Ostrich leg or full-quill: which to choose?

The leg: scales like a reptile

Ostrich leg skin is covered in flat, polygonal scales, larger in the centre. It recalls lizard or alligator but feels softer. Its long, narrow shape is perfectly suited to a watch strap.

The quills: ostrich’s signature

On the body, every feather leaves a small round bump, the quill. The centre of the back, where quills are densest, is the most prized area. A full-quill strap is recognisable at a glance: it is ostrich as you know it from leather goods.

Finishes

Leg skin is either waxed, for a satin look, or glazed, for a brighter shine. Full-quill suits bold colours as well as natural tones.

Which one to choose?

Leg suits dress watches and slim wrists: it is discreet and regular. Quills give character to a sports watch or to a plain model you want to assert. Both are supple from day one and develop a lovely patina.

A farmed skin

Ostrich used in leather goods comes from farms, mostly in South Africa. It does not fall under CITES: see our leather origin page.

Discover our ostrich straps.