African Kudu Watch Strap in the Greek Sun — A Customer Testimonial
Steven has been a long‑standing customer of mine, and he recently got in touch about a new strap for his Panerai 1628. We quickly settled on an African Kudu watch strap with natural stitching — a combination that we both felt would suit the Panerai aesthetic perfectly. Rugged, understated, and full of character.
I’ve been using African Kudu leather for around ten years now, and it remains one of my favourite materials to work with. As with all the Kudu leather I use, the hides come from the seasonal kudu cull mandated by the South African government, a necessary wildlife management process. The resulting skins carry the marks and scars of life in the African savanna, one of the harshest environments on earth. No two pieces are ever the same, and that individuality is exactly what makes Kudu so special.
Why Kudu Works So Well on a Panerai 1628
The Panerai 1628 is a big, bold, purposeful tool watch, and kudu leather complements it perfectly. The natural grain of the leather, it's softness and pliability, and the lived‑in texture give the watch a strap that feels authentic from day one. It’s comfortable immediately, and it develops beautifully with wear. Any of the kudu leathers I use would work well, but the lighter tones of the African Kudu leather work beautifully well.
Custom Fit: No Pre‑Punched Holes
You might have noticed something from the photo above. Steven has a particular preference when it comes to the straps I make for him: he likes them delivered without the holes punched. He could have me punch them, of course, but he prefers to fit the strap to the watch, put it on his wrist, mark the exact spot, and have the holes punched locally.
African Kudu in Natural Light — Photos from Greece
Shortly after receiving the strap, Steven took his Panerai 1628 and the new African Kudu strap I'd made for him on holiday to Greece. While there, he photographed his friend Marina wearing the watch — and the images he sent me are superb, so I wanted to share them.
Natural light, a relaxed setting, and the Kudu leather catching the sun beautifully. These photos show the strap exactly as it should be seen: honest, textured, and full of character. I’m delighted to include them in this post.
Customer Testimonial
Steven also kindly sent over a written testimonial, which I’ve included below:
“I have always been happy with the professional service and quality of products I have received from Toshi Straps.
The choice of leather types and colours is vast. With customisation options like thread colour, buckles and personal requirements being catered for.
Excellent communication throughout the process, delivery and follow up support confirming your delivery.
I have enjoyed years of swapping my straps over to suit the mood, and Toshi Straps with the fair pricing and offers allows me to have a varied selection.”
Why African Kudu Remains a Favourite
I know I go on about this all the time, but working with kudu leather is always a pleasure. It’s pliable, durable, and full of natural character. The scars and grain patterns tell a story of the savanna, and that story becomes part of the watch once the strap is fitted.
Customers like Steven remind me why I enjoy this craft. It’s not just about leather and stitching — it’s about understanding how people connect with their watches and creating something that becomes part of that connection. Thank you Steven for the photos and the kind words. It's lovely to see it on your watch, getting some sun.