Babele Leather: The Linen Touch

Quietly standing out, Babele leather offers a fresh take on premium leather goods with its unique linen-like texture, casual elegance, and Italian vegetable-tanned heritage. Rather than the high-gloss of exotic skins or the rustic grain of full-veal hides, Babele sits comfortably in a refined middle ground: textured yet clean, durable yet relaxed, perfect for those who want something different but still sophisticated.

Origins

Babele leather is made in Italy by the renowned tannery Tempesti Tannery, a member of the Consorzio Vera Pelle Italiana Conciata al Vegetale. 

Babele isn't just a name, it reflects the material's appearance and feel. The hide undergoes a vegetable tanning process which gives it an environmental edge and depth of character. It is then embossed to achieve a finish that resembles woven linen or a crisp textile rather than typical smooth leather. The result? A leather with Italian craftsmanship at its core.

The Crafting Process

Babele leather begins with a full-grain calf, vegetable-tanned and stabilized, then the surface is treated and embossed with its unique pattern, textured to evoke the texture and look of linen, and given a light wax or coating for finish and protection.

The surface finish is visible but fine, featuring a texture that catches the eye but remains understated. Babele is a medium-firm leather, substantial enough to hold its shape, yet soft enough to conform comfortably when made into straps. 

Look and Feel

Its linen-like finish sets Babele apart. When first seeing it, you might expect fabric due to its texture and weave-look, but it's still leather. To the touch, it's slightly rougher than conventional calfskin but in a pleasant way with a texture that gives it personality. The surface shows light visible grain in places and catches the light subtly across the pattern. Due to its medium-firmness, Babale holds shape well but still breaks in gracefully. 

The coating adds a soft sheen, a tailored finish that remains elegant. Over time, Babele develops a gentle darkening patina depending on how it's worn, oils, and the environment it's in.

Where can you get Babele Leather?

Nomad Watch Works

While Babele leather isn’t available on our website at the moment, we do offer it as a custom option upon request. You can WhatsApp us directly to make a custom Babele leather strap to your specifications. Each strap is crafted using genuine Italian Babele leather, known for its linen-like texture and refined character. Whether you’re looking to complement a vintage chronograph or a modern daily wearer, a custom Babele strap from Nomad Watch Works brings understated elegance and individuality to your watch.

Artisan Straps

Artisan Straps offers beautifully crafted watch straps made from the Italian Babele leather supplied by Conceria Tempesti. Their Babele straps feature a vegetable-tanned finish with a subtle wax coating and etched texture, giving each strap a refined yet relaxed character. With a medium-firm temper, a visible linen-inspired surface and a wide range of lug-widths and colours, Artisan Straps blend artisan quality with everyday wearability, ideal for those wanting premium texture without going fully exotic.

Roiberd Atelier

Roiberd Atelier offers bespoke Babele leather watch straps handcrafted with precision in Spain. Each piece is crafted to order using premium Babele leather from Conceria Tempesti in Tuscany and is fully customizable, from colour and stitching to buckle style and thickness. Their straps feature the signature linen-inspired texture, quick-release spring bars, and high-performance lining, making them an excellent choice for enthusiasts who want a tailored strap using Babele leather.

Care & Maintenance

Because Babele is vegetable-tanned and has an open texture with wax coating, some mindful care will allow it to age gracefully:

• Avoid soaking or heavy moisture exposure. Like most vegetable-tanned leathers, Babele isn’t designed for swimming or heavy sweat environments. Water can affect the finish or cause darkening in an uneven way.

• Wipe gently after wear. Use a soft dry cloth to remove surface dust or sweat. Periodically, a slightly damp cloth without soap may help for deeper cleaning.

• Condition occasionally. Use a neutral leather cream or conditioner designed for vegetable-tanned leather. But avoid over-oil or saturating it—too much can flatten the texture or affect the wax finish.

• Store properly. Keep straps or accessories in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat. Texture finishes benefit from stable environments.

• Embrace the subtle patina. Unlike highly polished leathers that age dramatically, Babele’s evolution is understated: slight darkening, edge wear, softening of stiffness. That’s part of its charm.

With proper use and care, Babele leather will maintain its structured texture, rich colour and casual-luxury aesthetic for many years.

Final Thoughts

Babele leather is not just another option in the leather spectrum, it’s a material that blends craftsmanship, texture and wearability. The linen-inspired finish gives it unique character while its Italian veggie-tanned roots anchor it in tradition and quality.

Whether you’re upgrading a watch strap, choosing a wallet or just exploring fine leather materials, Babele delivers a subtle luxury that works across occasions. Its balance of texture, colour, and craftsmanship makes it ideal for those who appreciate materials with personality, not just brand names.

If you’re looking for a strap or accessory material that whispers refinement rather than shouts opulence, Babele leather deserves your attention.