7 Best Leather Watch Straps To Stylize Your Wardrobe in 2024

The best leather watch strap is the one that works well with various types of watch faces and also works for many occasions.

We have identified several fashionable and practical leather watch straps that you can pair with almost any outfit. It doesn’t matter if you have never had a nice timepiece before or if you are a rough-and-tumble person who damages their watches. The best leather watch straps are fashionable, durable, and worth the money.

And if you’re someone who already sports a stylish watch or two, then you know the value of having the best leather strap for your wrist.

Keep reading for more information on the best leather watch straps to work for any outfit and occasion.

Key Takeaways

We have done extensive research to find the best products to work for various occasions. We have examined tests, client reviews, materials, and company reputation to find the best leather watch straps.

The Timex 20mm leather strap is the top choice. It is far and away the best, for all kinds of reasons. But I found more to entertain your styling pleasure.

Below are all of my picks for the best men’s leather watch straps.

Best Overall: Timex Quick-release Leather Strap

Why it’s great: The main features of this type of watch strap are the quick-release buckle that makes it easy to get on and off for everyday use, the fashionable black leather strap, and matching black hardware buckles that integrate into the strap.

Who is this for?: The Timex quick-release leather strap is ideal for those who want an inexpensive, durable, and no-nonsense option. This strap can work with various watch faces. This option is stylish enough to work with formal clothing or laid-back enough to wear for daily use.

The quick-release spring bars, circumference versatility, 20mm compatibility, and unisex band size set this apart from other options on the market.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: Quick release can be a double-edged sword at times.

Type of leather: Full grain | Sizes: 20mm to 42mm | Colors: 2

Best On Amazon: Ritche Quick Release Leather Band

Why it’s great: The notable features of the Ritche Strap are the high-quality cowhide leather, heavy-duty buckle, and minimal texture. Its versatility, subtle texture, and various size options are the main benefits.

Who is this for?: This product works well for those who don’t want subtle gold or silver elements in their jewelry. We like this leather watch strap for those who want a matte color option instead of a shiny finish. The price point well below $50 and the quality of the leather make this an affordable yet high-end option.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: Like a lot of leather, these bands can take some time to break in. We’ve noticed that the supreme comfort isn’t available right out of the box, so  expect a break-in period.

Additionally, these straps have a lot of padding, which, until you’ve broken them in, can make the opening and closing of the buckle a little bit more of a chore. This is something to consider if you have any hint of swelling, arthritis, or other ailments that affect your hand motion.

Type of leather: Full Grain Leather | Sizes: 18mm to 24mm | Colors: 33

Best Embossed Leather Design: Alligator EMBOSSED Wocci Straps

The Wocci Straps alligator-embossed (NOTE: not real alligator leather) watch strap is a durable, unique, and stylish choice that stands out from other matte or bland straps on the market today.

Why it’s great: The main features are the smooth scaled look, medium patina shading, chrome-tanned leather, and sustainable materials. Ultimately, we chose not to include real alligator leather, considering its sustainability and ethical implications. But thanks to modern leather and embossing technology, you can get an incredibly accurate look-alike.

Who is this for?: Those who want a durable, distressed, and versatile strap will love this option for a touch of extra style to their gold or silver watch face. We love this leather watch strap for men who want a long-term option that can work for both daytime and nighttime use. The light distressed marks, thin construction, and comfortable material make this watch versatile.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: These bands go up only to 22mm. That’s fine for some, but having additional sizes would be helpful for others.

Also, although this is a quality watch band, the makers have employed some cost-cutting measures, which aren’t major issues but may play into the longevity of the strap. Specifically, the sides of the band have been painted with liquid rubber to help stop water from saturating the band and to keep the layers of leather together. The more expensive version of this is called “Rembordé edges,” which involves folding the top layer of the leather over the sides and securing it to the bottom layer.

