Leather Strap Season is Upon Us . . .

As we transition from August to September, the days are growing shorter, Costa Coffee is unpacking their pumpkin flavoring, and watch enthusiasts are breaking out their leather straps. Leather–the oldest watch strap material in existence–is perfect for those cooler months where swimming and sweating are distant (but fond) memories from your recent holiday. It fits neatly with your coat and leather boots, and of course, it’s perhaps the most comfortable option for your Rolex or Tudor. 

To stay ahead of the curve, let’s take a look at some of the best integrated leather strap pairings for the autumn months.

Rolex GMT-Master II on Curved-End Leather

As great as the GMT-Master II is on a bracelet, it’s hard to not swap in leather on occasion. The material perfectly compliments the everyday appeal of this watch as well as its original purpose as a pilot’s watch. You could very well install a flat-end universal leather strap, but I love the integrated look of Everest Curved-End leather. It’s tailor-made for particular GMT-Master references, perfectly hugging the case and lugs. With autumn around the corner, this is a good one to keep in your watch box.

5-Digit Rolex Datejust on Curved-End Leather

Due to its ability to age and patina, leather pairs particularly well with vintage watches. 5-digit Rolex Datejusts remain some of the best value in the pre-owned market, and if you’re looking to get the most out of your watch, it’s nice to keep an extra strap around. Like the last pick, the 5-digit Datejust looks great on a flat-end leather strap, but an integrated one just gives it that OEM feel. Due to the age of these watches, their factory Jubilee bracelets are often somewhat stretched out, and while that adds to the charm for many people, a brand new integrated alternative is an interesting proposition, especially if you’re trying to extend the life of that bracelet.

Rolex Submariner on Curved-End Leather

This one is a bit more divisive than the prior two. Some purists shy away from putting leather straps on their dive watches, as the non-water-resistant material is somewhat antithetical to the purpose of the watch itself. I actually did a write-up on this very topic over on our US site. Still, leather is a great option for those autumn months where, like I mentioned before, swimming and sweating are but found memories from your recent holiday. Furthermore, the beauty of watch straps is being able to swap them out for various occasions. Going to a wedding? Throw that Submariner on a leather strap. Going to the pool? Put it back on the bracelet, or better yet, a rubber strap. 

Final Thoughts

At this time of year, transitioning your watches onto leather straps makes a lot of sense both practically and aesthetically. The long-used material brings a touch of warmth, comfort, and charm to your watches, particularly vintage examples like the 5-digit Datejust. As you layer up your clothes, go ahead and layer up your watches, as well. It’s official–leather strap season is upon us.