Hadley-Roma MS2050 Horween Shell Cordovan Leather Vintage-Style Watch Strap

I have dozens of watch straps. Custom from US makers, imported custom from overseas & standard fare like Hadley Roma or Hirsch. Ultimately I've found that Horween shell cordovan is the best. It's soft upon receipt, lasts forever & looks great no matter what. When I saw Hadley-Roma was now using the material, I decided to give it a shot. At this price, how could you go wrong? Honestly, it's the softest cordovan I have. And clearly stamped Horween so it's not a Japanese shell or some other kind of "shell cordovan". If you want a great material that's been used on watch straps for many dozens of years, stood the test of time & is back in a big way (think Hodinkee's rise photographing watches using "Vintage stitch" cordovan), this is one you've got to try.

Quality strap by Hadley Roma but a few unexpected surprises... 1.) The "Dark Brown" is really burgundy colored. Even the Hadley Roma packaging says it's Burgundy. It has a red tint to it but is very nice. Just not expected. 2.) The 20mm strap tapers to 16mm. This is a bit unusual. Was expecting a normal 20/18 taper. 3.) Length is 115/75mm but I find myself on the first strap hole which means the strap is almost too long for me. This is mainly because there is only 6 holes when most straps come with 7 or even 8. With a 6.75" wrist and a 47mm case length, I'm on the 1st hole. I'm attaching photos of the "Dark Brown" Hadley Roma and a black Fluco Shell Cordovan strap I bought of similar price. The Fluco has 7 holes, tapers from 20 to 18, and is thicker. My best advise if wanting a inexpensive Shell Cordovan strap is this....If wanting it on a nice dress watch - go with the Hadley-Roma. If wanting it on your favorite casual/sports watch - go with the Fluco. Personally, the dye and overall quality seems a tad higher on the Hadley-Roma but it's really a dress watch strap. It is very, very thin but very durable since it's Shell Cordovan.

I have to say, this product is very good for the price. Retail at $100 and presented here at a lesser price than that (when available.) This is a great alternative to the $200+ cordovan straps out there. They are made here in the U.S. by Hadley Roma. I buy many straps from them and I'm seldom disappointed by the quality you get for the price. It smells and feels like genuine shell cordovan and will likely last years. Product is well constructed as well. Looks great on a quality vintage watch.

It has too much of a red tint vs. what is shown in description

I like the band but it should have stated in the description that this is a large band. I'm a woman and I had to buy a leather punch to make more holes in order to wear this. The biggest thing that made me dissatisfied with the band though is it did not come with any pins. My current watch band had quick release pins which do not work with this new band. I had to wait to use it until I bought pins for it - really disappointing since most bands come with pins! Otherwise the leather is very nice. Just a big hassle in order to make is usable for me. Update ... so, I know leather will stretch, like shoes ... but this is the first leather watch band I have EVER had stretch on me. It's just been annoying all around. Am I still using it - yes ... is it still annoying me ... yes! If it had quick release pins I probably would have replaced it already!

Best watch strap I have ever had. The leather is of amazing quality and it does not crease. The stitching is impeccable and I will be purchasing another strap in the near future.

Super soft leather, way nicer than any watch band I've ever had. But they were all inexpensive. This was well worth the price. Very soft and pliable leather.

A little thin. Nomos makes a much better strap for the price, they just didn't have my size.