MILANO STRAPS · OSTRICH

African ostrich leather. The bumps don't lie.

The leather of African ostrich — Struthio camelus — is recognised by the round nodules on its surface: these are the feather follicles. In the central area of the back they are denser and more uniform. It is the mark of authenticity that no imitation can replicate.</em>

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The leather of African ostrich — Struthio camelus — is recognised by the round nodules on its surface: the feather follicles, an unmistakable mark of authenticity. The most prized area is the centre of the back, where the nodules are dense and uniform. It does not stiffen in the cold. It does not crack with prolonged use.

Available in 18, 20 and 22mm. It pairs with vintage dress watches in tobacco brown — Breguet Classique, Vacheron Égérie, Patek 3970. On more structured watches, black or anthracite grey in 20-22mm.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I recognize authentic ostrich leather from an imitation?

The nodules on genuine ostrich are three-dimensional — you feel them to the touch before you even see them. A printed imitation on bovine leather has flat, regular nodules, all identical to each other. Real ostrich has nodules of slightly varying size, arranged organically. In the central back area they're denser; at the sides they thin out. If all nodules are identical, it's a print.

Does ostrich withstand daily wear like calf?

Better. Ostrich's fibrous structure is naturally elastic — it adapts to your wrist without break-in and resists repeated flexing without cracking. For someone wearing their watch all day, ostrich is a practical choice as well as an aesthetic one. The only consideration is prolonged moisture: like all exotic leathers, it doesn't love constant sweat.

Which watches do I pair with ostrich leather?

Black or charcoal ostrich on a 20-22mm Explorer or Pilot is a solid pairing — the texture is distinctive without being excessive. Tobacco brown on a vintage dress watch from the '60s-'70s is among my favorites. I avoid ostrich on sports watches with integrated cases — the texture is too formal for that context.

How do I recognize authentic African ostrich leather?

The round nodules emerging from the surface are the certain signal. They are the feather follicles of Struthio camelus — they cannot be reproduced by embossing. At the center back they are dense and uniform. At the sides, the leather becomes smoother. You find them on every size, from 18 to 22mm.

How do I clean and care for an ostrich leather strap?

The nodules of ostrich leather collect sweat and dust more than smooth leather. Every 2-3 months, clean with a damp cloth following the direction of the follicles. Let dry in shade. Never use aggressive products on the nodules — they flatten them and they don't recover.

What are the nodules on the surface of African ostrich leather?

The nodules on the surface of African ostrich leather (*Struthio camelus*) are the feather follicles. Each nodule corresponds to the point where a feather grew. They are the mark that distinguishes authentic leather from an imitation. Available from 18 to 22mm.

Is it possible to have a custom ostrich strap made at the atelier?

Casati Milano, at Via XX Settembre 15, is where ostrich leather is chosen in person — on your watch, with your wrist. The measurement is taken at the atelier. The leather is selected together. Book via WhatsApp or by appointment.

Does ostrich leather require CITES certification to be sold legally?

Yes. Ostrich (*Struthio camelus*) is listed in CITES Appendix II. Every hide requires certified documentation of origin. Milano Straps straps in 18, 20 and 22mm are produced in compliance with legal trade regulations.

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