MILANO STRAPS · NAPPA

Nappa: lamb and calf leather, woven and velvety

Nappa is no ordinary leather. It’s lambskin or calfskin worked to a near-velvet softness — with a natural grip that won’t slip on your wrist. Two variants: smooth or braided, with a weave that catches light and movement.

THE ORIGIN

Chrome tanning: why nappa leather remains flexible over time

Nappa is not a single leather – it is a family. Lamb nappa comes from young lambs, has a thin derma, a compact grain, and a tanning with oily finishes that keeps the material flexible over time. Intrecciato nappa is calfskin: threads woven in a cross-weave pattern that builds texture and movement on the surface. Two origins, two characters, the same processing logic.

On the wrist, nappa is immediately recognizable. The surface has an almost velvety softness — it doesn't slip, it stays put. The drape is natural: the strap follows the curve of the wrist without stiffness. It withstands repeated folding without structural failure. Worked at thicknesses of 1.2-1.4mm, it maintains that flexibility even after months of continuous use. Direct water is its limit: it must be carefully dried, not left wet. Over time, lamb nappa develops a patina that intensifies the original color — it does not alter it, it deepens it.

Bottega Veneta made Intrecciato recognizable worldwide. That craftsmanship — calfskin threads woven in a pattern — is the same that goes into our intrecciato nappa straps. It is not a tribute. It is the same technique, applied to a different object.

Milano Straps produces nappa in lug widths 18, 20, and 22mm. The 18-20mm sizes are suitable for slender wrists and dressy watches like the Omega Constellation ref. 1566.56.00. The 20-22mm sizes are suitable for dress watches with integrated cases. The correct lug width is not an aesthetic preference — it is a measurement.

Anyone looking for a nappa strap built around their watch — leather selection, thickness, stitching, buckle — can make an appointment at the Casati Milano atelier, Via XX Settembre 15. By appointment only.

Cinturini Orologi Pelle Nappa — pellame nappa

Chrome-tanned, 1.2–1.4 mm thick. The surface reflects light and movement.

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FOR WHICH WATCH

The loop measurement for Nappa

Available in 18, 20 and 22mm. The Nappa leather strap fits over 45,000 references in our watch database — from the perfect size for slender wrists to dress watches with integrated cases.

Breitling Superocean A17316D21A1S1 18mm
Durona oro rosa 22mm
Franck Muller Casablanca 5850 18mm
Hamilton Jazzmaster H32305195 18mm
Longines La Grande Classique L4.705.4.58.6 (aka: L47054586) 18mm
Longines Elegant L4.812.4.11.0 18mm
Nomos Glashütte Club 742 18mm
Nomos Glashütte Club 708.S2 18mm
Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean 232.33.38.20.01.001 (aka: 23233382001001) 18mm
Omega Constellation 1566.56.00 20mm

Enter the brand or reference to confirm the size.

Check your watch

Nappa is chrome-tanned leather, available in lamb and calfskin. Lambskin has a thin dermis with a compact grain, works at thicknesses of 1.2–1.4mm, and develops a patina that intensifies the color over time. The woven version—an interlocking weave of calfskin strips—creates texture and movement on the surface, as seen in the iconic Intrecciato by Bottega Veneta.

It holds up well to repeated bending but requires protection from direct moisture. Available in 18, 20, and 22mm—sizes designed for dress watches and slender wrists.

Frequently asked questions

Is it possible to have a custom nappa strap from the Casati Milano atelier?

Casati Milano, on Via XX Settembre, is the atelier where you choose nappa in person — leather in hand, sizing on your watch. By appointment only. Write us on WhatsApp to reserve yours.

Lamb nappa or calf nappa: what's the difference?

Lamb nappa has a thinner dermis and tighter grain. Calf nappa — often worked in woven texture — has more body. Both are worked between 1.2 and 1.4mm. On slim wrists I recommend 18mm in lamb. On dress watches with integrated case, 20-22mm in calf holds the structure better.

How do you clean a nappa strap without damaging it?

Nappa is sensitive to moisture. Dab with a dry cloth, no rubbing. Every 2-3 months, apply a neutral water-based balm. Avoid harsh products — the tight grain deteriorates quickly. Always air-dry at room temperature.

Which watches pair best with a nappa strap?

Nappa pairs with dressy watches with integrated case. The Omega Constellation ref. 1566.56.00 is a direct match on 20mm. For slim wrists, 18mm. For dress watches with wider case, 22mm.

How does nappa leather age with daily wear?

Lamb nappa develops a patina that intensifies the original color. With use, the tone deepens and the surface acquires natural luminosity. On 18 and 20mm the continuous flexing at the wrist accelerates this process. Keep away from direct moisture.

Is nappa water-resistant or does it need protection from moisture?

Nappa is moisture-sensitive. In case of water contact, dry immediately with a soft cloth and air-dry away from heat sources. This applies to all available sizes — 18, 20 and 22mm. It's a leather to be handled with care, not exposed to rain.

What lug widths are available for nappa straps?

18, 20 and 22mm. The 18-20mm size works well for slim wrists and classic dress watches. The 20-22mm for watches with integrated case or more generous dials.

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