Type of leather: Italian Calfskin | Sizes: 14-22mm | Colors: 30

Best Leather Strap For Apple Watch: Bellroy

Bellroy is a quality leather watch strap that pairs well with your Apple Watch without affecting the watch’s compatibility or connection with your phone.

Why it’s great: The notable feature is the sweat-proof construction, which prevents premature deterioration or unhygienic qualities to the watch. The main benefits are the high level of craftsmanship, eco-tanned leather, and patina shadowing. These details create a unique and high-end appearance that you would not find in other Apple watch straps.

Who is this for?: Those who want a durable watch strap that can endure everyday rough use, prevent sweat accumulation, and remain aesthetic should consider the Bellroy leather  watch strap. We like this choice for watch wearers who want a high-quality leather watch band with a 3-year warranty.

The long warranty, hard-grade polymer construction, and smooth leather finish set this leather watch strap apart from other Apple watch options.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: The strap is equal to the standard length Apple watch band.

Type of leather: Eco-tanned leather | Sizes: 38mm-49mm | Colors: 8

Best Color Options: Void 22mm Straps

Why it’s great: The notable features are the high-quality leather and quick-release pins.

The main benefits are all-day comfort, durability for months or years of use, and a variety of color options that can help breathe new life into your favorite timepiece.

Who is this for?: Those who want a multitude of color choices will love this strap’s old-school vibe and versatility. We like this leather watch strap for those who need adjustment points and added durability for long-term use.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: So many colors, so little time. Additionally, these watches work best for Void models and will work with others, but you’ll need to pay extra attention to the details.

Type of leather: Leather | Sizes: 22 mm | Colors: 12

Best Budget: Barton Espresso Leather

The best budget leather watch strap is Barton Espresso Leather. This option has easy functionality, a lower price, and two sizes that work for various sizes of wrists.

Why it’s great: The notable features of the Barton Espresso leather strap are the top-grain leather, color choices, and buckle options. The main benefits are the adjustability and small sizing option.

Who is this for?: This product works well for those who want to spend less than $25 on a quality leather watch strap they can adjust. We like using this leather watch strap for those with smaller wrists.

The low price and the 5” strap length sets this leather watch strap apart from other options on the market.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: This company’s straps aren’t compatible with every brand of watch.

Type of leather: Top grain | Sizes: 16mm to 24mm | Colors: 16

Best Luxury Leather Watch Strap: Everest Bands Curved End Link Leather

The Everest Bands Curved End Link Leather watch strap is a high-end and pricey option. Still, the hypoallergenic lining, curved end, and various finishes make it worth the price point.

Why it’s great: The notable features are the nine finishes and the precise ends. The benefits are compatibility with the Rolex Submariner, ergonomic fit to avoid irritation or rubbing, and the ABS plastic insert.

Who is this for?: Those who want a robust steel buckle and enjoy Rolex watches will love this leather watch strap as a more unique option. We like this one for men or women who wear their watch all day long. The curved end of this leather watch strap is ergonomic and does not cut into your wrist or hand during movement.

The calf leather strap, hypoallergenic lining, and Rolex compatibility set this luxury watch strap apart from others.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: The price point is a bit high, but you knew that.

Type of leather: Calf | Sizes: 80mm | Colors: 6

Buying Considerations For The Best Leather Watch Straps

Before you can find the best leather watch straps, keep these three things in mind.

Size

One of the top considerations, before you choose the best leather watch strap for daily or occasional use, is the size of the strap. Some men and women have smaller arms and wrists, so finding the correct width, diameter, and length of the strap is key to ensuring that it fits properly, without any gaps, rubbing, or irritation.

The main proportions of the size of these leather watch bands are the width, length, and tapering.

• Width — The width of the leather watch strap holds the watch face in place, aiding in the comfort, longevity, and security of the watch against your wrist. The strap width is usually measured in millimeters, with the average size coming to 20mm. Those who have thinner wrists may prefer to have smaller widths, such as 18–20mm, whereas those who have larger arms and wrists may prefer sizes up to 26mm. You can figure out the right width for your watch by measuring the width between the lugs of the watch case.

