MILANO STRAPS · ITALIAN

Italian leather: a tradition, not a material

When I speak of Italian leather, I do not mean a species or a treatment. I mean a provenance. Tuscan tanneries between Santa Croce sull'Arno and Fucecchio have been working leather with vegetable tanning for centuries. With use, it develops a warm patina. It improves instead of deteriorating.

The Tuscan tanneries between Santa Croce sull’Arno and Fucecchio have been vegetable tanning for centuries. Oak and chestnut tannin, 30-90 days of processing: the opposite of industrial chrome tanning in 24 hours. The result is a leather that softens with use and develops a warm patina over time.

Available in 18, 20 and 22mm. Tuscan calfskin in tan or cognac on steel is the combination that recurs most often — on the Omega Constellation as on any steel Rolex. Produced by the Consorzio Vera Pelle Italiana Conciata al Vegetale.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you clean and care for an Italian leather strap?

Italian vegetable-tanned leather requires minimal maintenance. A pass of nourishing cream every 2-3 months is enough. Avoid direct water. The patina that forms with use is not a defect — it's the material improving. Don't treat it, don't cover it.

How does the warm patina of Italian vegetable-tanned leather develop?

The patina comes from the natural tannins of oak and chestnut bark, which penetrate the leather fibers during tanning. With use, light and heat from your wrist react with these tannins, darkening the surface uniformly. Available from 18 to 22mm.

What sets Italian leather apart from other leathers?

Origin. The tanneries of Santa Croce sull'Arno in Tuscany use vegetable tanning — a process taking 30 to 90 days with oak and chestnut tannins. Industrial leather takes 24 hours. The difference shows in 18, 20 and 22mm straps: Italian leather improves with use instead of deteriorating.

Is it possible to order a custom Italian leather strap at the atelier?

Casati Milano, Via XX Settembre 15, is where you choose Italian leather in person — in the right light, with your watch in hand. Sizing is done at the atelier. Book via WhatsApp or write directly.

Which watches pair best with Italian vegetable-tanned leather?

Tuscan calf tan or cognac on any steel Rolex is the combination that comes up most often. I've paired Italian leather on the Omega Constellation ref. 1566.56.00 — 20mm lug width, works well. Generally: classic steel watches, 18, 20 or 22mm sizes. Dress watch rather than sports watch.

What sizes are Italian leather straps available in?

18, 20 and 22mm. These are the sizes I cover with Italian leather — the ones that answer to most wristwatches in production and vintage. If yours has a different lug width, write me before ordering.

Italian leather versus French leather: what differences actually matter?

The main difference is in the tanning. Italian leather, worked in Tuscany with vegetable tannins for 30-90 days, develops a warm patina and improves with use. French leather often prioritizes grain compactness. Available in 18, 20 and 22mm.

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.

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What we offer

We guide you through every step — with exclusive images directly from our atelier
Over 50 artisanal steps for each strap — from leather selection to final stitching
The time it takes to do extraordinary things — four, five weeks. Not a day less.
An object designed to last a lifetime — cared for by us for eighteen months
The right leather for your watch — chosen together, in the atelier, only for you

By appointment only · Milan