Glossary · Materials
Stingray / Galuchat
Definition
Stingray leather is one of the most fascinating skins in our workshop. Galuchat is the French name, Stingray the commercial term: it's the hide of the ray, a cartilaginous fish living in tropical oceans. The version we use—the one Chanel made iconic—has an unmistakable natural texture: spherical granules, compact, almost like organic pearls. It's not smooth, not suede. It's tactile, exceptionally firm, and resists water better than almost any other natural leather. For a watch strap, it represents a qualitative leap: it's rare, instantly recognizable to touch, patinates distinctly, and—not marketing—lasts decades if handled with awareness. The granules don't flatten; they maintain their relief. The smell is characteristic, marine. It's CITES Appendix II for conservation reasons: certification required, but 100% legal. Every hide is unique in pattern. It's not a skin for everyone, because it demands respect and knowledge from whoever wears it.
Frequently asked questions
Why did Chanel choose Galuchat for its watches and bags?
Because it is exclusivity incarnate. In the early 1900s, French jewelers discovered it: rare, impossible to imitate, and—what matters—every piece tells a unique material story. Chanel understood immediately. On a strap for a Rolex Submariner or vintage dress watch, Galuchat communicates one thing: it's not mass-market status. It's conscious choice. Natural granulation cannot be replicated.
Is a Stingray strap suitable for sports watches or only dress watches?
Both, with intelligence. On an Omega Seamaster 42mm or Rolex GMT Master II 40mm, Galuchat is bold but it works—black especially. On IWC Pilot or Patek Philippe Aquanaut (40-42mm sizes) it becomes almost mandatory for those who know. On dress watches under 36mm, it finds its natural dimension. The material's water resistance is superior: no technical issue. The choice is aesthetic and courageous.
How do I maintain a Stingray strap over time?
Simple: treat it as the living material it is. Granulation is resilient, but not invulnerable. Avoid prolonged salt water (paradox: it comes from the sea, but immersion isn't its care environment). Once a month, clean with a damp cloth and dry immediately. If it needs nourishment—after two years—use natural vegetable oils, never chemicals. Galuchat patinates beautifully: granules maintain relief, the surface develops a subtle patina that increases character. It's not wear, it's evolution. If managed well, it lasts a lifetime.
The next step
The right strap isn't chosen. It is built, together.
From the atelier appointment to delivery, every step is made for those who know that things done well take time. Rare leathers, one piece at a time, eighteen months of warranty.
Request an appointment →Casati Milano · Via XX Settembre 15, Milan · by appointment only