Ermington Leather Watch Strap

Tanner Bates Ermington Watch Strap

Leather: We offer a choice of 3 different leathers from our Dakota range. All are full grain vegetable tanned leathers, carefully sourced from a small, traditional Tuscan tannery. 

Thread: Machine stitched with a rot resistant polyester thread for enhanced durability.

Buckle: The width at the lugs determines the size of the buckle. There is a 2mm taper from the lug to the buckle. Buckles are available in a choice of finishes. 

Lug Width: 18 - 22mm (2mm increments)

Strap Length: A standard length of 120/70mm

Love your Leather

Our Naturally tanned leather is tough and can take a battering. We stitch it with a durable rot resistant thread which will give years of service. Occasionally a dose of Gilboy’s Leather Conditioner Balsam or Tanner Bates Liquid wax will help keep the leather in good condition.

Naturally tanned leather benefits from and will look its very best if given an occasional dose of natural waxes and oils. 

Please note, one of the characteristics of our full grain, vegetable tanned leather is that it will transform over time and with use. It will take on marks as the patina develops. This is completely natural and unavoidable. We cannot guarantee against crocking.

A word about leather staining

One of the characteristics of our full grain, vegetable tanned leather is that it will transform over time and with use. It will take on marks as the patina develops. This is completely natural and unavoidable. 

Vegetable tanned leather is not water repellent in its natural form and will absorb water, ink, oil – any liquid in fact which will stain irredeemably.  It is however, the staining, scuffs and scratches that help build the patina so loved in old leather.

Instructions on how to build Patina

Firstly, naturally tanned vegetable tanned leather loves to be used, even abused. Above all don’t be precious or protective about your leather - but do look after it.

When the leather gets wet, simply let it dry naturally away from heat sources, then feed with Gilboy’s Leather Conditioner Balsam. It is the process of the leather getting wet and drying that will dehydrate it the most. Occasionally feeding the leather will help to replace any natural fats and oils lost and help to keep the leather hydrated. Please note that the application of any leather conditioner will likely deepen and/or darken the colour of the leather. 

Gilboy’s Leather Conditioner Balsam will help to keep your leather hydrated and supple, build the patina and increase longevity. Occasional feeding with waxes will deepen stains, marks, scratches and scuffs, building a superb patina reminiscent of antique leather cases and inlaid leather desktops.

Watch straps will get stained by water from hand, car and dish washing. The leather will also absorb natural oils and sweat from the skin of the wearer. The first stain is always the most painful. 

Feed with Gilboy’s Leather Conditioner Balsam to deepen stains, scuffs and scratches blending them deeper into the leather forming the foundation of a strong patina.

With time, the signs of life, use and activity will leave their marks and get absorbed into the leather. The wax treatment is essential to embed layers of staining, which will build an unrivalled patina, strength, and durability in a short time. 

Be mindful that this is a journey every bit as unique as the cow’s life whose skin the leather came from. The first marks are the most distressing but Gilboy’s Leather Conditioner Balsam will deepen the markings creating a patina unique to you, the owner.

Full grain leather bears the scars of the animal. By caring for your Tanner Bates Vegetable Tanned Leather product, you will be continuing the journey of that animal’s skin – unique to the animal and as the patina builds unique to you as the journey continues…