Banka, a very special leather

The Geneva-based firm is innovating by equipping its Petite Promesse timepiece with a strap made from a highly original leather named Banka.

This innovative material is sourced in France and comes from a high-quality fish – the rainbow trout – initially famed for its refined flavour and served in prestigious restaurants. The fish are farmed in an environment that perfectly suits their needs and in which animal welfare ranks above productivity.

Situated in the Basque country, in the village of Banka, the farm lies in the grounds of a 17th-century mill powered by the Arpéa river. The quality of the water and the completely protected natural environment provides exceptional conditions, close to those in the wild, for farming trout. This approach fits perfectly with current environmental responsibility standards.

Each skin is different and the trout scales form contrasting patterns that are highlighted by the tanning process developed by a specialised tanner in Brittany. The texture is both supple yet sturdy. It is dyed with mineral oxides for a translucent colour effect that brings out the natural scale pattern, but also goes right through the skin. It is a matter of having the skill to use exactly the right quantities to enhance the skin.

Promesse watches are lit up by a trio of eye-catching colors: a luminous and energy-filled red, a boldly distinctive green, and a vibrant, super-chic shade of blue.

September 14, 2017