MILAN STRAPS · CORDOVAN

Shell Cordovan: The Leather That Doesn't Exist

Shell cordovan is not leather in the conventional sense. It’s a fibrous layer found only in a specific area of a horse’s hindquarters—about 30×15cm per animal. When a mark appears, the pressure of a thumb is enough to make it disappear. The fibres realign themselves.

The cordovan collection

10 cordovan straps, one size for your watch

Horween shell cordovan, cut and hand-stitched in Milan: brown, black, cognac, green and blue. Lug widths from varie misure, and there are Apple Watch versions. From €145. If you don't know your watch's size, tell me the model: that one I know.

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Shell cordovan is not leather in the conventional sense. It's a fibrous layer from the rear of the horse — roughly 30x15cm per animal — requiring 6 months of vegetable tanning before it's workable. We source it from Horween in Chicago and Shinki Hikaku in Japan.

The surface doesn't scratch; it creases. A mark disappears with thumb pressure — the fibers realign themselves. Available in 20, 22, and 24mm. From 114 Euros.

Frequently asked questions

What is shell cordovan, really?

It is the fibrous layer taken from the hindquarters of the horse, a compact and dense material, different from calf leather. It is vegetable tanned for six months, a lengthy process that gives it a smooth surface and the ability to develop shine with use instead of creasing.

How many shell cordovan straps are in the catalogue?

In the collection dedicated to cordovan you'll find eleven pieces, each made with this leather and ready in the atelier. Every piece has its own page, where you can see the craftsmanship, finish and price before choosing it.

How much does a shell cordovan strap cost?

Cordovan pieces start from 114 euros. The exact price of each strap, which varies according to craftsmanship and finish, is always shown on its product page, with no need to ask elsewhere.

How do I find the right size before choosing a cordovan strap?

The quickest way is to search for your watch in the Milano Straps watch archive, also from the "Find your watch's size" box present on every product page. If you can't find it, send a photo of your watch on WhatsApp to the atelier using the "Check on WhatsApp" button, or photograph it on app.milanostraps.it, which recognises the model. Only as a last resort should you measure the distance between the two lugs with a ruler or calliper.

The next step

The right strap isn’t chosen. It is built, together.

From the atelier appointment to delivery, every step is made for those who know that things done well take time. Rare leathers, one piece at a time, eighteen months of warranty.

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What we offer

  • We guide you through every step — with exclusive images directly from our atelier
  • Over 50 artisanal steps for each strap — from leather selection to final stitching
  • The time it takes to do extraordinary things — four, five weeks. Not a day less.
  • An object designed to last a lifetime — cared for by us for eighteen months
  • The right leather for your watch — chosen together, in the atelier, only for you

By appointment only · Milan