15 Best Watches With Leather Straps (For a Dapper Look!)

A leather strap has primarily one function; to hold your timepiece securely around your wrist so that time can be discovered at a moment’s notice. Dubbed an “accessory within an accessory”, watches with leather straps go beyond serving as a utilitarian component to being a major decorative element.

Since the stone age, up until now, the use of leather has evolved but not its versatility in the fashion industry. From sandals to shoes and straps, fashion trends featuring leather will always be popular among men and women.

Durable, fashionable, and appealing, high-quality leather watches are prized jewels because the older they get, the stronger they become. But not all leather straps are made equally, and that’s where this article comes in. Strap in and buckle up because today, we shall be looking at the 15 best watches with leather straps! 

About Watches with Leather Straps

The band of a timepiece is what makes the clock or watch, a wristwatch. Bands made from metals are referred to as bracelets, while those made from other materials, such as leather, rubber, etc, are collectively referred to as straps. Even though the star of the show is often the dial, the strap of a watch can either make or mar the entire look of the watch. 

Leather straps have been used for decades and are the most desirable strap option. They are a timeless classic that has held their appeal since their first appearance in the horological world and are a favorite of many enthusiasts and collectors. 

Apart from providing profound comfort to the wearer such that the watch does not hurt the wrist even in extreme conditions, they are versatile and alluring.

When purchasing a timepiece with a leather strap, you must take the brand into consideration, strap maker, and type of leather. The best leather quality is “full grain” leather. 

This means the entire hide – with densely packed fibers – is used, making it extremely strong and able to withstand decades of use. Top grain leather is the 2nd highest grade, followed by genuine leather and bonded leather.

Apart from being of very high quality, a good leather strap must be able to maintain its suppleness and surface pattern throughout its lifetime. It must also be breathable, water resistant, malleable, and highly durable.

The History Of Leather Watch Straps

Leather watch straps were one of the first strap options for watches. The first instances date back to the late 19th century when “wristlets” were manufactured to strap the pocket watches of soldiers on their arms with leather.

The British soldiers fighting in the Burma and Boer wars needed all the hands they could get, and since pocket watches required a free hand, they had to innovate a way to tell time.

WW1 began in 1914, and rifling through pockets for a watch was not recommended in the crises of the trenches. It is even reported by the Times that the wearing of wristwatches by soldiers was made obligatory by the telephone and signal service two years into WW1.

Watch manufacturers quickly noted a rising demand for men’s wristwatches, particularly from soldiers, and in a short time, the production of watches with leather straps skyrocketed. These leather straps initially looked different from the ones we have today though. 

They came with a sort of cup or open face to hold the pocket watch with loops of wire soldered onto the sides of the case to fasten the leather strap.

The war came and passed (and came to pass), but the core spirit of watches with leather straps is as intact today as it was after the world war.

Should You Buy A Watch With A Leather Strap?

A watch with a leather strap is an important part of the everyday carry world. Apart from being an accessory that illustrates both personal style and reliable utility, leather straps are hard to beat in versatility.

They look great with a suit on the red carpet and will steal the show at the gym even when you decide to lazy around on the couch. They come in countless sizes, textures, and colors, so they are best for generic circumstances in life, and everyone should have watches with leather straps in their collection.

However, they are situation-dependent, so you might want to try a suede strap for casual swimming and hanging out at the beach. That said, it’s best to avoid taking your leather strap where it might get wet. They pair with anything and have a bit of texture and visual interest that will fit into any style, especially formal situations.

When it comes to formality, the darker the strap, the more formal it is. Black is the smartest and most popular option, but you can mix and match dark browns, oxblood, or navy for something exotic and subtly different.

The 15 Best Watches with Leather Straps

1. Rolex Perpetual 1908 (ref. 52508-0006)

If there’s one word synonymous with exclusivity, extravagance, and luxury, it’s Rolex. The brand needs no introduction. It is the world’s most iconic and ultra-high-end company with decades of Haute Horlogerie prowess and technical know-how.

