Welcome to Ateliér D. James. We are artisan makers of leather goods and create bespoke watch straps tailored to your requirements. You might already have come across our founder David on the YouTube channel Saving-Time, where he restores vintage watches to their former glory.  

To ensure the highest quality of our products, we source our leather from reputable Tuscan tanneries, such as Conceria Walpier and Badalassi Carlo, both members of The Genuine Italian Vegetable-Tanned Leather Consortium. We also use leather from the Horween Leather Company, one of the oldest tanneries continuously running in the United States.

Our atelier is located in the heart of Europe, a few steps away from Prague’s Old Town Square. We ship internationally with excellent postage rates. Feel free to contact us via e-mail with any inquiries you may have. Thanks for stopping by!
Bespoke Watch Straps
Art of Design
 
 

  • Shell Cordovan: The Leather That Defines Luxury

    Shell cordovan is one of the world’s finest leathers. Historical records indicate that its origin dates back to Spain in the 7th century, specifically to the city of Cordoba where it was first made by the Visigoths. During the Moorish occupation of the Iberian Peninsula that followed, Cordoba became a renowned leather working centre. This…

  • Vegetable-Tanned vs Chrome-Tanned Leather: What is the difference?

    The process to get something from a hide that may dry out or rot to leather that is long-lasting is called tanning. It derives its name from tannins – the natural substances in tree barks, leaves and fruits. Tanning makes skins more durable, flexible and beautiful. It is one of our oldest known industries with…

  • Zermatt Calf Leather: The Quiet Strength Behind Luxury Watch Straps

    Tanneries Haas, located in the picturesque Alsace region of France, has been producing some of the world’s finest leathers since its founding in 1842. The story began when Aloise Haas acquired a spinning mill which he converted into a tannery. He also constructed a diversion canal onto the nearby Andlau river.In 1900, his son Alfred…

  • The Ancient Tradition of Leather Tanning in Tuscany

    Tuscan vegetable-tanned leather, also known under the Italian name pelle conciata al vegetale in Toscana, is a material steeped in tradition, craftsmanship, and quality. The historical roots of leather tanning in Tuscany can be traced all the way back to the Etruscan civilization, but the real breakthrough came in the Middle Ages through the influence…

  • J & FJ Baker: Britain’s Last Traditional Oak Bark Tannery and the Remarkable Story of Russian Leather

    J & FJ Baker in Devon, England, is one of the last tanneries in the world to use traditional oak bark tanning methods. Since it was bought by the Baker family in 1862 the tannery has built up a reputation for producing some of the finest vegetable tanned leathers on the market and it remains…

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