• Length — The second consideration of leather watch strap sizing is the length. The length is usually measured in millimeters and includes the buckle and tail sides. The average length of a leather watch strap ranges from 120/70mm to 145/90 mm.

• Tapering — The last aspect to remember when deciding what type of leather watch strap to buy is the tapering and shape. The tapering can influence how the watch will fit, the accentuation of the watch’s face, and how it fits flush against your arm.

You can choose the right strap size for your body by looking at the buckle size, strap width, watch case, and tail side. Make sure the shape and size of the leather watch strap are compatible with the watch face you want to use.

Furthermore, you need to figure out the type of fit you want in your leather watch strap. Some wearers prefer a looser fit that moves when you move your arm. In contrast, others would rather have a tight fit that is snug against the bony section of the wrist.

Color

The second consideration to remember is the color of the leather watch band. Ensure that the color of the leather does not fade over time. Plus, it should match the watch face you want to use. For example, choosing a dark blue or gray strap with a white dial is a favorable combination.

If you are trying to pair a leather watch strap with a blue dial, then gray, black, or brown, look stylish and sleek. For men and women who want to get a leather watch strap for a dark blue or black dial, then a dark blue or gray strap color is best. For those who want to use a green dial watch face, then a strap that is light brown, light gray, or cream looks best with a brighter face.

Furthermore, pair your leather watch strap with your watch face and clothing style. If you usually wear subtle colors, gray, or black, then choosing a black or gray leather watch strap is a sleek and aesthetic option.

A medium brown or light gray leather watch strap pairs well with cool colors, such as light blue, royal blue, light gray, or light purple. For watch wearers who usually wear warmer tones, like orange, red, and yellow, then dark brown or black work well. If you enjoy wearing earth tones like forest green, dark brown, and emerald green, then we recommend a brighter leather watch strap.

The final way to choose the best color for your leather watch strap is to match it with the casing/watch face. We recommend using brown straps for stainless steel cases. If you have a gold case, then black looks nice. If you have a bright case, then navy is a smart option.

Type of Leather

One of the main considerations when looking for the best leather watch bands is the type of leather. Although you may think that all leather looks or works the same, that is far from the truth. Your leather watch strap can make a boring timepiece into a fashion statement with the right type of leather!

• Calfskin — One of the main types of leather for your watch strap is calfskin. This is a versatile choice that can work well for daytime use, nighttime wear, and relaxed or formal occasions. If you are looking for a luxury watch strap, then most high-end options are calfskin. Calfskin is popular because of its comfort, ease on the skin, and classic aesthetic.

• Vegetable tanned — Vegetable tanned leather will develop over time. This material uses natural elements, like the sun, to change the color the more you wear your watch outside. We like this type of leather watch strap for those who want a casual option that will grow older as they get older.

• Suede — Suede leather is a casual and cheaper alternative to calfskin leather. This material can pair well with suits, suede boots, casual suede sneakers, or other daytime wear.

• Textured — Textured leather works well for special occasions. Wearers can dress up their outfits without spending excess money on formal dress, such as tuxedos, gowns, or suits.

• Exotic — We mentioned the best alligator leather watch strap based on its durability, construction, and price. Finding exotic men’s leather watch straps, such as crocodile, alligator, or stingray, can be a great way to stand out.

Why You Should Trust Us

Your style is all your own. You know what you like and what you don’t like. But not everyone has all the answers. That’s where we come in. At FashionBeans.com, style is our thing. We know fashion inside and out. We’re out in the marketplace, testing tons of products so we can share our expertise and our recommendations with you. We want you to have the best advice at your fingertips when you’re beefing up your mystique, and we are dedicated to giving you top-quality info on all aspects of men’s fashion.

Final Verdict

The Timex 20mm leather watch strap is the best option for the price point, durability, and versatility to wear with any outfit and for any occasion. We chose this leather watch strap because of the average price, sleek leather, durable construction, and comfortable fit.