I would have thought it's unusual to get a good quality leather that looks worn quickly. Normally the aim would be to keep a pristine look as long as possible.

Even if you do get a distressed look, I'm sure the designer would aim to have a stable distressed look. (like yours)

I know CW did a nice distressed look strap with a flaked appearance, but the flakes weren't stable and tended to rub off very quickly, losing the distressed appearance very quickly.

For any half decent strap, I tend to replace the tang with a folding clasp, to reduce the creasing caused by repeatedly strapping the watch on and off, and to keep the new leather look as long as possible.

It's like shoes I think. You wouldn't want a pair of shoes to start looking old and unpolished after a few wears, would you?

 

No, no no.
My leather has to be pristine/immaculate.

 

Chromexcel leather! Lots of strap makers use it, it's nice stuff, it's known for aging quickly.

 

In my experience with leather straps you can get either
A strap then patinas slowly and nicely
Or
A strap that patinas quickly and that falls apart after not too long

 

Fair enough, I get what you're saying. So any recommendations for the "slow and nice" category?

Chromexcel leather! Lots of strap makers use it, it's nice stuff, it's known for aging quickly.

Thanks, gonna check some out!

 

As above, Chromexcel, but also Crazy Horse leather are the most likely to "patina" over time.

 

Chromexcel leather! Lots of strap makers use it, it's nice stuff, it's known for aging quickly.

As above, Chromexcel, but also Crazy Horse leather are the most likely to "patina" over time.

Another vote for chromexcel.

Here's some more info on that type from Ashland Leather (these guys are literally across the street from the Horween factory):

Ashland Leather's Chromexcel scratch maintenance guide

 

The distressed leather looks surprisingly good! Have you ever considered a canvas strap?

 

Crazy Horse. It ages gracefully......

 

Waxed leather straps patina really well, and also have the benefit of being fully waterproof / indestructible (fully suitable for even dive watches) and are buttery and silky smooth to the touch.

I have 3 or 4 Hirsch Mariner straps and they are really nice quality and have patina'd really nicely (especially the tan / honey brown one). No hesitation recommending those.

 

What you want is pullup leather as the tanning process is designed to patina without affecting the performance of the leather. Horween Chromexcel is almost certainly the best one out there.

 

Horween Chromexcel is almost certainly the best one out there.

Great suggestion. Did not think of this material, duh!

I have a number of boots with Chromexcel and it does acquire a very nice "lived in" effect over time, IMHO.

 

Horse leather also called Horween, ages pretty with a great patina.

 

Horween is "material" from the rump of the horse, so maybe pony up.......?

Sorry.....

 

My mistake, what’s the front quarter hide of the horse that’s so prized called? I have two jackets made from this.
Edit: apparently this is used on small items, my jackets must be the rear or back?

 

Try something like the waxy leather from Badalassi Carlo. It's a pull-up leather that will feel a little aged from the get-go and then patina beautifully over time. For me, it's a step up from something like chromexel.

 

This is worth a read:

Is Horween Chromexcel Overrated?

In the last article, which you can read here, I stated that Chromexcel (also called CXL) is probably the most well known chrome tanned leather in the world. In fact, I misspoke. Chromexcel is likel…

almostvintagestyle.com

 

Thanks all, appreciate the input! Lots to read and study 👌

 

The natural Horween CXL leather patinas beautifully and (relatively) quickly.

 

Coming a little late to the party but if I was asked to make one with the key point of a quick, nice golden patina I would have to choose Vachetta. Starts off creamy and then goes golden relatively quickly. Definitely an upscale choice and typically found on LV handles and bags.

 

Not quick to Patina but with age this is what an OEM Breitling croco vintage early 2000's looks like today. You can somewhat accelerate the process by rubbing the strap with a light oil. Skin oil from frequent wear helps but does take a long time. Originally the "camel" color is somewhat of a light shade of yellow...

 

Another vote for natural Horween CXL.

 

I currently have a strap on my Moonwatch that I really like, but it already came with a worn/distressed look.

I'd like to get a strap that I get to patina myself. Any recommendations for a strap or type of leather that will do this (not necessarily as beat up as this one, but a nice leather patina)?

View attachment 17806428

We offer 2 superb options that will darken and gain patina quickly and beautifully.

Horween Natural Essex single piece watch strap:

and a natural shell cordovan single piece style watch strap: