Commit TV Yagi Column ~ Introducing recommended leather belts! ~

"Luxury watch leather strap"

Where do you all buy from?
Original from the manufacturer? Custom order? Leather goods manufacturer?

Leather straps are a very important item for luxury watches (especially dress watches). The atmosphere of the leather strap can make the luxury watch you spent a lot of money on look many times more "cool" or "uncool."

This time, I would like to tell you about some "recommended leather straps" to help you avoid making any mistakes, and also write in an easy-to-understand manner for those who are wondering where to purchase them.

The appeal of leather belts

A leather strap that offers a unique feel and style that metal bracelets do not have.
I would like to summarize the appeal of leather belts in three points.

1. Variations

The appeal of leather straps is that you can choose from a wide variety of materials and colors to find your favorite one. You can choose the one that suits each watch and reflect your personal taste, which makes your watch life more exciting. Choosing a strap is also exciting. I think it's an irresistible moment to enjoy the fun of choosing a strap while imagining how it will age over time, with the texture, feel of the material, and the unique feel of each piece due to the dyeing process.

Whenever you want to change things up, you can simply replace the strap with a new one, so you can continue to enjoy your beloved watch for a long time without getting bored.

②Fashionability

Leather belts are easier to coordinate with fashion than metal bracelets. Another advantage is that they can be worn in any situation depending on the material and color, and are an item that can be worn with formal attire, as well as creating a classic atmosphere and creating a sophisticated look. Also, by matching the color with leather shoes and leather accessories, you can easily create a stylish impression.

For a more advanced approach, we recommend using leather belts as an accent (contrasting color) in your outfit.

3) Practicality

Leather straps are also recommended from a practical standpoint.

First of all, leather straps are safe for people with metal allergies. Basically, the only metal part that comes into contact with the skin is the back cover, so people with metal allergies can greatly reduce their risk. If you apply a watch-shaped film to the back cover, you can prevent the metal part from coming into contact with your skin, so leather straps are a great option for people with metal allergies. (*However, caution is required with special fasteners such as D-buckles.)

And lightness is also a key point.
"Luxury watches are heavy..." is a common opinion we hear. Recently, many stainless steel (SS) watches are very sturdy and heavy. Solid gold or platinum watches will feel even heavier. Leather straps are perfect for those who don't like heavy watches!

Recommended leather belt manufacturers

Now, I would like to introduce some recommended leather belts.

We hope this will help you find your favorite one.

① Genuine manufacturer belt

The first thing we recommend is the genuine leather straps from each watch manufacturer.

Each watch manufacturer produces their own model, so you can choose without hesitation when purchasing. Wearing a genuine leather strap is a kind of status symbol and gives you a sense of security.

On the other hand, one concern is that the materials and colors are limited. Since they are not a specialist leather manufacturer, the variety is inevitably limited. It is good for choosing basic colors and materials, but if you want a leather strap with a little variation, it may not be enough. The price is also a little on the expensive side. Needless to say, the manufacturer's markings are reflected in the price.

However, keep in mind that in the second-hand market, having a genuine leather strap does have the advantage of making a good impression. Genuine leather straps and non-genuine leather straps make a different impression on both buyers and sellers.

2. Camille Fornet

Camille Fournet was founded in 1945 by saddler Camille Fournet in the Picardy region of France. About 20 years later, in 1965, Camille Fournet's commitment to craftsmanship and the quality of its materials were recognized, and the company began making straps for luxury watch manufacturers. Camille Fournet's leather straps are used by many famous watch brands, including Patek Philippe, Franck Muller, Zenith, and Cartier. In addition to leather straps, the company has also made a name for itself with a wide range of leather products, including wallets and bags. All of these are first-class products, a testament to the company's first-class manufacturing.
The greatest attraction of Camille Fournet is that it is completely "MADE IN FARANCE." While preserving the traditional techniques handed down from the founder, Camille Fournet, the brand continues to create the finest products, handcrafting each and every item.

* "Couture Cellier" is a traditional French technique.
"Couture Cellier" is a saddle stitch technique that has been passed down by leather craftsmen. By attaching needles to both ends of a single thread and stitching it onto thick leather, it is possible to create a very strong and beautiful stitch. To produce one leather belt in a factory in France using this technique, more than 60 steps are carried out by hand by more than 200 craftsmen.
Incidentally, Hermes, another French saddlery manufacturer, also uses the same saddle stitch technique called "Couje Cellier".

Camille Fournet is a manufacturer that can meet a wide range of needs, from bass collections to custom-made products. Another attractive point is that their products are in a relatively affordable price range.

③Genre saw

Jean Reuss was founded in 1954 in Besançon, known as the home of French watchmaking. Known as a manufacturer of high-end watch straps, the company established itself as a partner of major Swiss watch manufacturers, and then expanded into watch bands and leather products.

Just like Camille Fournet, each piece is handcrafted by skilled craftsmen using a technique known as "couture cellier," resulting in a texture and feel that proves it is a first-class product.

Another notable point is that, unusually for a high-end leather product manufacturer, they own their own tanning factory . They claim that the preparation of raw hides is the most important production process at Jean-Luc. They make full use of their unique techniques that they have cultivated, and offer more than 600 colors, which is surprising.

Basically, it is made to order, so the price is a little higher, but you can make it into a one-of-a-kind item that is full of your personal touches. Another great thing about the store in Ginza is that it has a Japanese craftsman who is certified by Jean Reaux, so the delivery time is relatively quick.

④J.C. Perrin

JC Perrin established its workshop in Paris in 1984. Alongside Camille Fournet and Jean Reuss, it is one of the leading manufacturers of luxury leather straps in France. With an equally impressive track record, it produces to order for many luxury watch brands, including Patek Philippe, Vacheron Constantin, Jaeger-LeCoultre, IWC, and Franck Muller.

JC Perrin began by searching for excellent tanners, based on the belief that "excellent leather makes the best belts." It is said that JC Perrin's unique belt shapes were created by pursuing "beauty" and "balance" based on outstanding skills and passion.

JC Perrin believes that watch straps are the most fashionable coordination items, and offers suggestions for individuality and upgrading your watch. Because of this commitment to custom-made products, you can get a strap that embodies "your own watch."

This is a manufacturer that anyone who is particular about fashion should definitely check out!

summary

So far, I have talked about "leather straps for luxury watches". What do you think? To summarize briefly,

The appeal of leather belts

❶Variations
❷Fashionability
❸ Practicality

Recommended leather belt manufacturers

① Genuine manufacturer belt
2. Camille Fornet
③Genre saw
➃J.C. Perrin

It will be.

Each of the leather strap manufacturers introduced here has their own strong commitment to their craft, and continues to produce their products in the present day while inheriting traditional techniques.
Why not try wearing your own leather strap watch on special occasions?

I would be very happy if this article inspires more people to become fans of dress watches.

see you!