MILANO STRAPS · JAPANESE CORDOVAN

Cordovan Shinki: horse's back, on your wrist

Shinki Hikaku's cordovan is not traditional horse leather. It is the very dense inner layer of the equine back, processed with a long vegetable tanning method. It feels almost alive to the touch.

Skip to results list

No products found.

Try using fewer filters, or clear all filters.

Shinki Hikaku cordovan is not leather in the traditional sense. It's the inner layer of equine hide — extremely dense, compact — processed with a long vegetable tanning method. The dark brown, burgundy, and black colors are not painted on; they are inherent in the fiber.

With use, it develops a deep patina. It resists water better than almost any other leather. Available in 18, 20, and 22mm. Every Shinki batch has micro-variations in color; no two pieces are identical.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you care for a Japanese Cordovan strap over time?

Maintenance is minimal, but deliberate. Shinki Hikaku uses vegetable tanning that protects naturally: avoid prolonged soaking, no wax or aggressive oils needed. Once every six months, if heavily exposed to sun, use a soft dry brush and a small amount of cordovan-specific oil. Patina is your ally: it hides signs of use and improves aesthetics. On an 18mm strap for a vintage Rolex Datejust, the leather ages nobly, almost like wine.

What's the difference between Shinki Hikaku and American cordovan (Horween)?

Both are excellent, but follow different philosophies. Horween (USA) has a century-long history, robust vegetable tanning, faster and more vivid patina. Shinki (Japan) is even slower: 6-8 months of tanning versus Horween's 3-4 months, resulting in denser, deeper leather. On a 20mm strap for an IWC Portofino, Shinki offers a darker, more 'serious' initial color that progressively brightens. Horween is more versatile; Shinki is a choice for those wanting a lifetime companion. Both develop natural fissuring (creasing) that speaks to authenticity.

On which watch does a Japanese Cordovan strap work best?

It shines on classic dress watches and elegant sports pieces: Rolex Datejust (36-40mm, 20mm), Omega Seamaster (42mm, 20mm), Patek Philippe Calatrava (35-38mm, 18mm). The deep color enhances porcelain-white or dark blue dials. Avoid heavy sport divers: cordovan prefers formal wrists. On a 22mm strap for a vintage Rolex GMT-Master it's almost sinful: the leather's density handles the weight, the patina emerges nobly. For vintage watchmaking (1960s-1970s) it's a natural choice: it restores original dignity.

How do you clean and maintain a Japanese cordovan strap?

Shinki cordovan is cleaned with a dry cloth after each use. Every 2-3 months, a light layer of neutral vegetable cream is sufficient. No aggressive products: the material's density handles the rest. Water is not a problem — this leather resists well. Patina grows with years, not forced.

Why is Shinki cordovan not traditional horse leather?

Traditional horse leather uses the flank or shoulder. Shinki cordovan comes from the inner layer of the equine back: a different zone, denser, more compact. It's not just anatomical distinction. Everything changes — the fiber, the behavior, the patina it develops over time. Available from 18 to 22mm lug width.

What exactly is Japanese cordovan Shinki and which animal does it come from?

Shinki Hikaku Japanese cordovan is the inner layer of the horse's back — not conventional leather. Extracted from a dense, compact zone, vegetable-tanned over long periods. Available in 18, 20, and 22mm lug widths.

Can Japanese cordovan be custom-crafted at the atelier?

Casati Milano atelier is at Via XX Settembre 15. You come choose the leather in person — the Japanese cordovan, the lug width for your watch, every detail together. By appointment only, via WhatsApp.

How does a Shinki Japanese cordovan strap change over time?

Shinki cordovan doesn't change color: it deepens. With daily wear it develops a dense, almost acetic patina that emerges from the leather's inner layers. On 18 and 20mm straps you notice it first on edges and lugs. Dark brown doesn't fade — it consolidates.

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.

Request an appointment →

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