At Jean Rousseau, it’s a profound passion for craftsmanship that has shaped every stage over the past seven decades. Since 1954, the Maison epitomizes not only artisanal excellence but also a precious French traditional heritage, passed down within this family-owned company.

The art of transforming materials

In the heart of Manufacture Jean Rousseau’s tannery, we carefully prepare materials to be transformed into watch straps, wallets, and other leather accessories. The Manufacture selects its hides and skins from approved suppliers who uphold the ethics and values of the company. Once received, each skin is crafted and finished by our experts. Maison Jean Rousseau develops its own dyes and finishes and offers bespoke alligator leather in more than 300 colors. All skins are inspected and tested in our laboratory certified by CTC Lyon to ensure their durability over time. Once tested and inspected, each skin is cut according to a precise pattern developed by the technical office and using internally manufactured tools. The art of cutting is essential to enhance the natural pattern of each material and to optimize waste. From perfect cutting to quality control, the keen eye and expertise of our teams are crucial here.

Unique creations

Maison Jean Rousseau dedicates its craftsmanship to manufacturing watch straps for major watchmaking brands, independent brands with smaller series, and unique pieces for passionate individual clients. A watch strap is a leatherwork item that requires infinite precision and patience. Crafting a custom strap involves about twenty steps, spread over one to two days of work, to achieve perfect shape and finishes. Hole-punching, assembly, hand-stitching – each stage in the creation of a watch strap contributes to its final beauty and enhances the quality of a unique timepiece. Over time, Maison Jean Rousseau has expanded its expertise to include a variety of other leather goods produced for their clientele of connoisseurs and lovers of luxury items.

Striving for Artisanal Excellence

At Jean Rousseau, craftsmanship goes beyond preserving ancestral savoir-faire—it’s a perpetual quest for innovation and refinement. Artisans undergo rigorous training that blends traditional methods with new techniques to meet modern demands. Each artisan is encouraged to express creativity and hone skills throughout their career, contributing to the ongoing evolution of craftsmanship at Jean Rousseau.

This dedication to artisanal excellence is recognized by watch connoisseurs and collectors in search of unique pieces of impeccable quality. Each Jean Rousseau strap becomes a coveted collector’s item, cherished not only for its aesthetic but also for the emotion and history it carries. Each product is a celebration of authenticity and a commitment to craftsmanship, captivating those who appreciate the true essence of luxury.