The Perpetual 1908 Ref. 52508-0006 is one of the most significant debuts from the world-famous watchmaker in recent years that exudes quality and nobility. The Swiss Marque prides itself on its commitment to delivering highly distinctive and excellent watches, and this timepiece is a fine example of the brand’s horological brilliance. 

The understated watch is presented in a striking 39mm case in 18 ct yellow gold with short fine lugs and a thin profile of 9.50mm. There’s a domed sapphire crystal protecting the dial and another crystal on the case back. Finally, Rolex shows off its movement!

The design of the dial is balanced, straightforward, and elegant, with a glossy, lacquered-like finish that evokes the flawless gilt dials of vintage watches. The white dial is highly legible with black printed railroad tracks for the minutes and seconds and applied Arabic numerals for hours at 12, 3, and 9 o’clock.

The alligator leather strap wears like a charm and is fitted with a nouvelle folding clasp, “Dual clasp”. This feature ensures the watch always sits in the center of your wrist.

2. Patek Philippe Calatrava (ref. 5227G)

Patek Philippe is another Haute Horlogerie brand that needs no introduction. The Genevan watch manufacturer is one of the best luxury watch brands with impeccable credentials and a rich history of horological experience.

The Calatrava is the flagship model of Patek Philippe, with a lineup of highly coveted and quintessential classic dress watches. The Ref. 5227G-010 is simply an icon done the Patek Philippe way with an undeniable charm.

Elegant, understated, yet typical Patek Philippe, the watch exudes luxury. It is presented on a 39mm white gold case with flawlessly curved flutes which emanate from the caseband and taper gently towards the lugs. The polished lugs are short, allowing the black leather strap to cuddle and encircle the wrist in a comfortable embrace.

The handmade crocodile strap tapers nicely towards the white gold clasp and has a handsome matte finish and subtle texture that reeks of prestige and nobility while allowing the watch to remain the star of the show.

The black dial provides an excellent canvas on which the white gold dauphine-shaped hands graciously proclaim the hours and minutes with clear precision. The highly coveted timepiece is simply an example of horological brilliance. 

3. Vacheron Constantin FiftySix Day-Date (ref. 4400E/000A-B437)

When a watch enthusiast mentions the ‘Holy Trinity’ of Swiss watchmaking, everyone already knows who he is referring to. But if you don’t, the Holy Trinity of Swiss watchmaking is made up of 3 ultra-high-end brands. These are Audemars Piguet, Patek Philippe, and Vacheron Constantin, with an unmatched legacy of greatness. 

Vacheron Constantin was founded in Geneva in 1755 and has remained an indisputable luxury watch brand with avant-garde horological timepieces. The FiftySix Day-Date Ref. 4400E/000A-B437 is a charming synthesis of evocative vintage vibes and contemporary exclusivity.

The watch is a modern interpretation of a legendary model from 1956 and is presented on a stainless steel case that measures 40mm across. The ‘edgy’ design of the case is mesmerizing, with sharp portions between the round bezel and the lugs inspired by the sides of the Maltese cross. 

The dial has a sort of ‘retro science lab’ look, evocative of the 1950s, with two horizontally aligned sub-dials at 9 and 3 o’clock denoting the day of the week and the date, respectively.

The watch is mounted on a dark grey alligator leather strap with a calf inner shell. The calf inner lining on the leather strap keeps you feeling warm and cozy but goes further to prevent damage from moisture and sweat.

4. Panerai Luminor Base Logo (ref. PAM01086)

Panerai is an Italian luxury watch manufacturer founded in 1860 by Giovanni Panerai. The brand has a solid reputation for manufacturing some of the most reliable and groundbreaking innovations, such as the Lab-ID Luminor 1950 Carbotech, unveiled at SIHH in 2017. Many of the designs from the high-end watchmaker are breathtaking, and the Ref. PAM01086 is one such with an unusual crown cover.

The watch is presented on a stainless steel case that measures 44mm in diameter and has a height of 13.5mm. The unusual crown cover is simply a crown guard patented in 1955 by Panerai.

