Strap Care and Durability — Frequently Asked Questions

Estimates for daily use (5-7 days per week) with ordinary care vary widely: bonded or synthetic leather 6 months-1 year, chrome-tanned calfskin 2-3 years, vegetable-tanned calfskin 4-6 years, ostrich and tejú lizard 8-12 years, alligator belly 8-15 years, Horween Shell Cordovan 15-20 years. Without care the duration is halved; with rotation and attention to moisture it increases by 30-40%.

Suede is sensitive to moisture and surface wear. It is advisable to avoid prolonged contact with water and store it away from sources of heat. Bio-rubber straps, by contrast, are water-resistant and require minimal maintenance.

The 18-month warranty covers replacement of linings and stitching, namely the structural components that may fail from wear or manufacturing defects. It applies exclusively to straps custom-made in the Casati Milano atelier, not to Milano Straps ready-made items.

Patina is the progressive variation in color and appearance that leather develops over time, through use, contact with skin, and exposure to light. It is not a defect: it indicates that the material is authentic. Full-grain leather and Horween cordovan develop it in a particularly marked way, making each strap progressively individual.

If stitching is loose but the leather is intact, artisanal re-stitching can restore 3-4 years of life at a cost lower than a new strap. If the buckle is oxidized, replacement is straightforward. With leather cracked at the edges or frayed near the keepers, repair is often not cost-effective because the fibers have already degraded.

Three fundamental rules: avoid water and perspiration, alternate the strap with others (fibers require approximately 24 hours of rest), nourish the leather every four to six months with a specific cream such as Saphir Médaille d'Or, Famaco, or Renapur. Ordinary cleaning with a soft dry cloth. Store flat, away from direct light and humidity, without prolonged creases that create points of failure.