You know them. You loved them. They are back. In 2019, we introduced you to the French patina leather straps handmade by Beaubleu. Today, we have decided to propose new versions, three colors that, of course, can match your watch.
After a full 2020 year, we wanted to build stronger relationships with our craftsmen and support French craftsmanship by offering a new version of our French patina leather straps. The advantage? Each strap is carefully made in Besançon, the heart of watchmaking – no less.
Let’s start from the beginning, an invitation to travel, where every smell, from leather to oil from the machines, passing by the wood of the workbenches, transports you to that land of dreams: the Craft Industry.
Almost religiously, we follow Thomas, grabbing a piece of undyed leather, going to carefully shape a strap. With a knife, the craftsman meticulously cuts the two strips of leather. Then, he repeats this step with a piece of leather that will be in contact with the skin. After this cutting phase, we move on to the assembly where a reinforcement piece is inserted between the skins to give rigidity and support. After gluing these three layers, we sew the pieces together, then and thread by hand the edges of the strap.
We finish this manufacturing process with several layers of dying on the strap’s edges with rubber to protect it through the days. Finally, to illustrate this first step, we engrave the inscription “handmade” and the logo of Beaubleu.
The natural leather straps are now ready to be receive their patinas.
Once the strap manufacturing is finished, we receive them in Paris at our workshop for creating the patina.
First of all, adding the patina to a leather strap consists of manually achieving the aged look, that only time has the secret. To do this, we will create make this effect by successively applying dye with several brushes.
Before anything, we apply the first layer of dye, called “light” (an emerald green for example) on the whole strap. After letting the leather dry, we will brush it with a very little dye quantity, but this time with a “dark” shade (a racing green, in this example). It is through the accumulation of this brushing that the patina will take shape, taking care of obtaining a soft and realistic shading; dark on the edges of the straps and lighter in its center as if you had worn it for several years.
After almost an hour, the patina has dried and is finished. Last, but not least, we have to apply a cream to reveal the work, make the leather shine, and protect it from stains during your well-watered parties.
Obviously, this 100% handmade work makes each creation unique; depending on the gesture, the mood or the intensity of the craftsman’s movements, each imperfection becomes a mark of distinction.
This coquetry for sunny days will underline your style with delicacy and elegance.
Just to let you know, pre-orders start on April 22nd with only 20 pieces per model (Green, Blue and Cognac). If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us on the chat or through our social networks.
Wishing you wonderful hours,
Team Beaubleu