The watch is certainly for larger wrists but has a subtle cushion shape and a small lug-to-lug distance of 49.5 mm, making it wear more comfortably than its dimensions suggest. The dial is classical, balanced, elegant, and discreet, with nothing extravagant or particularly alluring.

The hands and indexes have a generous application of high-quality SuperLuminova C3, so legibility is excellent. But the leather strap… how very aesthetically pleasing it is! The handmade dyed beige strap is made from natural leather and features cream-colored stitching and calfskin lining.

5. IWC Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar (ref. IW503608)

Famed for pioneering the use of ceramic and titanium in watchmaking, IWC is a highly respected brand best known for its luxury aviation watches. Apart from being a leader in the production of complicated and ultra-high-end watches, the Swiss Marque has been standing since 1868. 

This Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar flaunts the giant watchmaker’s mechanical prowess in a big, bold, and GREEN timepiece! The watch is presented in a large stainless steel case that measures 46.2 mm in diameter, so yeah, it was intended for larger wrists only. I can’t even imagine this watch on a 15 cm wrist!

The watch further adheres to the “Big Pilot’s Formula” with a thickness of 15.4mm. The brushed case also has a knurled and oversized onion-shaped crown and a screwed case back that keeps it water-resistant to 60 meters.

The dark green dial has a sunray-brushed effect and features 4 subdials at 12, 3, 6, and 9 o’clock for the moon phase, date and power reserve, month, weekday, and small seconds. The green leather strap is sleek, refined, and fashionable with steel rivets, a folding clasp, and IWC’s practical EasX-CHANGE system.

6. Omega Constellation Globemaster (ref. 130.33.39.21.03.001)

Omega is a brand that has consistently demonstrated excellence in all its inventions. While the luxury watch brand is proud of its rich history and strong ethos, the company is also innovative and employs avant-garde technicalities and machinery.

The Globemaster is one of those cutting-edge inventions that can confidently stand toe-to-toe with its Rolex equivalent. The watch is inspired by the legendary Constellation timepieces of the 1950s and 1960s and is powered by one of the most technically advanced movements from Omega. 

The Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 8900 is a revolutionary anti-magnetic movement tuned to stringent chronometer standards making this timepiece synonymous with excellent performance.

The breathtaking sun-brushed blue dial is an evocation of the pie-pan dials of the vintage Constellations from the 1950s and features a simple date window at 6 o’clock. The blue handmade leather strap has a distinctly luxurious feel and is crafted from crocodile skin. 

The high-quality strap is fully grained, which means it will last long and withstand wear and tear without losing its sheen and luster. You can get this icon right here.

7. Blancpain Air Command (ref. AC02 12B40 63B)

When in 1735 Jehan-Jacques Blancpain started making watches in a small workshop on the upper floor of his house at Villeret, he planted the seeds of a horological empire that would defy easy categorization and labels.

Famous for its Fifty-Fathoms watch, the Swiss brand has continued to remain at the top board of Haute Horology thanks to its numerous high complication and iconic watches.

First launched in the 1950s, the Air Command is one of the highly coveted flagship models with pleasing aesthetics and top-notch technicality. The watch is presented on a 42.5 mm titanium case with a bidirectional titanium bezel with a blue ceramic insert. The case features alternating brushed and polished surfaces, giving it a rather sporty look.

The flawless deep blue dial beams brilliantly and just gives off a futuristic look that is reinforced by the sunray-brushed surface. The highly legible dial features snailed chronograph counters at 3 and 9 o’clock and a tachymeter scale on the outer edge.

The calfskin strap comes in a matching blue color and has been finely waxed, giving it a vintage and streaked lightning effect. Get this icon right here.

8. Breguet Classique (ref. 5177BB/12/9V6)

Famous for revolutionizing watchmaking by inventing the tourbillon in 1801, Breguet is one of the oldest surviving watchmakers with an exceptional standard of horological prowess. The Classique 5177BB/12/9V6 is an exquisite, ultra-high-end creation inspired by 19th-century pocket watches from Breguet.

The watch is presented on a flawlessly polished 18kt white gold case that measures 38mm by 8.8mm. Among other things, it is the true rebirth of a classic with long, narrow lugs that makes it wear slightly larger than its dimensions indicate.

