Bellever Bespoke Leather Watch Strap

Never losing the classic look

We are grateful to English watchmaker Harold Pinchbeck who was looking for a maker to supply hand stitched straps for their premium range of hand made watches.

They wanted a hand made classical look where the eye is drawn to the stitching. We researched and practiced how to achieve the fine work produced by automated factory machinery. Applying 'handmade' and 'handstitched' to something as fine as a watch strap without losing the classic look was quite the journey. 

As a result of this happy collaboration our range and expertise has developed into a speciality.

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…

Customer Feedback

I chose the hand made Tanner Bates Leather strap and also ordered an additional ostrich strap to go with the watch. It came with the Tanners Bates strap attached and I think this is the best leather strap I have ever seen, I can’t describe how amazingly comfortable and supple it is. Straight out of box the smell of leather was the first thing I noticed, then unlike any other leather strap I have had it was soft and flexible right from the start surprising as it’s about 4mm thick, it matches the watch beautifully and is very comfortable, I don’t think the ostrich strap will see the light of day!