Our shell cordovan straps, Italian leather straps, and nylon NATO straps are still as popular as ever, but we're always looking for something new to bring you in the HODINKEE Shop. Today we launch two new lines of straps: Italian-made crocodile dress straps in three colors and two sizes and kangaroo leather NATOs just in time for spring. We've also got a handful of other updates to the shop, and, as usual, quantities are limited, so you won't want to miss out.
Made In Italy Crocodile StrapsOur made in the USA unlined shell cordovan straps make for a nice, modern dress strap, but when you really want to elevate a watch, glossy crocodile is the way to go. The thickness of these straps strikes the right balance between being thin and being sturdy, so you won't have to worry about them holding up long term. The crocodile itself is glazed so the skin shines and holds color well, though a patina will develop at the edges of the scales over time. Inside is a soft lining so you can comfortably wear the straps all day and there is no visible stitching, keeping the look clean.
We're starting off with three colors and two sizes for the HODINKEE crocodile straps. There are 18mm and 20mm options, both available in black, dark brown, and honey brown. These six options mean you'll be covered for almost any vintage or modern dress watch, regardless of color or style. They all come with steel hardware, but the buckles are easily removable should you want to use a special buckle of your own.
HODINKEE crocodile straps are priced at $225 and you can find them here.
Kangaroo NATO StrapsKangaroo might not be a leather you hear about very often, but it's perfect for fake watch straps. It has an extremely dense grain, making it durable and resistant to stretching (a common plague with straps). The grain is also very fine, so once it is dyed the color is very concentrated and even.
The straps we have here are NATO style. Unlike most leather NATOs, which are extremely thick and uncomfortable, these are nearly paper thin without sacrificing any of the quality or longevity that you would expect from a leather strap. They're entirely unlined, very comfortable to wear, and a really nice alternative to nylon.
Of course our kangaroo is sourced ethically from Australia, so no worries there, and the straps themselves are made right here in the USA. We are starting out with black and dark brown and both are currently available for pre-order for $85.
Leather Travel TubeWhile our leather and canvas travel rolls both get the job done in a low-fuss way, it's good to have options. These brown leather travel tubes provide a little more structured protection for your watches, with semi-rigid sides, a cushioned interior, a hefty leather flap, and a solid-brass buckle. You can fit between three and four watches, depending on their sizes. This tube is especially helpful for transporting replica watches with bracelets or straps that do not fold entirely flat, which can make using one of our other rolls impossible. These are made by the same artisan as our other Italian straps and rolls, and they are priced at $250. You can order them here.
Canvas And Leather StrapsOur last new addition for the day is a combination leather and canvas strap. These start with a dark brown leather base (that also functions as the lining here) and then a barleycorn canvas is hand-stitched on top. This gives a rustic, almost military look while maintaining the comfort and durability of our other Italian leather straps. Each strap comes in a matching canvas pouch and sells for $95. They're available right here.
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