Strap 101 – Lining Leather

Quality shows on the underside

With a watch strap, quality is not determined by the upper leather alone. The material on the underside is just as important – after all, it sits directly against your skin.

With inexpensive straps, manufacturers often cut corners on the lining leather. The result can be a material that traps heat, transfers colour or irritates the skin. With dropshipped straps from an unknown source, it is also often unclear which substances were used.

Some manufacturers therefore combine leather on the upper side with rubber underneath. That can be practical – but it is not necessary when truly high-quality lining leather is used.

Zermatt leather from Tanneries Haas

At StrapKlub, every leather strap – not only the most expensive ones – is lined with exclusive Zermatt leather from the French tannery Tanneries Haas.

Zermatt was developed specifically as a lining leather. It is exceptionally soft, skin-friendly, resistant to perspiration and water, dimensionally stable and durable. This makes it comfortable to wear and dependable in everyday use.

Zermatt leather costs considerably more than basic lining leather. For us, that is a conscious choice: quality should be tangible where you wear it directly against your skin every day.

The exception: Alcantara

Our Alcantara strap is constructed differently: the underside is made from Alcantara as well. The material is soft and pleasant against the skin while also being robust and easy to care for – an alternative with a character all its own.