Since many of the design details are derived from vintage pocket watches, the dial is traditionally styled but this time with a contemporary twist. The exquisite guilloche textured dial comes on a silvered 18kt gold plate and has been engraved with an intricate “pannier” weave pattern that is both charming and evocative of the good old times.

It features blued “Breguet” style hands and a fine hour and minute chapter ring with black Roman numeral hour markers & dot minute markers. The strap of the watch is a solid black alligator/crocodile leather with a tang buckle.

The band features an elementary design that shows off the natural characteristics of the leather superlatively. Check it out and get it here.

9. Hublot Classic Fusion Aerofusion Moonphase Black Magic (ref. 517.CX.0710.LR)

Hublot (French for “bullseye” or “porthole”) was founded in 1980 by Italian Carlo Crocco in Switzerland. From the onset, Mr. Carlo aimed to produce eccentric watches with groundbreaking technology that would command the attention of the Horological world.

The brand’s obsession with unusual materials in the making of timepieces made them bold enough to combine gold and rubber in the same watch for the first time in history. The Classic Fusion Aerofusion Moonphase Black Magic is one of those eccentric innovations that elegantly display the technical craftsmanship of the brand.

The watch is presented on a 45mm satin-finished and polished black ceramic case with contemporary aesthetics. Elegance rules supreme with the sapphire skeletonized dial of the Ref. 517.CX.0710.LR just creates a mystical and bewitching atmosphere unique to the wearer.

The watch also features a splendid moon phase indicator at 6 o’clock and is powered by a self-winding moon phase movement, the HUB1131, with a power reserve of 42 hours. The black alligator leather strap (the most luxurious and durable of all Crocodilians) is flexible, hypoallergenic, and significantly superior in quality. Get this flawless beast right here.

10. Grand Seiko Elegance SBGY007

Grand Seiko is the premium sibling (and luxury arm) of Seiko that produces elegant watches with exclusive movements and the highest-grade materials. The SBGY007 is a timepiece that reinstates the brand’s desire to propagate rich and exciting Japanese traditions in a contemporary package.

The watch is presented in a mirror-polished stainless steel case that measures a fitting 38.5mm in diameter with a thickness of 10.2mm. The lug-to-lug width is 43.7mm, and you’ll be pleased to discover how beautifully the lugs curve to embrace your wrist.

The dial is simple, clean, and understated with a wave ripple-like texture produced by hammering a mold with different types of hammers. Under the hood, the 9R31 movement, accurate to +/-1 second per day, provides a power reserve of 72 hours.

The watch is mounted on black crocodile leather fastened by a threefold clasp with push button release. The leather is solid and possesses a one-of-a-kind appearance. It also features the brand’s embossed logo on the underside. Check it out here.

11. Oris Big Crown Calibre 473 (ref. 01 473 7786 4065-07 5 19 22FC)

The Oris Big Crown Calibre 473 Ref. 01 473 7786 4065-07 5 19 22FC is an elegant mechanical watch equipped with the new caliber 473. The Caliber 473 is a robust and reliable movement with a five-day power reserve and a 10-year warranty. 

The movement was built and designed from the ground up by Oris, and the Hölstein-based watch manufacturer reports that it took four years to create it. Like the caliber 400 series, it is accurate to within -3/+5 seconds a day. Functions of the movement include powering the hours, minutes, small seconds, power reserve indicator, and pointer date.

The dial of the watch is captivating and features a peculiar blue shade that resembles the water’s surface. It is adorned with Arabic numerals and a red arrow-shaped pointer that indicates the date on the periphery. There is a small seconds counter at 6 o’clock also.

The watch is presented on a textured brown strap made from sustainably sourced deer leather. Deer leather is one of the softest leather options on the market that is loved for its supple thinness and breathability. The strap also features a sophisticated butterfly folding clasp with a seamless adjustment system.

12. Longines Spirit 37mm (ref. L3.410.4.53.0)

Longines is a Swiss brand with a strong heritage in the watchmaking industry. The prestigious watchmaker has been in business since 1832 and is famous for creating the first Chronograph movement, ‘the 13.33Z’.

