SKU: 202-SHVI-BLRE-20-ST
Cordovan is not obtained from tanning — it is obtained from selection. Shell leather, taken from the hindquarters of the horse, is among the rarest and least imitable materials in the entire leather industry. It is not leather in the ordinary sense of the term: it is a compact fiber, almost mineral in its response to time. It does not crack. It does not deform. It develops a patina that no treatment can artificially replicate.
This strap is made from Horween Shell Cordovan, the Chicago tannery that processes this leather using methods unchanged for over a century. The deep black of the back opens up, on the sides and on the inside, into a red that is not decoration: it is the very structure of the material that emerges. A contrast built by the leather, not by the colorist.
The surface has a natural, dense sheen that intensifies with use. Cordovan does not age — it matures. Every sign of use becomes part of the strap's character, not a defect to be hidden.
Entirely made in Italy. Each piece may show color variations compared to the images: this is the nature of shell leather, not an imperfection.
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
Horween is the world’s reference tannery for this leather: it works cordovan through a slow vegetable process, without chemical shortcuts, which can take up to six months per single batch. The result is a fiber density and natural luster that versions from different sources rarely match. This is not marketing — it is a measurable difference to the touch.
The red that emerges on the flanks and inside the strap is not a surface-applied varnish: it is the result of deep coloration of the shell leather, which responds differently on the inner layers compared to the outer. This characteristic is inherent to double-colored worked cordovan and tends to become more pronounced with use.
cordovan is naturally thinner and more compact compared to many double-layer leathers. At 2.9mm, this strap adapts well even to watches with a flat case or close lug width, without creating bulges. For sports watches with screw-down casebacks or thick lugs, it is still advisable to verify the available space before purchase.
cordovan requires less maintenance than one might think. Shell leather is naturally resistant to moisture and does not need frequent treatments. In case of creasing or pressure, simply rub gently with a soft cloth: the compact fiber tends to restore itself. A thin layer of colorless cordovan cream — applied rarely — is sufficient to preserve its luster over the long term.
