SKU: 202-SHVI-BLKE-20-ST
Cordovan is not bought out of necessity. It is chosen when one has already experienced everything else.
Derived from the densest and most compact part of a horse's rump, shell cordovan is one of the few materials that improves with age without showing signs of wear. It doesn't scratch like calfskin, nor does it flake like surface-treated leathers: its horizontally oriented fibers resist pressure and retain their characteristic luster — a luster that is not achieved through polishing, but is intrinsic to the very structure of the leather.
The black chosen for this strap is deep, dense, without artificial reflections. The ecru stitching breaks up the monochrome with moderation: a chromatic accent that recalls the sartorial traditions of classic watchmaking without being decorative. The contrast exists, but it works subtly.
Production is Italian. The craftsmanship takes place in an atelier — not mass-produced. Each strap goes through the stages of cutting, edging, and hand-stitching before leaving the workshop.
Technical specifications:
Estimated shipping times: 2-3 business days (Italy), 7-9 days (European market), 15-21 days (international market).
We are committed to preparing and shipping every order as quickly as possible, working carefully to ensure your items are on their way to you as soon as possible. Need to make a return? Contact us.
Shell cordovan doesn’t soften: it compacts. With wear it develops a deep lustre no polish can imitate, and the warmth of your hand tends to close its marks. Leather for a lifetime.
The next step
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 →By appointment only · Milan
Changing your strap should be as simple as changing your shoes. With us, it is.
Every strap has integrated quick-release spring bars: swap it in one gesture, no tools, no risk of scratching the lugs. The same watch shifts mood with the moment.
Picked for you
It is one of the distinctive characteristics of shell cordovan: rather than forming a sharp crease like calf, it tends to develop a progressive rounding — what collectors call the ’roll’. It is not a defect, it is the sign that the material is adapting to your wrist. Over time, that area becomes the softest and most characterised part of the entire strap.
The deep black of cordovan works on light dials and watches with polished steel or white gold cases, where the contrast is sharp and intentional. The ecru stitching makes it particularly suited to watches with ivory, cream, or champagne dials — a Longines, a Tissot Heritage, a classic dress watch. Pairing with modern sports watches is possible, but the formal character of the material tends to dominate.
Cordovan requires far less maintenance than other leathers. Simply an occasional pass with a soft dry cloth will restore its natural shine. The use of water-based conditioners or overly greasy creams is discouraged, as they could alter the compactness of the fibres. Water does not permanently damage it, but it is best to dry it flat, away from direct heat.
Yes. 2.5mm is a contained thickness, calibrated so as not to create visible unevenness under the case. On slim watches — dress watches, perpetual calendars, minute repeaters — the strap remains adherent and proportionate. Those who wear sports watches with thick cases might prefer a slightly more structured option, but for the vast majority of classic watches this thickness is the right measure.
