About Us | Who we are and our passion for leather watch straps

Vezzani Oriri leather straps were created with the purpose of demonstrating to the world that there is still a place where the creation process is revered, where quality remains the guiding star, a place where time serves us. A place for those who have understood that it is in the pursuit of excellence that beauty is found.

Our straps are evidence of what can be created in a place built to seek the limits of an art. They are a beacon emitted by the Vezzani Atelier, showing everyone that there is still a place dedicated to the spectacle of human mastery: the Atelier.

Why we chose to create leather watch straps

If there is one thing we have learned in these years of constant improvement in leatherwork, it is that leather is stubborn by nature: it does not accept being forced into conditions. For the artisan to remain in control of creation without resistance, it is necessary to convince him in a more subtle way, guiding him without aggression.

This process always begins with the selection of the highest quality leathers, which we then adjust to our needs. When we talk about straps, this means removing material from the flesh until we reach the necessary thickness. Once this is done, we remove the raw pieces from the hide, blank sheets that do not yet resemble leather straps.

Once this is done, it is necessary to transfer to each part the internal markings that will guide the artisan in the various folds and cuts necessary. Each side of the strap is composed of at least three parts: exterior; special reinforcement; interior. This last one is made exclusively with French Calfskin, an imported leather that was developed to be used in the interiors of watch straps. It has greater resistance to sweat, does not cause irritation and has unparalleled comfort.

Once the markings are ready and the raw parts are fitted, we remove the strap from this solid block, already in its final shape. Now we have something that visually is already similar to our goal. The details are then necessary.

On the side we leave a thin line inscribed, which will serve as a guide for the stitching chisels that will follow. Hole by hole they subtly cut the flower of the skin, opening the way for the thread. The stitching is done by hand, following the holes made in the leather, each stitch is a knot, the thread intertwines inside the strap, giving greater durability to the stitching. With this step completed, we treat the stitching.

Then begins the painting and polishing of the edges, a very important step that is repeated in a long orchestra of tools, managing oven time, thickness of the paint, heat of the metal tips, pressure of the fabric in the polishing and gentleness when using the sandpaper. A quick polish follows, an even faster heat treatment, and then your Vezzani Oriri strap will be on its way to your wrist.

About the craftsman, Gabriel Vezzani

Born in Pelotas - RS and raised in Curitiba - PR. He has a degree in Archaeology from UFPR (2019), focusing on Paleolithic lithic industries and human migration. He has always been interested in manual work, during the course the classes that always attracted him were those that aimed at studying the “Chaîne Opératoire” of artifacts, in other words, it is the analysis of how something was created: tools used, impact directions, techniques, work order, all the marks that humans leave on something they created.

This experience always made him perceive beauty in the process and not necessarily in the result itself. He used the knowledge that allowed him to mentally deconstruct objects as a way to learn various crafts. He sought his path in various areas, such as fabrics, wood and ceramics. Leather, however, stood out. Initially, all knowledge was acquired through observation of the finished articles.

Over time, and in his quest for professionalism, he took courses abroad that covered high-level leatherwork, as well as old books that covered the subject in a more complete and unfiltered manner. By adapting the methods and techniques to the Brazilian reality, he found a new path within the field. A way that rejects the idea of ​​“rustic” so widespread on this side of the Atlantic, but understands that it is necessary to adapt the most sophisticated techniques to our climate and reality. This expertise led him to have a few students before dedicating himself entirely to horology.

Archaeology is also an indirect conductor of all activities carried out in the Studio, since the way of understanding the world, objects and finding the paths that were used in the past without having witnessed them is central to the technical development of the articles produced.

For a long time, however, this passion for the process and craftsmanship did not find resonance in the market, with quality always being required to be reduced to the detriment of everything. It was then that Horology made its presence felt and showed that there were more eyes in the world that shone with satisfaction when seeing a job well done, with the simple objective of doing it well.

Now, he feels fulfilled by having found a place that shares his worldview, that allowed him to unite his passions and, above all, demanded constant improvement. The goal is to honor the trust that was placed in him and to deliver to his clients his complete dedication, the highest quality that each project and level allows, and always having as a guide the promise to present to those who understand him a new level of quality whenever possible.

The beauty of dedicating oneself to creating something well-made generates happiness not only in the person who created it, but in everyone who knows how to appreciate the most important part of human nature. Excellence brings happiness to everyone and beautifies the community as a whole.

Discover the craftsman's work

Discover Gabriel Vezzani's main creations and choose the one that best suits your style