New Full Grain Horween Watch Strap and Belt Handmade in the USA
Today we are excited to announce the launch of two products made by hand in the USA from premium Horween full grain leather. The first is a single layer yet ruggedly durable watch strap for traditional watches. The second is actually a new type of product for BluShark: a belt. BluShark has long been known for its watch straps made from nylon, FKM rubber, silicone, cordura, leather, and other materials. But, we have never sold belts before and we’re excited to now be able to offer our customers such a high quality product.
Ever since I made a leather coaster at summer camp when I was twelve years old I have been fascinated by leather goods and how they’re crafted. I love the look, feel, and smell of leather. It is both timeless and constantly changing depending on how it’s used; its color, texture, and shape morphing into something that is customized to its purpose.
Since that summer camp years ago I have expanded my skills to make bags, belts, wallets, and a variety of other goods. And I continue to enjoy experimenting with new ideas to see what I can bring to life.
We have partnered with a skilled leathercrafter in the southeastern U.S. to design and create the watch strap and belt using the highest quality leather from one of the oldest and best tanneries in the country: the Horween Leather Company in Chicago, Illinois.
I have personally used Horween leather in many of my projects for years and can attest that its reputation within the leathercrafting community and in the leather goods industry as a whole is entirely deserved.
If you are not familiar with Horween, they are considered among the best, if not the best, leather tanneries in the U.S. and are widely respected and sought after around the world. They have been honing their process since 1905 and the result is clear in the quality of their work.
Both the watch strap and the belt are available in two colors: black and tan.
Horween Leather Black Watch Strap
Horween Leather Tan Watch Strap
The different colors are actually made from different types of Horween leather.
The black watch strap and belt are made from Horween’s Chromexcel leather which comes from a unique and proprietary blend of chrome (chemical based) and vegetable tanning (using bark extracts and other natural ingredients). This produces a leather that has the special properties of both tanning processes: supple and durable from the chrome tanning and a fuller feeling and better capability for developing a patina from the vegetable tanning. The black Chromexcel has a deep and lustrous appearance and smooth feel.
The tan watch strap and belt are made from Horween’s Dublin leather from their Essex line, which is produced entirely from a vegetable tanning process. It has a high oil content and so will age beautifully over time with an even more noticeable patina developing after months and years of use and exposure to sunlight.
We are thrilled to be able to bring these two new products to our customers and look forward to hearing how you enjoy them.
Thank you for your support of BluShark!
Andrew
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