Strap for Royal Oak Tourbillon Chronograph Yellow Gold / Silver

The bracelet is an integral part of the case: there is no standard lug to attach an off-the-shelf strap. The attachment geometry is proprietary and requires work built directly around the watch. In the atelier I craft every element by hand, shaping the connection so it fits flush and invisibly.

I work exclusively by appointment at <a href="/pages/casati-booking">Casati Milano</a>, at Via XX Settembre 15 in Milan. I take measurements directly from the case at the bench: there are no templates, every strap is built from scratch. It is the only way to honour the geometry of an integrated attachment like this one.

My preference is naturally aged Barenia. Its texture holds a conversation with the weight and character of the yellow gold case without overpowering it. It ages with wear and develops a patina that tells years of use, not a material that simply wears out. For those who want something more structured, Mississippi Alligator with a large scale has the presence this watch deserves.

With a quality leather and basic care, I count on five to eight years of regular wear. Barenia and vegetable-tanned leathers improve over time: they absorb the shape of the wrist and soften at the flex points. The main enemy is standing water, not daily use. Keeping the strap dry and letting it breathe is all that is needed.

Gérald Genta drew the Royal Oak in 1972 as a provocation: a sporting watch in steel with exposed screws, at a moment when luxury expressed itself only through slim cases and restrained dials. Taking it into yellow gold and pushing it to 44mm is following that provocation to its logical extreme. It is a choice that seeks no approval, and it shows immediately on the wrist.