Latest Review
It wasn’t that long ago that I can remember heading over to the first Pop Up Flea in NYC with w&w co-founder Blake, and saying something to the effect of “we need to be a part of this someday”… Well, a couple of years, a lot of posts and a ton of straps later, and we’re excited to say that we’re going to be presenting our goods at the upcoming spring/summer Pop Up Flea (details at bottom of the post). We’ll be showing our premium, but affordable American-Made watch accessories along side such brands as The Hill-Side, Tudor (yes, that Tudor), Rancourt & Co., as well as our friends at Martenero Watches… oh, but wait, there’s more, a lot more…
We’re also going to take this opportunity to unveil a few new kick-ass products that will be available exclusively at the Pop Up Flea (then later in our shop). Let’s start with the big one; Model 2 Shell Cordovan straps. Cordovan has been called the champagne of leathers by many an enthusiast and for good reason, it’s simply one of the best materials on Earth. It’s also rare and in high demand, coming from only a few tanneries worldwide. Ours is sourced from Italy, and undergoes a slow and arduous tanning process, resulting in a gorgeous leather that ages beautifully. This equine leather is rich in color, luxurious to the touch, but strong and resilient, giving it ideal characteristics for straps, especially the Model 2. The mix of vintage with a hint of military styling plays well off of the richness of the material, while the thin-unlined cut that makes them so comfortable is reinforced by Cordovan’s natural strength.
Our inaugural offering of Cordovan will be in 4 classic colors that you’re sure to love; Burgundy, Whiskey, Navy and Mahogany. The Burgundy is a vast plum color that is dark and mysterious. At a glance it might appear jet-black, but as the light hits it, the warm tones within are revealed adding depth. We accented the Burgundy with charcoal linen thread for a sleek palette that looks especially good against titanium and matte metals, as well as vintage dress pieces.
The Whiskey is a bright, rich golden brown. Few colors accentuate the beauty of watches like a whiskey can, and this is the best we’ve seen. We paired the Whiskey with natural linen thread for a tonal palette that looks good with watches new and old, sport and dress. You just can’t go wrong with this one.
Our Navy is deep and dark. Nearing a black midnight, the cold sheen of blue prevails giving this strap inexplicable character. We emphasized the Navy with charcoal linen thread that has a cool hue as well, giving it a tone-on-tone effect, adding sophistication and intrigue to any watch you put it on. These are great for putting a new twist on your dress and light dialed watches.
Lastly, is our Mahogany, which is a mid-brown with a current of red that is soothing and subtle. Yet, despite its calm tones, there is something surprisingly rugged and organic about it, which is emphasized by the raw, contrasting edges. We accented the Mahogany with natural linen thread for an earthy palette that looks especially good against yellowed tritium lume.
Our Model 2 Cordovan straps are American-made and will retail for $89. Available in 18, 20 and 22mm
Next on the list are a couple of new colors of our Model 2 Horween straps, with leather from the famed Chicago tannery; Cognac and Coal. The Cognac is made of vegetable tanned Horween Essex leather and has a reddish golden-tan color that will darken with age. This color is very earthy, coming across like a mix between honey brown and terracotta… it’s gorgeous. We accented the Cognac with natural linen thread playing off the natural tones of the leather. Works great with watches new and old, but should you have something with a dark green or blue in it, this will really bring that out.
Our darkest, stealthiest Model 2 to date, the Coal is made from the rich, oiled Horween Chamois leather. This ashen, dark grey is as close as you can come to wearing smoke on your wrist. We went tone-on-tone for this one using charcoal linen thread, creating a seamless stretch of grey. This one looks amazing against black and slightly sun-bleached dials, but also adds soft contrast against light dial watches.
Our Model 2 Horween Cognac and Coal will retail for $65
Last, but far from least, we have the newest addition to our venerable Model 1 line; Russet. Perhaps the ultimate rugged leather, the Russet Stampede Chromexcel from Horween is tough, toolish and exudes style. The deep, matte, earthy brown leather has a lot of oil in it, making it darken and patina beautifully. These truly get better with age, as the saying goes. We finished the Russet Model 1 with charcoal thread, grey edge paint and a Coal keeper for a dark, faded palette that looks especially good against titanium, watches with some wear and beefy tool watches.
The Model 1 Russet will retail for $99
And there you have it. We’re really excited about these new straps, as they’ve all come out gorgeous. The Cordovans are particularly special, and we’re sure they are going to fly. So, come on by to the Pop Up Flea this weekend, be one of the first to check out our new goods and meet the w&w team. And if you can’t make it, be sure to keep an eye on shop.wornandwound.com. Hope to see you there!
Pop Up Flea details:
Location
123 W 18th st, 2nd Floor
NY, NY 10011
When:
May 8 – 10
Hours:
Fri 8, 3-8
Sat 9, 11-7,
Sun 10, 12-6
