The GL047A model from Hong Kong's Synergy Optima has a single long strap in genuine leather, with a flat crocodile-skin pattern.

New releases have distinct patterns and come in bright shades, lending a classy but modern feel.

Makers of leather watchstraps in Hong Kong and mainland China are spicing up contemporary designs by using textured genuine or synthetic leather dyed in raspberry, electric blue, orange and pink.

The latest releases for the high-end market come in exotic lizard, snake and fish leather. These materials are not only firm and durable but also have a textured appearance that enhances the watchstrap's aesthetic appeal.

Makers are also using teju, shark, pink salmon, carp, stingray and alligator. Ostrich leather is gaining popularity, as well, because of its unique grain, strength and lightweight properties.

These types of leather are imported from Italy, Japan, South Korea, Thailand, South Africa and Singapore.

Suppliers focusing mainly on volume production for the low-end and midrange segments are using PVC and PU leather. These synthetic materials can easily be sourced in the mainland provinces of Fujian, Guangdong and Jiangsu.

To enhance their designs, watchstrap makers are using fabric or leopard fur as backing on synthetic leather models. These come in matte or glossy finishes.

	The R086S-009-2-5 model from Source Parfaite of Hong Kong comes in genuine calf leather with a remborde edge and PU nubuck lining.

Hong Kong companies are staying competitive despite a slump in sales caused by an oversupply of lower-priced models.

Focusing more on material enhancements, suppliers are offering high-end leather watchstraps made of sea and reptilian leather, including lizard, fish, snake, carp and alligator.

These types of leather are durable and have a distinct grain, which enhances the aesthetics of the watchstrap. Demand for lizard leather, in fact, has overtaken that of crocodile and python, which were best-sellers last year.

Models with simulated exotic skin are widely produced. One popular design is a watchstrap made of calf leather with imitation crocodile, snake or lizard patterns in glossy or matte finishes.

Despite the increasing output of high-end genuine leather watchstraps, suppliers continue to offer synthetic models with embellishments.

Value-added designs have embossed geometric or animal patterns, stitching, and crystal or rhinestone trimmings. Some of the latest straps have leopard, zebra, tiger and cow impressions with real-looking pile.

To widen their product range, makers are offering watchstraps that match leather bracelets, purses, belts and chokers for a uniform look.

Among the companies interviewed in this report, Maxi Watch Straps Fty Ltd offers models in calf, crocodile, python, lizard and fish leather. Synthetic versions resembling stingray and crocodile skin are also available. These straps have stainless steel buckles and spring bars.

The company sources calf leather from Italy and South America, and fish leather from Thailand and Singapore.

Popular models from Maxi have wider straps and pearlized or patent leather finishes. They are available in silver, red, white and gold.

Prices are generally between $0.45 and $15 for genuine leather models, with exotic designs above $20.

Models from Source Parfaite Ltd are in PU, pigskin, buffalo, calf, crocodile, lizard and stingray leather, imported from the US, Argentina, Italy and the mainland. Black calf, PU and calf nubuck, and pinkish calf leather are used as lining.

Watchstraps from Source Parfaite can be made water-resistant or hypoallergenic. Designs meet EEC standards and are PCP-, azo- and nickel-free. Buckles are made of aluminum, stainless steel and titanium.

Prices range from $2.50 to $100, depending on the materials and finishes.

New releases from Synergy Optima Industries use Japan-sourced leather, including PU, calf and crocodile.

Some designs also feature a combination of fabric and leather panels for better breathability. Women's watchstraps come in emerald, aquamarine and tangerine. Designs from Synergy are between $1 and $2.

In the mainland, where makers focus on volume production for the low-end and midrange markets, watchstraps are made mostly of synthetic leather.

Shenzhen Yuanxing Biaoyue Leather and Plastic Co. Ltd offers leather watchstraps made of PU and PVC, starting at $0.12. New releases from this supplier come in indigo blue, orange, white, pink, grass green and turquoise blue, and only azo-free dyes are used.

Low-end and midrange models from Chengxi Jinjun Watch Straps Fty are also made of PU and PVC, and are priced between $0.21 and $0.84. High-end designs in genuine leather are also available.

To add value to its watchstraps line, the company is using leopard fur to embellish certain models.

High-end designs from Shun Yi (International) Investment Ltd come in genuine leather imported from Italy, South Korea and Hong Kong.

Other models use oil, paper and PU and PVC leather sourced from local suppliers. Only azo-free dyes are applied.

New releases from Shun Yi are between $0.66 and $0.96. Prices are seen to increase by 5 percent in the next 12 months.

Xinyongxing Leather Products Fty uses fabric-backed synthetic leather for its watchstraps. Models in genuine and PU leather are also available.

About half of Estar Leather Making Co.'s watchstraps are made of genuine leather. The rest use synthetic leather or a combination of fabric and faux hide. Double band, button and snap closures are offered.

The latest releases from Mingxin Leather Watchband Fty combine synthetic leather with fabric, and have button or snap closures. Leather is sourced from suppliers in Guangdong and Fujian.

Leather watchstraps from Mingxin start at $0.12. Prices will remain the same in the next 12 months.