Shell cordovan watch straps
Shell cordovan is often called the finest leather in the world, and it's easy to see why. It has a deep, glassy lustre that no other leather can match, it's incredibly dense and hard-wearing, and it ages into something even more beautiful over time. It's a leather for people who want their strap to be as special as their watch.
What is shell cordovan?
Shell cordovan comes from a dense, fibrous layer beneath the hide on a horse's hindquarters, known as the shell. Each horse yields only two small shells, which makes cordovan rare and naturally limited. The shells are tanned slowly over several months, then hand-finished and polished to bring out their famous shine. Instead of creasing like ordinary leather, cordovan develops gentle rolls, so it keeps its smooth, refined look for years.
Our cordovan tanneries
Horween - the Chicago tannery has been producing shell cordovan for over a century and is the name most closely associated with it. Horween cordovan is known for its rich colour, deep shine and exceptional consistency.
Shinki - a Japanese tannery with a reputation for meticulous finishing and a slightly softer, more supple cordovan with beautiful clarity of colour.
Rocado - an Italian tannery known for its artisanal approach and characterful finishes, including the variegated tones found in our marbled museum cordovan.
Colours and finishes
Our cordovan range covers timeless black, chocolate brown, oxblood, cognac and navy, plus our marbled museum finishes in dark brown, cognac and green. The museum finish has a subtly mottled, hand-rubbed look that gives each strap a truly unique character. Choose a classic stitched strap, a padded strap for more presence on the wrist, or our vintage-style straps with minimal or matching stitching.
Made to order
Every cordovan strap is made to order to your chosen width and length. To create your own combination of cordovan, colour and stitching, design your own strap in the Strap Designer.
FAQs
Why is shell cordovan so expensive?
Each horse produces only two small shells, and tanning and finishing take months of skilled work. That rarity and craftsmanship are reflected in the price, but a cordovan strap will outlast almost any other leather.
Is shell cordovan horse leather?
Yes. It comes from the shell membrane under the hide of the horse's hindquarters, which is a by-product of the meat industry.
What happens if cordovan gets wet?
Water can leave small raised spots on the surface. Let the strap dry naturally, then rub the spots gently with a clean cloth or your thumb, and they'll usually disappear.
How do I care for a cordovan strap?
Buff it occasionally with a soft cloth to bring back the shine. Cordovan needs very little conditioning, and too much can dull its finish.