The Longines Spirit is a vintage-inspired collection with contemporary aesthetic and technical features that pays tribute to the brand’s past. The collection has a lineup of elegant watches, all paying homage to the exceptional men and women who, by a display of courage, left their mark on history, particularly in the aviation sector.

The Ref. L3.410.4.53.0 is presented on a 37mm stainless steel case that is highly advertised as a women’s alternative on the brand’s website but could be worn by men as well. The case has a height of 11.7mm and is finely executed with high-quality finishings on the top, mid-case, and periphery of the bezel.

The sunray-brushed blue dial is also excellently designed with sharp, luminous Arabic numerals. The blue calf leather strap is elegant, discreet, and slightly vintage, with contrasting topstitching that perfectly compliments the dial.

13. NOMOS Club Campus 38 Cream Coral (ref. 725)

NOMOS is a young independent watch brand founded by Roland Schwertner in 1990. The Glashütte-based watch manufacturer is famous for its clean and modernist aesthetic designs and is also the largest manufacturer of mechanical watches in Germany.

The Club Campus 38 Cream Coral is a lighthearted spirit watch that is just as refreshing as it is enthralling. The watch is youthful, free, and uncomplicated and is presented on a 38 × 8.5mm stainless steel case with a closed back and 100 meters of water resistance. The cream coral dial delivers a nice dose of fun and is adorned with a fine combination of Roman and Arabic numerals. 

The hands and hour markers have white luminous inserts to keep the watch highly legible in low-light conditions. The movement underneath the hood is NOMOS’s hand-wound Alpha caliber with 43 hours of power reserve when fully wound. The watch is worn on a velour leather gray strap that has a unique velvety feeling. It is also extremely robust and breathable.

14. Hamilton Intra-Matic Auto Chrono (ref. H38416711)

The Hamilton Intra-Matic Auto Chrono is a vintage-inspired reissue of a 1968 signature piece that offers a sporty but classic look. The Swiss watch brand was founded in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, in 1892 and is famous for producing beautifully designed and highly precise timepieces.

The Ref. H38416711 comes in a fully polished 316L stainless steel case that measures 40mm in diameter and 14.45mm in height. Flanking a large, signed crown at 3 o’clock are two oversized pushers at 2 and 4 o’clock, giving the timepiece a unique retro vibe.

The panda dial features two snail-patterned subdials at 3 and 9 o’clock. The one is a small seconds counter, while that on the right is a 30-minute counter. The watch is fitted with a comfortable 20mm black calf leather strap with matching stitching and a stainless steel folding clasp buckle.

Calfskin leather is a fantastic choice because it is lighter weight and more supple than the ones derived from older cows. Check it out here.

15. Seiko Prospex Alpinist SPB121

The first Seiko Alpinist, the Laurel Alpinist, was released in 1959. The watch was originally intended for mountain men who needed a reliable watch that could put up with the rugged terrains without sacrificing accuracy. 

The Alpinist has evolved but remains one of the greatest legends produced by Seiko that is appreciated by thousands of watch enthusiasts across the globe. The Ref. SPB121  is a modern reinterpretation of the 1959 model and features a balanced mix of vintage and modern-day elements.

Measuring a fitting 39.5mm by 13.2mm, the brushed stainless steel case has a polished bezel and is topped with an AR-coated sapphire crystal. The olive-black dial features a beautiful sunray pattern with a gilded internal rotating compass track on the perimeter.

The watch comes mounted on a luxurious brown strap, crafted from premium quality crocodile embossed calf leather. The strap has a waxed finish with a brown matching stitch and a steel button deployment safety clasp. Get it here.

Conclusion

Leather straps have undergone many changes since their first appearance when pocket watches moved onto men’s wrists, but not their peerless elegance and sophistication. 

The legacy of leather straps continues onward, and today, many designers and watchmakers create very high-quality leather straps in a wide variety of styles and price points. That said, if you haven’t added a watch with a leather strap to your collection, remember it’s a necessity, and the clock is ticking.