Below is a clearly presented table showing the basic evaluation criteria for the types of leather commonly used in the handmade watch strap making at Hoa Sa.
Alligator
– Alligator leather at Hoa Sa : Alligator leather is known for its sophisticated and classy look, which is suitable for both modern and classic watches. In particular, the alligator’s unique texture makes it stand out among other cattle leathers. This is a characteristic and recognizable feature of alligator leather products. To ensure maximum quality, Hoa Sa uses alligator leather from many reputable sources, especially the famous Heng Long leather factory in Singapore, which stands out for its craftsmanship and outstanding quality in the leather industry.
Shell Cordovan
Shell Cordovan leather has a well-founded ability of water proof as having the smooth surface with small pores, avoid the feeling of stuffy at the wrist in the summer. It brings a different feelings compare to Alligator skin, still classy, noble but along with a little dusty and adventurous. No matter what types of watches you are wearing, or who you are – an adventurer, an office employee, a student, a manager, old or young, this item will fit your watches and make you more confident. You can mix it with a traditional watch or even a smartwatch to make them different and unique.
Shell Cordovan from Shinki Hikaku is one of the world’s highest quality shell cordovan leathers, sourced from Japan. Shinki Hikaku is a long-standing tannery, renowned for its traditional vegetable tanning techniques, which produce leathers with high durability, smooth surfaces and beautiful patina effects over time.
Compared to shell cordovan from Horween (USA), Shinki leathers tend to have a tighter surface, less oil and a natural shine. It is suitable for high-end products such as shoes, wallets, watch straps and handbags.
Epsom
Epsom leather is a premium embossed calfskin that’s widely known for its durability, scratch resistance, and elegant texture. Originally made famous by luxury houses like Hermès, Epsom leather is characterized by its fine, crosshatched grain, which is pressed into the surface using heat rather than being a natural feature of the hide. This process gives the leather a consistent appearance and enhances its resistance to moisture and deformation.
When used for watch straps, Epsom leather offers several advantages. Its firmness provides excellent shape retention, which helps the strap maintain a clean, structured look over time. Despite its rigidity, it remains lightweight and comfortable on the wrist. The surface also holds color beautifully, making it ideal for a wide variety of strap finishes—from classic black and brown to bold, contemporary hues.
Because of its refined look and long-lasting performance, Epsom leather is a perfect choice for dress watches or anyone seeking a polished, modern aesthetic. Whether paired with a minimalist timepiece or a sophisticated luxury watch, an Epsom leather strap effortlessly balances elegance with everyday practicality.
epsom straps
Chèvre
Alran goat leather, fully named Alran Chevre Sully, is produced by Alran SAS, a company established in 1903 by David Alran in the scenic southern Tarn region, known as “Montagne Noire” or Black Mountain. The tannery is located in the small town of Millau, which has a rich history in leather crafting and is renowned for its expertise in producing exquisite leather goods. Alran continues this tradition and has become a symbol of top-tier leather craftsmanship. The tanning process involves sun exposure over a strict 23-step procedure, taking more than three weeks to complete. The leather undergoes vegetable tanning and features a special texture, resulting in a more uniform and beautiful leather surface. This complex process includes numerous manual steps to produce a material with refined colors and exceptional softness and flexibility.
The beauty of Alran Chevre is in the texture and grain. It has a slight pebbled texture that is very smooth to the touch, making any product immediately look luxurious.
ALRAN CHEVRE Straps
VACHETTA
Vachetta leather is a full-grain, vegetable-tanned cowhide known for its natural finish and ability to develop a rich patina over time. Unlike coated or treated leathers, Vachetta is left largely untreated, allowing its surface to breathe, absorb oils, and gracefully age with use. This aging process gives each strap a unique character, making Vachetta especially appealing to those who value authenticity and individuality in their accessories.
When crafted into watch straps, Vachetta leather offers a soft, supple feel that conforms comfortably to the wrist. Its natural hue—typically a light tan—darkens gradually, creating a warm, vintage charm. While it requires a bit more care than coated leathers, the reward is a strap that becomes more beautiful the longer it’s worn.
Ideal for those who appreciate craftsmanship and timeless aesthetics, Vachetta leather straps pair especially well with vintage or classic-style watches.
SUEDE
Suede leather is made from the underside of the hide, giving it a soft, velvety texture that’s both casual and refined. Lightweight and flexible, suede watch straps offer exceptional comfort and a relaxed elegance that stands out from traditional smooth leathers. The matte finish adds depth and a touch of warmth, making suede a favorite for autumn tones and earthy color palettes.
Though more sensitive to moisture and wear, suede rewards careful use with a distinct, character-rich appearance. Perfect for vintage watches or everyday styles, suede straps bring a laid-back sophistication to any timepiece.
suede straps
TOGO
Togo leather is a textured calfskin known for its soft yet resilient qualities. Featuring a natural pebbled grain, Togo combines a slightly spongy feel with excellent structure, making it both supple to the touch and resistant to sagging over time. Originally popularized by Hermès, Togo leather has become a sought-after material for high-end accessories due to its luxurious texture and enduring strength.
As a watch strap, Togo leather offers a refined balance of comfort and durability. Its grain pattern gives visual depth and helps mask small scratches, while its medium firmness provides shape retention without feeling stiff. Togo straps suit a variety of watch styles, from dressy to casual, offering a tasteful blend of rugged elegance and everyday wearability.
togo straps
Epi
Epi leather is a textured leather originally developed by Louis Vuitton, distinguished by its unique, wave-like grain and semi-rigid structure. Made from high-quality calfskin, Epi leather undergoes a special tanning and embossing process that enhances its resistance to scratches, water, and fading. The result is a visually striking material that combines durability with modern sophistication.
For watch straps, Epi leather offers a sleek, architectural look that stands out without being overly flashy. Its firm texture holds shape well, while the bold linear grain adds character and depth. Ideal for minimalist or contemporary timepieces, Epi straps convey a sense of refined confidence—perfect for those who appreciate both form and function.
Epi StrapsLizard
Lizard leather is a luxurious exotic material prized for its fine, symmetrical scale pattern and glossy finish. Typically sourced from Teju or Ring lizards, this leather is lightweight yet remarkably durable, offering both elegance and resilience in a compact, refined form. Its naturally detailed texture makes it visually distinctive, adding a subtle touch of sophistication without being overly bold.
When crafted into watch straps, lizard leather provides a slim, dressy profile that pairs exceptionally well with classic or vintage timepieces. The scales catch light beautifully, enhancing the strap’s depth and charm. Ideal for formal occasions or collectors who value refined details, lizard leather straps embody understated luxury and timeless appeal.
lizard straps
BABELE
Babele leather is a premium Italian calfskin known for its richly textured, canvas-like grain and matte finish. Developed through a specialized tanning and embossing process, Babele offers a distinctive visual appeal while maintaining the softness and flexibility of high-quality leather. Its unique surface pattern adds character and depth, making each strap subtly expressive.
As a watch strap material, Babele leather stands out for its blend of contemporary style and everyday functionality. It’s comfortable on the wrist, holds its shape well, and ages gracefully with use. Perfect for those seeking a modern alternative to traditional smooth leathers, Babele straps lend a refined yet relaxed aesthetic to both casual and dress watches.
