Swedish Elk Leather Strap Black Steel Clasp 20mm

Sometime during the happy 80s one of our employees visited  the Swedish leather metropolis Malung, and it resulted in the purchase of a jacket in elk leather.  

This jacket was incredibly soft and pliable and, as it turned out, very durable. The idea of making watch straps in Swedish elk leather was therefore logical for us at GUL. 

We started by looking for a good elk leather supplier with the best quality and an environmentally friendly manufacturing process. We found a manufacturer with experience since the 1880s. Once there, elk skins in different colors and structures were ordered. These were delivered to our manufacturer who usually works with calfskins and other exotic skins. However, they had never used elk skin. Their first reaction was that the skins were extremely soft and flexible. They then performed the various quality tests that all skins undergo, for example durability and wear resistance. 

The elk skins passed the tests with a good margin.  

A number of sample strap were made and they were then sent to GUL in Sweden.  

The straps were fitted on watches worn by our employees. This real-life testing lasted several months and included exposure to salt and fresh water, wearing the strap while showering, being in the sauna, while doing manual labour, gardening and 24/7 use.  

After 6 months of hard practical tests and only good reviews, we were ready to introduce the straps on the market. They are now available in a range of colours and widths.