Charcoal Ostrich Nubuck for the Speedmaster

There’s a common misconception that exotic leathers like ostrich are mostly for delicate dress straps — fancy, and therefore potentially fragile.

But here’s the truth: ostrich leg, especially in its glazed form, is exceptionally hard-wearing. One of my gym watches has been on a black ostrich leg strap for two years now, and it’s holding up beautifully!

While I haven’t long-term tested the nubuck version yet, ostrich leg’s scale structure is, in general, incredibly tough. Its durability often surprises people, frequently rivaling that of crocodile — which, though luxurious, croc leather can require more conditioning due to its stiffer, plated nature.

If you’re looking for a hardwearing, flexible exotic leather that defies its delicate reputation, ostrich leg is a seriously underrated choice. It punches well above its weight in toughness, long-term wear, and even price. Whether you’re hiking, shooting film outdoors, or just rocking your Speedmaster day-to-day, this is one exotic that’s built to last.

Strap Specs:
Charcoal nubuck ostrich leg
Natural kangaroo lining
Charcoal grey stitching
20/16mm taper
115/75mm length