MILANO STRAPS · OSTRICH-FULL-QUILL

Ostrich Full Quill: the leather that bears the marks of the feathers

Full quill is no ordinary leather. It is the back and neck section of the ostrich — where the feathers leave quill follicles, circular scars that emerge from the surface like a natural geometry. To the touch and to the eye, it resembles nothing else.

THE ORIGIN

The skin where every feather has left its mark

Full quill ostrich is exotic leather taken from the neck and back of the animal. The back area is the key: that's where the quill follicles, the circular scars left by the feathers, are concentrated. It is not a printed pattern. It is the natural geometry of the leather, left intact after tanning. That three-dimensional texture—recognizable to the touch even before the sight—is why this leather is unlike any other. Unlike ostrich leg, which is smooth, full quill keeps every follicle in place. The result is an almost living surface, which changes appearance with light and over the years.

On the wrist, full quill works in an unexpected way. The structure of the follicles gives a natural elasticity that adapts to the curvature of the strap without deforming. The leather is robust—it withstands daily use without losing its geometry. Over time, it develops a patina: not a degradation, but a deepening. The color stabilizes, the follicles acquire a more defined relief. It is one of the few exotic leathers that ages towards something better, not towards something less. It requires conscious maintenance—periodic treatment with nourishing cream keeps the leather elastic and protects the follicles from drying out.

Milano Straps works with full quill in 18, 20, and 22mm sizes. It works well on medium cases, between 36 and 40mm, both on dress watches and on sports watches with personality. I have fitted it on a Patek Philippe 3970 in 20mm and on a Breguet Classique ref. 5177BA in 18mm—in both cases, the leather holds its own without overshadowing the watch. The Vacheron Égérie in 18mm is another combination I recommend: the follicle breaks the cleanliness of the dress watch in just the right way. For those looking for something less formal, the Rolex Yacht-Master ref. 116689 in 21mm handles the texture well—ostrich on a nautical watch has its own logic.

For a strap built to the measurements of your wrist and watch, the Casati Milano atelier works by appointment at Via XX Settembre 15, Milan. From the selection of the leather to delivery—every detail is decided together, in the atelier.

Cinturini Orologi Pelle Struzzo-full-quill — pellame struzzo

Natural quill follicles: the geometry of feathers, forever imprinted on the skin.

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FOR WHICH WATCH

Ostrich full-quill loop measurement

Available in 18, 20 and 22mm. To find the exact size for your watch, consult our archive of over 45,000 references — the right lug width, without guessing.

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

Full quill is the part of the back and neck of the ostrich. The quill follicles – the circular scars left by the feathers – create a three-dimensional texture that no other leather replicates. It is not a decorative effect: it is the natural structure of the leather, visible and recognizable to the touch.

It works well on cases between 36 and 40mm. It develops patina with use. Each strap is CITES certified. Available in 18, 20 and 22mm.

Frequently asked questions

Which watches do you recommend the ostrich full quill for?

The ostrich full quill expresses itself best on watches with well-defined character. I choose it for Rolex Datejust 36mm or Submariner 40mm when the client wants to break from the classic; for Omega Seamaster in dress version (not sport); for Patek Philippe Calatrava 37-39mm where the texture dialogues with the sober elegance of the case. It also works extraordinarily on IWC Portofino or Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso. The texture is so marked that it requires a case that doesn't clash visually: I avoid cases under 36mm.

How resistant is ostrich full quill compared to crocodile?

The ostrich full quill is surprisingly resistant, though crocodile remains technically denser. The practical difference is minimal if maintained: full quill has more elastic natural fibers, making it less brittle under repeated stress. Where it's superior is in moisture resistance—the structure of the quill follicles facilitates transpiration, while crocodile, being compact, retains humidity. For a 18-22mm strap worn daily, ostrich full quill gives you reliability equal to crocodile with different sensuousness.

Does ostrich full quill require special maintenance?

No, but consciously. The three-dimensional texture of the quills requires regular brushing—every 3-4 months—with a soft brush (like those for suede) to keep the follicles "alive". Avoid prolonged water immersion; rain is not a problem thanks to natural transpiration. Light annual conditioning with exotic cream (not bovine grease). The patina that develops is natural and desirable—don't chase it, let it happen. If your strap sits on a stainless steel Rolex or Omega at 40mm, expect greater optical charge after 18-24 months.

What are quill follicles and how do they form on ostrich leather?

Quill follicles are the circular scars left by feathers on the neck and back of the ostrich. They remain impressed in the leather after tanning, forming a recognizable three-dimensional texture to touch and sight. Unlike ostrich leg, which is smooth, full quill maintains this natural geometry intact. Available from 18 to 22mm.

What is full quill and which part of the ostrich does it come from?

Full quill is leather taken from the neck and back of the ostrich. It's distinguished by the quill follicles: circular scars left by feathers, which create a unique three-dimensional texture. Available in 18, 20 and 22mm.

Is it possible to order a custom ostrich full quill strap at the atelier?

At Via XX Settembre 15, in Milan, the leather is chosen together. The size is taken on the actual watch. By appointment only—via WhatsApp or at the atelier.

Is ostrich full quill strap legal to purchase?

Yes. Ostrich is regulated by CITES, but trade is legal with certification of origin. Every strap I ship—in 18, 20 or 22mm—is accompanied by the necessary documentation.

How does ostrich full quill leather age with daily use?

Ostrich full quill leather develops patina with daily use. The quill follicles soften over time and deepen in color, making each strap unique. It works in 18, 20 and 22mm sizes. It requires conscious maintenance to preserve the natural grain geometry.

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