“What I liked:
-Stupidly comfortable
-The simple but elegant shiny finish
-It's very supple, and easy to store in a pocket
What I didn't like:
-Due to its thin profile and softness, it can be awkward to strap the watch on at times. Sort of like putting on a watch with a NATO strap.
-The buckle is too flush with the strap, causing it to scrape against the side of the strap.
-Water marks can leave unsightly stains on the strap.
When I first got the strap, it had this lovely sheen and texture akin to leche flan. I had the slight urge to bite into it! All jokes aside, this is a simple and uncomplicated strap with no padding or liners. This results in a homely, simple appearance. To some however, it may look "cheap" but because of its simplicity and lack of other materials, it ages gracefully and doesn't crack and fray as much as more complicated straps. In the span of about 2 months, I've had other straps start to crack and heavily crinkle but not this one!
There wasn't any break-in time. The moment I wrapped it around my wrist, it conformed to it right away. It was so soft and smooth that I sometime forgot I was wearing it. On hot, summery days, this one doesn't seem to trap heat as much. That doesn't mean it's the best strap for hot and or humid places. Wearing it a bit looser and higher on the wrist helps the sweat problem a bit. I have 7 inch wrists and wear it on the second to the last hole on a Regular length strap. If you have larger wrists, you can ask Ashland to punch in some more holes just in case, or perhaps order a Regular length short side, but with a Short length long side with some extra holes punched it.
Compared to other straps that I've had, this one "stains" a bit easily and it's hard to keep it pristine, like a suede strap. So far, it's developed a darker hue, with a more matte-like finish with some fraying on the sides due to tight buckle. The watch band compliments "Field watches" like Timex Expeditions, Hamilton Khakis, and Stowa Partitios very well! It's also not a bad way to put a casual, rustic spin on dressier watches. It makes those kinds of watches go, "Hey! I know I'm fancy, but that doesn't mean I'm afraid to roll up my sleeves and get dirty!". It's only about 2.5mm thick so it may look a bit disproportionate on thicker watches such as divers or certain chronographs.
Now I usually don't like comparing straps to one another. I believe each strap should stand on its own merits. However I understand that money is a valuable resource for a lot of people. Taking the plunge on a leather strap at this price point, especially when it looks like any other minimalist, unlined strap that can be found somewhere else for half the price, seems foolish. I have bought other shell cordovan straps on Etsy that look just like this, and they to used Horween shell for their straps. But the ones here by Ashland is still the most comfortable strap I've owned. It's not overly stiff, hard, and plastic-like. The texture is very smooth to the touch and doesn't heavily stick or clamp against my skin.
All in all, it's a humble unassuming strap, that belies its comfortable fit on the wrist, backed by wonderful customer service. I can't afford to spend too much but it's nice to have quality that I can feel. It's just like well made boots, but only it's on my wrist.”
“This is my second shell cordovan watchband. Simple and beautiful. I swapped out the silver tone buckle for a gold tone buckle from Crown and Caliber very easily.”
“I'm in my 70s... I've had a lot of watchbands...this is of a different caliber altogether. It's beautiful, and the leather is thin and supple so it's very comfortable. I expect that it will last a long time. If I do, I'll let you know.
Thanks,
Jim”
“At the title states, this strap has helped breathe new life in my favorite watch. The band looks exactly like the photos, and it's very comfortable to wear. Can't wait to for it to develop character over time!”
