Good evening everyone!
This week, we have a new series, In this new project, we will explain the basics of luxury watches in an easy-to-understand way, for those who are not very familiar with luxury watches and those who want to learn more about them.
This is the 8th time
[ Introduction to luxury watches ]: 『 Leather straps 』
The "strap" of a watch not only serves the purpose of putting the watch on your wrist, but by changing it you can also change the overall impression of the watch. The "leather strap" we will introduce is characterized by its chic and luxurious atmosphere. However, even under the term "leather strap," there are many different types, such as cowhide and crocodile leather, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. In this article, we would like to explain in detail about "leather straps," so please enjoy until the end.
What is a "leather belt"? Explaining its characteristics
" Leather belt " = " Highly fashionable belt "
A "leather strap" is a strap made of natural leather, which gives a more formal and chic impression and is often used for dress watches. Due to the nature of animal leather, it is soft and comfortable on the wrist, and is also cheaper than a "metal strap."
The pros and cons of leather belts
Next, we will introduce the advantages and disadvantages of leather belts.
The benefits of leather belts
The biggest advantage of leather straps is the wide range of options available. The texture of leather straps varies greatly depending on the material used, and even the same material can vary depending on the part of the watch it is used in. In addition, the colors vary, so you can enjoy a variety of combinations to match the material and design of your watch.
In addition, it is lighter than a metal belt and fits well on the wrist, so it has the advantage of being less tiring to wear for long periods of time.
Disadvantages of "leather belt"
The biggest disadvantage of a leather strap is that it will wear out quickly if not properly maintained. Unlike metal straps, leather straps absorb sweat and water, which can lead to odor and wear if not properly maintained. It is best to avoid using the strap in the summer or during activities that make you sweat, let alone in the rain or with drops of water. However, even with proper maintenance, leather straps have a shorter lifespan than metal straps, and will need to be replaced periodically.
List of types of "leather belts"
The texture and characteristics of "leather belts" vary depending on the material used. Here we will explain each type of "leather belt".
" Calf leather "
"Calf leather" is made by tanning the skin of a calf that is less than 6 months old. It is very soft and has an excellent wearing comfort that fits comfortably on the arm. It is a popular leather that is used not only for watches, but also for various leather items such as shoes and wallets.
" Crocodile leather "
"Crocodile leather" is the skin of a crocodile that lives in Africa, and is the highest quality material among "leather straps". It is characterized by finer scales than other crocodiles, giving it a luxurious feel. Another attractive feature is that it is relatively resistant to sweat and water among "leather straps".
There is another type of crocodile leather called "alligator," but its scales are more rectangular than those of "crocodile." It is easier to obtain than crocodile leather because it is steadily supplied through farming.
" Ostrich leather "
"Ostrich leather" is leather made from ostrich skin. It is characterized by the unique feather shaft pattern called "quill mark" that remains after the feathers are plucked, and has a heavy leather quality and excellent durability. The unique pattern and color are attractive, but it is also a delicate material that is prone to sweat stains.
" Lizard Leather "
"Lizard leather" is a type of leather made from the skin of a lizard, with a fine scale pattern that allows for beautiful coloring. It is often used for women's watches, and is also highly durable. It is also more affordable than crocodile leather, making it more accessible.
" Cordovan leather "
"Cordovan leather" is leather made from the skin of a horse's buttocks. Due to its high fiber density, it is twice as strong as cowhide. It is known as the "diamond of leather" for its glossy finish, and is used for school bags, leather shoes, and other items.
How to make your leather belt last longer
Leather straps make luxury watches look attractive, but as mentioned in the disadvantages, they require proper care. Here are some tips to make leather straps last longer.
Leave an interval between uses
The first point is that the recommended way to make a leather strap last as long as possible is to wait about 3-4 days after use before using it again. Leather products that come into direct contact with the skin are prone to soaking up sweat and other fluids, and if you use them every day without a break, the leather will gradually deteriorate.
If there is sweat or water on it, wipe it off properly.
The second point is to wipe off sweat or water droplets immediately with a soft cloth. Even if you don't mind it that much, it's almost impossible for the moisture to be "zero," so it's best to get into the habit of wiping it off regularly.
Put on and take off carefully
"Leather belts" are softer and more delicate than "metal belts." Therefore, the third point is to put them on and take them off gently and carefully. Treating them the same as durable "metal belts" can damage the "leather belt." When wearing it, we recommend not wearing it too tightly, and choosing a size with a little room to avoid pulling on the leather.
summary
I have explained the characteristics and types of leather belts. What do you think?
Leather straps can greatly change the feel of your watch depending on the material and color you choose. We hope you will find your favorite leather strap and enjoy using your precious watch.
Once again, I hope that this article will pique your interest in luxury watches!
see you!