SKU: 202-SH-BLK-20-ST
Cordovan is not leather. It's a fibrous shell taken from the hindquarters of a horse – a compact, almost pore-free layer not found anywhere else on the animal. That's why it's rare. That's why it ages differently from any other leather: it doesn't soften, it smooths. It doesn't wear out, it develops a patina.
This strap is made from selected shell cordovan, crafted in Italy without stitching. A deliberate choice: no seams interrupt the surface. The line is clean, continuous, almost metallic in its formal rigor. On the wrist, however, the cordovan yields just enough – it adapts to the wrist's shape over time, without ever losing its structure.
The black is not dyed: it's in the leather. The sheen is natural, an exclusive characteristic of this material. Each piece carries the irregularities of the original hide – subtle variations in tone and texture that are not defects, but a signature.
Technical specifications:
Note: color variations compared to the images are inherent to the nature of natural leather. Each strap is unique.
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
The choice is both technical and aesthetic. cordovan has such a compact fibrous structure that it requires no side reinforcements. Without stitching, the surface remains intact and the strap’s silhouette is cleaner — especially on watches with thin cases or essential design.
box-calf develops patina diffusely and tends to soften progressively. cordovan instead maintains its structure long-term and accumulates luster — it doesn’t wear superficially, it polishes. The result after years of use is nearly opposite: denser, glossier, more character.
cordovan originally held working saddles: it’s anything but fragile. The 2.5mm thickness and absence of stitching keep it clean enough for a dress watch, yet robust enough for daily use on watches like Datejust, Longines Heritage, or mid-case vintage pieces. Avoid with diving or water sports watches.
cordovan is a non-standardizable material: it comes from a limited portion of the animal and each hide reacts slightly differently to dye. On black the differences are contained — they manifest mainly as tone depth or luster variations. These aren’t flaws, but what distinguishes natural material from synthetic.
