straps have a timeless appeal, making them compatible with any outfit.
• Leather straps come in various colors, sizes, and textures, allowing them to suit every occasion.

Read also: How To Change A Watch Strap: A 101 Quick & Easy Guide 

Best Leather Strap Watches in Gnomon

Finding the right leather strap watch isn’t an arduous task when there are many options available in the market. Keep in mind that leather straps come in various designs that befit the watch they come with. Whether for formal events or casual wear, here are some of the best leather strap watches to consider:

1. Damasko DK36/2 Old Radium

Displaying excellent German craftsmanship, the Damasko DK36/2 Old Radium features an ice-hardened stainless steel case. To improve the strength and durability, the case receives a cryogenic process. At 40 mm in diameter and with curved lugs, the Damasko watch can rest comfortably on the wrist.

The vintage case is paired with the 20 mm brown leather strap. To accentuate the aesthetic, the strap receives vintage stitching, which brings enhanced refinement. For a change of atmosphere, the wearer can customize the watch band. Through drilled-through lugs, the spring bar removal can proceed effortlessly and allows the customization to go smoothly.

Beyond the aesthetic, the German watch has a reliable 100 m water resistance and a power reserve of 42 hours thanks to the in-house automatic movement, Damasko caliber A26-3. For better readability, the SuperLuminova Old Radium GL X1 is applied to the 3, 6, 9, and 12-hour markers.

Price:  $1,770 USD

2. Seiko Presage Craftsmanship Enamel White

Measuring 40.2 mm in diameter, the Seiko Presage Craftsmanship Enamel White features an enchanting white enamel dial. The intricate design includes a subdial at 6 o’clock that contains a 24-hour face and stout black Roman numerals. The classy design of the dial is safely sheathed by a stainless steel case.

To elevate the elegance, the stainless steel case is paired with a 20 mm black cowhide leather strap crafted by a certified tannery. The stylish leather strap features a deployant clasp, which ensures safety and comfort around the wrist.

Under the case lies the 6R5H caliber, an upgraded version of the 6R15 and 6R35. The in-house automatic movement operates at 21,600 bph and offers a power reserve of 72 hours. All in all, the Seiko Presage Craftsmanship Enamel White displays a stunning combination of Japanese traditional craftsmanship in its enamel white dial and advanced watchmaking technology.

Price: $1,207 USD

3. Steinhart Marine 42 Moon Phase Starry Night

Taking inspiration from the celestial view, the Steinhart Marine 42 Moon Phase Starry Night artistically includes the moon phase complication on its stunning blue dial. The 316L stainless steel case can withstand corrosion and ensure the watch’s durability.

The 42 mm diameter allows the watch to give solid comfort without appearing too bulky. Covering the stunning dial is the domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coatings for optimal readability in various lighting conditions.

To accentuate the starry night aesthetic, the case is paired with the 20 mm vintage blue leather strap. For added texture, the leather strap features contrast stitching. The wearer can strap on the leather through a signed tang buckle.

Steinhart didn’t stop at the aesthetic when crafting the Moon Phase Starry Night watch. The German brand ensures the watch can operate optimally by utilizing the Swiss Sellita SW280-1 movement that offers approximately a 41-hour power reserve.

Price: $705 USD

4. Le Jour Fardón Green

For casual events, the striking Le Jour Fardón Green can be the right leather strap watch for unique watch collectors. The watch stands 38 mm in diameter with the angular 316L stainless steel case that accentuates the malachite dial design. Additionally, it features a stainless steel bezel, which gives the green timepiece a sporty touch.

To match the green dial, the watch comes with an equally stunning leather strap. Le Jour Fardón Green features a green alligator leather strap with a deployant clasp that harmoniously synchronizes with the overall design.

The retro and elegant design isn’t the only selling point of this green watch. Through the see-through caseback, the Swiss Sellita SW200 automatic movement powers the watch by operating at 28,800 bph and offers approximately a 40-hour power reserve. As a dress watch, the watch is equipped with a screw-down crown, which gives it a reliable 50 m water resistance.

Price: $800 USD

Read also: How to Adjust Seiko Watch Band for a Perfect Fit 

5. Hamilton Khaki Field Murph 38mm White

As iconic as the movie is, the Hamilton Khaki Field Murph 38mm White captures the timelessness of Interstellar to this day. Besides paying tribute to one of the most celebrated Christopher Nolan’s movies, the Khaki Field Murph also shows appreciation for Hamilton’s military roots. The polished stainless steel case stands at 38 mm in diameter.

Above the white dial is the domed sapphire crystal accentuated by the thick polished bezel. For a classic impression, the dial is paired with an 18 mm black leather strap featuring vintage cream stitches. Beneath the old-school design, the iconic Murph watch is powered by the Caliber H-10, which offers a whopping 80-hour power reserve.

Price: $850 USD

6. Hamilton American Classic Boulton Small Second Quartz

The winner of the smallest case dimension in this list is the Hamilton American Classic Boulton Small Second Quartz. Its 316L stainless steel case size stands at 27.3 mm x 31.1 mm. One of the notable things about the classic watch design is the oblong-shaped case, which allows a slimmer profile. It’s paired beautifully with a domed sapphire crystal that blends in the curve of the case.

The old-school case design goes harmoniously with the 18 mm calf leather strap in striking dark blue. Together with the design of the dial and the case, the leather strap adds the perfect look of a vintage-inspired dress watch for the modern day.

Through the caseback, the ETA Swiss 980.163 quartz caliber powers the dashing watch. It’s protected by the steel caseback, which curves like the case. Due to this feature, the watch has a reliable 50 m water resistance.

Price: $660 USD

7. Ball Watch Co. Engineer Master II Voyager 44mm Blue

Among men’s leather strap watches on this list, the Ball Watch Co. Engineer Master II Voyager 44mm Blue may take the spotlight for its prowess. The watch measures 44 mm in diameter and 51 mm lug-to-lug distance. Like most Ball Watch timepieces, the blue watch features a screwed-in crown, which offers 100 m water resistance.

Every part of the case utilizes 316L stainless steel. Most case surfaces feature satin finishes, while the bezel is mirror-polished. The sturdy case is also equipped with Ball Watch’s signature anti-shock system, giving an astounding shock resistance of up to 5,000Gs.

To complete the look, the stainless steel case is paired with the 21 mm calf leather strap with a pin buckle. The leather strap has contrasting stitch work, giving the watch a more casual impression overall. Beyond the aesthetic choices, the sturdy watch is powered by the COSC Ball RR1302, which operates at 28,800 bph and has a 42-hour power reserve.

Price: $1,615 USD

Final Thoughts

Rummaging through the catalog of the best leather strap watches may be an exciting thing to do on free days. The experience can be a gateway into the watch-collecting world for beginners or casual wearers. For avid watch enthusiasts, getting through a list of newly released leather strap watches can provide worthy information for collection purposes.

Leather strap watches stand the test of time due to their versatility and comfort. Many casual watch wearers still consider the leather strap the default option for their choice of wristwatches. Whether for formal or casual wear, leather strap watches are multifaceted accessories for any fashion style.

Read also: Men’s Brown Leather Watches: Strapping your Overall Look