BrandTimeless

What is the difference between leather and faux leather straps?

Words by Sekonda
July 28, 2021 | 3m
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What is the difference between leather and faux leather straps?
In recent years, fashion has become more concerned with the ethics of the materials used as well as sustainability and the modern customer also shares these values. It is for this reason that we offer both leather and faux leather, in our NEW Build Your Watch tool! However, you may be wondering what the key differences are to help you decide which watch strap is best for you, and we are here to help!

Leather Watch Straps:

Leather is the traditional watch strap choice and the default strap type for many watches and watch brands. Leather watch straps first became popular to emulate military style watches after wrist watches became the standard issue for soldiers. Moreover, leather never goes out of style, is durable and has a reputation of lasting generations!

Faux Leather Watch Straps:

Faux leather has become popular as consumers become more concerned with the ethics of their shopping. However, apart from the sustainability and ethical concerns there are other pros to having a faux leather strap. Faux leather is usually a lot more water resistant than a leather watch (but make sure you check your watch instructions and specs for full details!). So, should you have a job or be frequently in an environment where you are in contact with water, especially salt water, or humidity then faux leather is better for the longevity of your watch strap!
Rated 'Excellent' by our customers

Quick and easy love my new watch.

Quick and easy love my new watch.

David James Adaway, 24 Feb 2026

Gorgeous watch for reasonable price.

Happy with my purchase.

Anna, 23 Feb 2026

Good Experience

New watch straps arrived quickly, within 2 days of ordering, however there was a limited selection of 20mm straps on the website

Dean Vickers, 23 Feb 2026

Excellent customer service

The buying process was excellent, customer service spot on. Royal mail delivered to the wrong house, which we didn't know, when I reported a failed / missing delivery the Sekonda Customer Support team where excellent and immediately offered to send a replacement. However the watch turned up, at another neighbours house. Only Royal Mail let the delivery process down.

Mr Tim Gaston, 22 Feb 2026

It would be nice to receive and make…

It would be nice to receive and make calls at this price, this model does not. All health readings must be 95% correct, which I have not checked. THE STEEL CASEING IS BRILLANT WITH GENUINE LEATHER SYRAP MAKES IT A TOUCH OF CLASS.

Mr Mahomed Noormahomed, 21 Feb 2026

I was sent the completely wrong item

I was sent the completely wrong item

D NI, 21 Feb 2026

highly recommend

Easy to use and order web page. Great smart watch Super fast delivery.

Jules Banham, 21 Feb 2026

Very Happy

Very Happy , A great watch for a great price .

Mrs B McFadden, 20 Feb 2026

Great price and super speedy delivery

Great price and super speedy delivery, my wife loves the watches. Would definitely use Sekonda for further purchases when required

Roger Sibley, 20 Feb 2026

I am happy with this watch

I am happy with this watch, the battery lasts about 5-6 days.

Gabriela Haleta, 20 Feb 2026

The watch is disappointing.

The watch was dispatched and delivered very quickly. The watch was unfortunately rubbish. It was billed as the "watch for a long run". The gps is poor. I used it for 2 runs. The gps didn't kick in until about 300m into both runs. It doesn't have the capacity to add apps from the phone such as the Ring doorbell. Battery life was poor. Fully charged it, wore it one day and for one run and it dropped to 40%.

Chris Bury, 20 Feb 2026

Quality watch

Quality watch! Great price point! Great experience so far!

Rajesh Phanse, 20 Feb 2026

Great experience

Great experience and super fast delivery, would definitely recommend buying from Sekonda

Pauline Lubrano, 20 Feb 2026

Stylish and comfortable

I am delighted with my purchase. It's stylish, comfortable to wear and compliments whatever I am wearing.

Jennifer Tarring, 19 Feb 2026

Lovely watch

Lovely watch, great price.

Guest, 19 Feb 2026