In the world of fine watches, enthusiasts know one truth: true luxury is about craftsmanship, heritage, and longevity. And these values aren’t limited to watchmaking alone — they extend naturally to the accessories we carry and wear every day.
Today, we introduce a project born from those very ideals:
Handcrafted Japanese deerskin leather goods from Nakatsu–Bungotakada, Oita, created in partnership with CAVAN, a respected Japanese leather atelier celebrated for its refined oil-leather techniques.
This is not fast fashion.
This is not mass-produced leather.
This is Japanese craftsmanship at its quiet finest — minimalistic, functional, and built to age beautifully over decades.
Why Japanese Deerskin? A Material with History, Character, and Soul
While European consumers are well-acquainted with Italian calfskin or full-grain French leather, Japanese deerskin (shika-gawa) occupies a different, almost poetic space in leather craftsmanship.
From historical samurai armor to ceremonial garments, deerskin has been prized in Japan for centuries for its:
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Exceptional softness
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Natural stretch and flexibility
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Toughness despite its gentle feel
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Resistance to moisture
Unlike cowhide, which starts stiff and breaks in over time, deerskin is supple from day one—yet incredibly resilient. For everyday accessories that move, flex, and adapt to you, it is arguably one of the most comfortable leathers on earth.
Sourced from Banshu Leather — Japan’s Premier Leather Region
For this project, we chose deerskin from Banshu Leather, based in Tatsuno City, Hyogo Prefecture — a region widely recognized as Japan’s finest leather-producing area.
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Tatsuno is one of the world’s leading leather craft regions
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Its quality is trusted by global brands for consistency, longevity, and artisanal tanning
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The area’s tanning tradition stretches back over a millennium
Europe has Tuscany.
Japan has Tatsuno.
And Banshu’s deerskin is among its most respected materials.
The Beauty of Oil Leather — Deep Color, Rich Texture, and Natural Aging
Together with CAVAN, we selected oil-rich deerskin leather, produced using a carefully controlled tanning method that infuses natural oils deep into the fiber structure.
As described by CAVAN:
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Large amounts of natural oil are absorbed slowly and evenly
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The leather gains superior softness, durability, and water resistance
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No heavy coatings or paints are used — meaning the true grain, pores, and natural markings remain visible
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Each hide has a singular, organic beauty
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With use, the surface darkens, smooths, and becomes more radiant as oils rise naturally to the surface
In other words:
This is leather that lives. Leather that changes. Leather that tells your story.
To watch collectors who appreciate patina on a bronze case or wabi-sabi on a vintage dial, this is a familiar and beloved philosophy.
Crafted in a Quiet Old House in Bungotakada, Oita — Slow Made, Not Mass Made
While the leather comes from Japan’s premier tanning region, the crafting takes place far from the noise of the city — inside a renovated traditional house in Bungotakada, Oita, not far from Nakatsu.
Inside this historic home:
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A small team of dedicated leather craftsmen work fully by hand
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Each product is cut, skived, stitched, and finished using traditional Japanese techniques
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Production is intentionally limited — quality over quantity
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Every item is treated as an individual piece, not part of an assembly line
This approach is rare today, even in Japan.
It is the opposite of mass production — it is slow-made luxury.
And that is what makes these goods so relevant to the modern European market, where consumers are increasingly seeking authenticity, provenance, and products made with purpose.
Minimalistic Beauty Meets Practical Japanese Design
Our design philosophy is simple:
Eliminate what is unnecessary. Refine what remains.
Rather than decorating leather with logos, metal, or decorative stitching, we let the material speak for itself.
Expect:
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Clean silhouettes
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Soft, organic drape and texture
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Understated lines
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No-nonsense practicality; Every Pocket or Feature has a Practical use
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A quiet sense of elegance
This is Japanese minimalism applied to everyday tools — wallets, card cases, pouches, straps, and bags made to age gracefully beside your watches, pens, or daily essentials.
If you love the discreet charm of Grand Seiko, Kurono Tokyo, or Tadao Ando’s architecture, this design language will feel right at home.
Longevity as the Core Value — A Direct Answer to Disposable Fashion
Today, the European luxury buyer is more aware and more selective than ever. Sustainable choices, heritage craftsmanship, and long-lasting materials matter.
These deerskin leather pieces embody that shift:
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They are not designed for seasonal trends
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They do not rely on synthetic coatings that peel or crack
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They improve with each year of use
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They form a patina unique to the owner — no two pieces age alike
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They can be repaired, re-oiled, and maintained for decades
Where fast fashion dies in two years, this leather thrives in ten, twenty, even fifty.
This is the same ethos that attracts collectors to mechanical watches — tools meant to be serviced, maintained, and enjoyed for generations.
Why This Matters to Watch Collectors
Most watch travel cases today are bulky, heavy, and take up far too much space in your luggage. They often prioritize size over usability, leaving travelers struggling with cumbersome pouches that are more of a hassle than a solution.
But what if there were a high-quality leather watch case that combined protection, portability, and elegance? A case designed to shield your watches from scratches and minor impacts thanks to a carefully crafted thick leather layer, while still being lightweight enough to carry anywhere. Imagine a pouch that can comfortably fit two watches and weighs under 50 grams — barely noticeable in your luggage, yet keeping your prized timepieces safe.
This is exactly where our design comes in. We set out to create a compact, functional, and stylish watch travel case that doesn’t compromise on protection. Its minimal size allows it to fit seamlessly into your luggage or bag, while the leather construction offers a natural barrier against scratches, dents, and everyday travel wear.
In short, we designed a watch case that is practical, elegant, and travel-ready, giving watch enthusiasts the freedom to carry their collection anywhere, safely and stylishly.
A New Chapter: Japan’s Hidden Leather Craft for the European Market
Our collaboration with CAVAN and the craftsmen of Oita represents something exciting:
A bridge between Japan’s lesser-known leather traditions and Europe’s mature luxury audience.
These products are not merely accessories.
They are objects with heritage, culture, and soul — shaped by nature, refined by artisans, and designed to accompany you for decades.
In a world of instant consumption, this is a return to meaningful ownership.
Conclusion: For Those Who Prefer Quiet Luxury Over Loud Branding
If you value craftsmanship that doesn’t shout, materials that become more beautiful with time, and design that honors both nature and the artisan’s hand, then these handcrafted deerskin leather goods from Nakatsu–Oita may resonate deeply with you.
This is leather made the Japanese way:
Slowly. Carefully. Honestly.
For people who choose to buy better, not more.
