MILANO STRAPS · OSTRICH-FLAT

Ostrich Flat: exotic leather with a smooth grain

The flat ostrich does not have the quill holes of its classic counterpart. It comes from the back of the bird: a smooth surface, fine and regular grain. Exotic in origin, almost anonymous at first glance. This is its strength.

THE ORIGIN

Vegetable tanning: the choice that changes how leather ages

The flat ostrich is not the ostrich you know. On the bird's back, the skin is smooth — no quill holes, no raised texture. A fine, regular grain reminiscent of calfskin, but with an exotic character that calfskin lacks. The tanning is vegetable. The result is a compact surface, with a natural texture that is recognizable to the touch even before the eye.

The surface remains uniform even after years of use. It does not fear scratches as one might expect from an exotic leather. Over time, it develops a patina — not immediate, but slowly built — which enhances the character of the piece instead of degrading it. It requires periodic hydration. Nothing complicated: it's the same care given to any vegetable-tanned leather. CITES certification is included with every piece.

Available from Milano Straps in 18, 20, and 22mm. I have paired it with very different wristwatches — a Patek Philippe 3970 in 20mm, a Vacheron Constantin Égérie ref. 8005/120R in 18mm, a Breguet Classique ref. 5177BA/15/9V6 in 18mm. It works on a dress watch as well as on a Breitling Superocean ref. A17316D21A1S1. It's that versatility that makes it interesting.

For a strap built around your watch, the Casati Milano atelier works by appointment at Via XX Settembre 15, Milan. The leather is chosen together, in the atelier.

Cinturini Orologi Pelle Struzzo-flat — pellame struzzo

Vegetable tanned, smooth surface. The fine grain of ostrich without quill holes.

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FOR WHICH WATCH

The ostrich-flat loop size

Available in 18, 20 and 22mm. Find the exact size for your watch among over 45,000 references in our database — from the Breguet Classique to the Patek 3970.

Rolex Date 115234 19mm
Rolex Yacht-Master 116689 21mm
Universal Geneve Polerouter RU6910101B1X1 19mm
Universal Geneve Polerouter JU6910101C1J1 19mm
Vacheron Constantin Égérie 8005 /120R 18mm
Vacheron Constantin Égérie 8005 /000R 18mm
Breguet Classique 5177BA/15/9V6 18mm
Patek Philippe 3970 20mm
Breitling Superocean A17316D21A1S1 18mm
Longines La Grande Classique L4.705.4.58.6 (aka: L47054586) 18mm

Enter the brand or reference to confirm the size.

Check your watch

The flat ostrich comes from the back of the bird: no quill holes, smooth surface, fine and uniform grain. Vegetable tanned. With use, it develops a patina that changes the character of the strap — it doesn't deteriorate it, it marks it.

Available in 18, 20 and 22mm. Each piece is accompanied by CITES certification. Periodic hydration, a few minutes a year.

Frequently asked questions

Which watches is a flat ostrich strap ideal for?

Flat ostrich adapts beautifully to luxury dress watches like Patek Philippe Calatrava (36-37mm), Omega Seamaster dress (38-40mm), and Rolex Datejust 36mm. The smooth texture works perfectly on IWC Portofino or Longines DolceVita, where subtle natural leather irregularity adds depth without disrupting formal elegance. On sports pieces like Rolex Submariner or Omega Aqua Terra (40-42mm), flat creates refined contrast with the original metal strap. I recommend 18-20mm widths for classic instruments, 20-22mm for modern ones.

How does flat ostrich differ from traditional ostrich with quill holes?

The difference is mainly aesthetic and tactile. Traditional ostrich retains quill holes—small natural gaps where feather tufts grew—creating three-dimensional, nearly "dotted" texture. Flat ostrich comes from processed back sections to achieve continuous, smooth surface. Both offer exceptional resistance and longevity, but flat is more stylistically versatile: it visually approaches noble calf while maintaining exotic rarity and robustness. On a strap, flat is less of a "statement" and more refined—perfect for those preferring discreet elegance over marked tactile signature.

What is correct maintenance for a flat ostrich strap?

Flat ostrich requires hydration awareness. Apply neutral cream conditioner (avoid heavy oils) every 3-4 months, always with gentle movements. Leather must never dry completely: natural moisture is essential to maintain softness and prevent creasing along folds. Avoid prolonged direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. If accidentally wet, dry with soft cloth and air in ventilated space—never near heat sources. With this minimal effort, patina develops magnificently, giving the strap unique personality over time. Leather ages beautifully, just like finest vintage calf.

Is it possible to order custom flat ostrich at the Casati Milano atelier?

At Via XX Settembre 15, Milan, every strap begins with an appointment. Bring your watch: leather is chosen together, measurement taken on your watch. To schedule, message on WhatsApp or fill the form. By appointment only.

What distinguishes flat ostrich from traditional ostrich?

Flat ostrich lacks the characteristic quill holes of traditional ostrich. Surface is smooth and uniform, with fine grain reminiscent of calf—but with unmistakable exotic character. Available in 18, 20, and 22mm, vegetable tanned.

What is the difference between flat ostrich and traditional ostrich with quill holes?

Traditional ostrich is recognizable by quill holes, gaps left by feather tufts. Flat comes from the bird's back: smooth surface, fine and uniform grain, no texture relief. Exotic character, more discreet appearance. Available from 18 to 22mm.

Is flat ostrich CITES certified? What does it mean for the buyer?

Yes. Ostrich falls under the CITES convention, which regulates international trade in protected species. Every strap—available in 18, 20, and 22mm—comes with provenance certification. It means purchase is legal, traceable, and documented.

How does a flat ostrich strap age with daily wear?

Flat ostrich develops patina with daily use. The smooth surface—available in 18, 20, and 22mm—absorbs natural skin oils and changes tone over time. This is not degradation: the material matures. It requires periodic hydration to maintain grain.

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