If you think all leather watch straps are made equal, then you are in for a rude shock. This is because there are a myriad of options in the market, and new alternatives appear daily. No wonder you should never make the mistake of lumping all leather watch straps together as it is an oversimplification.
There are various sources and grades of leather, explaining the differences that exist. In this simple guide, we will take you through a few grades of leather you should know about before making a purchase decision.
Full-Grain Leather
Full-grain leather watch straps are by far the best options to go with while shopping around. This grade of leather is made from the most durable portion of the animal’s hide and boasts excellent grain. With full-grain leather, all the inherent features of the leather are clearly evident. If you choose to go with full-grain leather watch straps, be rest assured they last longer. Furthermore, they withstand wear better than any other type of leather.
Top-Grain Leather
Next in line when comparing the types of leather watch straps in the market is top-grain. Just as the name suggests, it originates from the top cut of the animal skin. Unlike full-grain leather, manufacturers process top-grain leather to remove blemishes, scars, and other notable defects. The good thing about top-grain leather watch straps is that they endure a long time. Unfortunately, they don’t age as well as full-grain leather, and this traces back to the manufacturing procedure.
Split-Grain Leather
We can never conclude without talking about split-grain leather watch straps. This grade comes from the top of the hide but is four to five layers deeper. That explains why it is less durable than higher grades of leather. Split-grain leather watch straps are perfect if you value comfort more than quality. After all, they are incredibly soft, smooth, and flexible.
Be sure to look into the pros and cons of the different types of leather watch straps available before settling on one. That way, you won’t worry about buying a new watch strap sooner than later.