A look at leather
Every detail in the Barrow Modello collection has been produced to the highest quality. We believe in buying the best you can afford, focusing on durability; not seasonal one-offs.
Producing a watch strap that would last you a lifetime was of huge importance. We worked on a beautiful hand stitched design and send it out to some vendors we hoped to partner with. Most samples came back paper-thin and cracked and flaked within months of wearing.
On a trip to Italy, we toured a leather workshop who spoke with great passion about high-grain vegetable tanned leather. So, we got in touch with the tannery and ordered some samples; and it was one of the best decisions we’ve made.
We had to pair the Swiss movement Modello with a strap that was worthy, and this is it.
What is Vegetable Tanned Leather?
Vegetable tanned leather is the artisanal form of dying leather with a plant and oil base; this method has been used by the Romans since 800 BC. The vegetable tanning process takes about two months, the end product has a rich, earthy scent and visible natural grain.
The chemical-laden chrome dying process takes about two days and strips the leather of any visible grain; does not have the same durability as vegetable tanned leather and is terrible for the environment.
Comparing the two leather side by side is like comparing day and night.
How to care for your leather
Like anything of value, vegetable tanned leather needs care. It’s important to avoid letting your leather watch strap get wet, especially in the first two months. As you wear it in, it will become flexible and better at repelling water but be sure to wipe it down quickly if it does get wet.
To keep your strap in perfect condition, apply a leather oil to the outer strap every couple of months.
How your strap will age
Over time, a well cared for Barrow watch strap will darken in colour and deepen in tone achieving a rich and unique patina that is as individual as you are.
Every Barrow Modello includes two watch straps of your choice, be it two vegetable tanned Italian leather straps or our stainless-steel mesh. You can also purchase Barrow's Vegetable tanned straps individually for (AUD)$89.
