Leather types for watch straps
Somewhere along the way I got the impression that a watch strap must be made with veg tan leather, that chrome tan wouldn't be sufficiently robust. Having dug in a bit more to the details I now see manufacturers are using some chrome tan leathers for watch straps (Chevre, Saffiano and others) but I'm wondering are there still certain types to avoid for this application?
I've always felt that most watch straps were too thick and stiff and never had the luxurious feel of nice leather gloves, for example. So I'm definitely looking for options on the softer end of the spectrum. If we consider a 3-layer, cut edge strap with a liner (something like zermat) and reinforcement (velodon or ripstop) and the outer layer, is there anything you really shouldn't use for that outer layer?
Thanks as always Phil!
I have ordered some samples from RM just yesterday in fact. As a person just looking to make things for himself I can't imagine ever needing to buy anything in a whole hide :) In fact, if these sample swatches were just an inch or so longer I could get away using those for most watch straps haha.