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Fluco Chicago Horween Shell Cordovan Flat Leather Watch Strap
- Price
- $70
There are lots of good reasons to buy a new watch strap. Changing your strap can give your trusty old Omega, Seiko or Timex a new lease on life. If you've recently acquired a new watch, you may want to store your OEM strap or bracelet to keep it in pristine condition. Even if you're not concerned with preserving the OEM strap, often they aren't the ideal quality, fit or design for your wrist comfort or personal style.
Shopping for and wearing new straps is one of the fun things about owning a watch. But before you get started, you'll need to know how to achieve the best fit for your watch case and wrist size. With watch straps, size matters, and we can help.
Find your perfect fit
You'll need at least two measurements to choose a strap that fits properly: the width and the length. If you plan to swap out the buckle for a new one or switch to a deployant clasp, you'll also need to know the strap/buckle taper measurement.
Strap width
The terms "strap size," "strap width" and "lug width" are often used interchangeably. Don't let this confuse you; they all mean the same thing. Basically, the width of the strap where it attaches to the watch lugs (the two projecting arms on the watch case) is the strap size.
To determine your strap size, try the easy way first: check the back of your current strap for an imprint that indicates the size.
If no useful information is provided on the strap, use a metric ruler or a caliper to measure the watch lug width, or the internal distance between the lugs. This measurement will be a whole number, expressed in millimeters (i.e., 20mm). If your lug width is 20mm, you need a 20mm strap.
Strap length
If your strap is too tight, it could irritate your skin and affect your circulation. Too loose, and your watch will migrate around your wrist, constantly straying from its desired location. You want to choose the correct length for your wrist size.
To determine your wrist size, measure your wrist in inches. Use a flexible tape measure or a strip of paper to wrap your wrist where your watch would naturally sit. Mark the point where the two ends meet. If you're using paper, measure it with a ruler. That number is your wrist size.
Compare your wrist size to each manufacturer's specifications in our product listings to make sure you're buying the right length. If you find yourself between two lengths, round up.
Strap/buckle taper
Most watch straps taper in width toward the buckle. Your buckle size matches the width at the buckle end of the strap, not the lug end. If you have a 22mm strap that tapers to 20mm at the buckle, you need a 20mm buckle. A 22mm buckle will be too big.
The strap/buckle taper is important information if you're swapping out the buckle with one of your own, or want to add a deployant clasp. Holben's includes this detail in all of our product listings.
Changing your watch strap
Consider investing in an inexpensive spring bar tool for strap changes. If your strap uses standard spring bars, a spring bar tool can save you a lot of frustration. It can also help with quick-release bars if you have larger fingers or are dealing with mobility issues like arthritis.
Cover your work area with a light-colored towel or cloth to protect your watch, keep tools and parts from rolling away and hopefully catch any spring bars that may fly into the air. Place your watch on the towel with the back facing up; this protects the front of the watch from accidental slips or scratches. You can also wrap the lugs (avoiding the holes) with masking or painter's tape.
Remove the old strap
Removing the old strap involves a few simple steps.
- Use the forked end of your spring bar tool to expose the shoulder of the spring bar between the strap and the lug, then push the shoulder of the bar away from the lug hole towards the strap.
- Extract the bar from the hole in the lug and remove that side of the strap.
- The opposite side of the strap should fall out of the lug hole on its own. If not, repeat the process on that side.
Sometimes the ends of the spring bars are exposed through holes in the lugs. If this is the case, simply use the pointed end of your spring bar tool to push in one end of the bar until it separates from the lug.
Install the new strap
Installing your new strap is similar to removing the old one, only in reverse.
- Make sure that both your watch and the strap are facing up, and that each strap piece is placed correctly; typically the buckle piece sits at the twelve o'clock position.
- Insert a spring bar into the channel in the strap end. Slip one end of the bar into the corresponding lug hole.
- Using your spring bar tool, depress the other side of the bar and guide it into the hole in the other lug. You should hear an audible "click" when the bar pops into place.
- Repeat the operation with the other strap piece.
Change the buckle
Changing the buckle works the same way as changing the strap, with a few other considerations.
- Use your spring bar tool to remove the spring bar connecting the old buckle to the strap.
- Place the prong of the new buckle (facing the same direction as the strap) in the slot on the strap.
- Insert the spring bar through the strap channel, taking care to catch the prong.
- Confirm that the prong is correctly positioned (sitting on top of the buckle, not underneath it), then insert the spring bar into the buckle holes.
Now all that's left to do is enjoy your new strap. If you have any questions, contact us and we would be happy to help.
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Located in Germany's Bavarian Forest, Fluco manufactures 100% in-house at its headquarters in the town of Furth im Wald. Owner Ulrich Fleischmann represents the third generation of his family to lead the company that his grandfather founded more than 70 years ago, producing handmade watch straps of the highest quality for men and women.
Fluco carefully vets every partner they collaborate with. They work only with tanneries that produce ecologically and ethically responsible leather, complying with the strictest regulations to ensure environmental safety and exercising verifiable control from the origin of the raw material to the end product. Fluco's buckles are made entirely in Germany, at a traditional company in Baden Württemberg that tasks itself with producing premium clasps for watch straps.
Of the many tanneries in the world, only a few have earned a reputation for being the best. At the top of that short list is the Horween Leather Company, established in Chicago in 1905. Ulrich Fleischmann personally toured the Horween tannery and spent some time with Nick Horween himself, discussing all of the beautiful things that can be made from leather. Fleischmann was deeply impressed by the experience, and the two companies have now been partnering for years to produce beautiful shell cordovan watch straps.
Crafting shell cordovan leather requires a complex procedure that involves extensive expertise and skill to achieve the desired shape and color. The elaborate production process, along with the exceptional durability of this unique leather, validates the higher prices that shell cordovan goods generally command. That's why Fluco's collection of Horween shell cordovan watch straps is gaining a cult following for its superior material and detailed workmanship at a reasonable price point. You could pay a lot more for a Horween shell cordovan leather strap of this caliber... but why would you?
Material:
- Vegetable-tanned Horween shell cordovan leather
- Authentic Horween lining may feature tanning marks or sections of company stamp
- Hypoallergenic lining leather
- Edges are painted, sanded and polished several times by hand
- Fitted with a polished stainless steel German-made buckle
Sizing:
- Available in 18mm, 19mm and 20mm
- