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Unlocking Luxury: Exploring Saffiano Leather Watch Straps

By on Tue 30 July 2024

Unlocking Luxury: Exploring Saffiano Leather Watch Straps

 

Introducing our elegant new range of premium Saffiano Leather Watch Straps, a harmonious blend of sophistication and resilience.

Saffiano leather has long been the material of choice for some of the world's most elite brands. But what’s the story behind this versatile leather, and how did it become synonymous with luxury? In this article we explore the origins of Saffiano leather, its characteristics and why it’s a sought-after material for premium watch straps.

 

What is Saffiano Leather?

Originating from Italy, Saffiano leather was first patented by Prada, one of the world's leading luxury fashion houses.

The term 'Saffiano' finds its roots in the Italian art of 'Saffianare'. This refers to the intricate crosshatch pattern meticulously pressed into wax-coated leather. This technique gives the leather its highly recognisable texture and contributes to its robustness and scratch-resistant properties.

What are the Origins of Saffiano Leather?

In 1913, Mario Prada, the founder of the Prada brand, patented the Saffiano leather process.

Along with his brother Martino, the brothers ran a high-end leather goods shop called Fratelli Prada (Prada Brothers) in Milan. Located in the prestigious Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II (where it can still be found today), they sold bags, trunks, and travel accessories. 

Prada, Milan Photo credit: Prada.com

The Prada brothers swiftly gained a reputation for their beautiful leather goods and exceptional craftsmanship. Noticing an increase in demand for luxury accessories from globetrotting Europeans, they set out to create a new type of durable, high-quality leather.

Working with a renowned tannery in Milan, the brothers collaborated to pioneer a distinctive pressing technique for premium calfskin leather. Through rigorous trial and error, they created the iconic Saffiano crosshatch pattern, marking the birth of a new kind of luxury material.

Prada used their new leather for high end handbags and luxury leather goods. Saffiano leather was an instant hit and found favour with both the Italian elite and the burgeoning class of fashion-conscious consumers. Consequently, it rapidly established itself as a core material in Prada's collections. Once the patent expired, other high-end brands also adopted Saffiano leather, recognising its unique blend of elegance and practicality. Today, brands such as Michael Kors, Coach, Kate Spade and Furla have all incorporated Saffiano leather into their designs.

Saffiano leather products have an enduring appeal symbolising sophistication, high-quality craftsmanship, and timeless style.

Crafting Premium Saffiano Leather: How is it Made?

Elegant Saffiano leather is created in a 4-step process.

 

1.Preparation

The process of crafting premium Saffiano leather begins with sourcing top-quality calfskin. This is essential, as the quality of the raw materials significantly affects the quality of the finished product. Calfskin is known for its smooth texture, tight grain, and overall durability, making it a perfect base for Saffiano leather. Although Saffiano leather isn’t usually dyed, some manufacturers may add their signature colours directly to the hide.

 

2.Heating

The unique texture of Saffiano leather is created by pressing a crosshatch pattern into the surface of the hide using a machine. To make the leather fibres flexible enough to emboss, the leather is heated to about 70°C to loosen the fibres up.

 

3.Pressing

Heavy-duty machines with large metal plates emboss a crosshatched pattern into the hot leather. The pattern is pressed into the leather for 10-15 seconds. This textured pattern is a distinctive feature of Saffiano leather and contributes to its resistance to scratches and wear.

 

4.Finishing

The freshly pressed leather is allowed to cool before a specialised wax finish is applied to the surface. This wax coating adds a layer of protection against water and stains, further enhancing the durability of the leather. It also gives a glossy shine to the leather, enhancing its luxurious aesthetic. Also, as the crosshatch finish hides the leather underneath, any colour can be added to the resin finish allowing for the creation of a great variety of beautiful colourways.

 

Is all Saffiano Leather Premium?

No. It’s important to be aware that these days, the term “Saffiano” has evolved to refer to the iconic crosshatch pattern. Any leather type can form the base for the finish – from high quality vegetable tanned Nappa to faux synthetic leather. Also, other methods can be used to create the pattern.

At LBS our range of Saffiano Leather Watch Straps are crafted from premium calfskin.

 

What are the Advantages of Saffiano Leather Watch Straps?

 

  • Durability: Enhanced by a specialised wax finish, Saffiano Leather Watch Straps can withstand the scratches that naturally come with everyday use. When slight scuffs do appear, they’re difficult to see due to the coarse, crosshatched pattern.

     

  • Water Resistance: Thanks to its synthetic wax finish, Saffiano leather has built-in water-resistance.

     

  • Shape Retention: Saffiano leather is notably rigid, which helps watch straps crafted from it maintain their shape over time.

     

  • Easy to Maintain: Like patent leather, the semi-glossy wax coating effectively repels dirt and grime, minimising the need for frequent cleaning. Saffiano Leather can be easily cleaned with a soft, dry cloth making it much easier to clean than other leather types.

     

  • Aesthetics: Not only does the crosshatched finish give the leather a contemporary aesthetic, but its glossy sheen adds a luxurious touch to any high-end timepiece.

 

How Sustainable is Saffiano Leather?

Saffiano leather, like other types of leather, is produced from animal hides, which makes it a byproduct of the meat industry. The impact of the meat industry on the environment is significant, which indirectly affects the sustainability of leather production.

However, the process of creating Saffiano leather can be considered more sustainable than other leather manufacturing methods. The heat embossing process avoids the use of harmful chemicals often used in leather tanning and finishing. Also, its durability means that products made from Saffiano leather tend to have a longer lifespan, reducing the need for frequent replacement and subsequent waste.

 

LBS Saffiano Leather Watch Straps

At LBS, our latest collection of premium Saffiano Leather Watch Straps has been created with discerning watch enthusiasts in mind. In line with the elegance of high-end timepieces, our straps are available in a range of widths from 18mm to 22mm, catering to even the more uncommon sizes like 19mm and 21mm.

Designed for both style and comfort, each strap features colour-matched stitching and a soft nubuck lining, ensuring a consistently tactile experience across its distinctive textured surface. Not only scratch-resistant but also enduringly durable, these straps boast a subtle sheen that elevates their sophistication while retaining practicality. Complementing their refined look, every strap comes equipped with a contemporary square brushed steel pin buckle.

Our carefully selected range of colourways includes vibrant hues such as Red and Orange

to versatile neutrals such as White and Grey

alongside refreshing tones such as Aqua Blue and Sunshine Yellow, offering options to suit every taste and occasion.