Lizard Leather - Lizard Watch Straps

Lizard leather is the finest exotic leather in terms of grain. The scales are small and regular, with an almost textile texture that sets it distinctly apart from alligator or crocodile. For a thin watch strap—under 3mm in thickness—lizard is often the best choice: it conforms to the wrist naturally, without the initial stiffness that characterizes thicker leathers. I work primarily with two species: the tegu (Tupinambis merianae), a South American lizard with larger scales and a recognizable geometric pattern, and the Nile monitor (Varanus niloticus), which has tighter scales and a finer texture. They are two different materials with different characteristics—I select them based on the watch and the client's request. Lizard is among the most difficult leathers to work with. The scales open up if the cut is not precise, the lining must be thin to avoid weighing down the profile, and the saddle stitch requires small-gauge saddlery needles. For this reason, a hand-made lizard watch strap costs the time it costs. For pairing: polished black lizard on a Cartier Tank or a Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso is a timeless high watchmaking classic. Olive green or tobacco lizard on a vintage 1960s watch is a less obvious pairing, but when it works it is among the most beautiful things I have built.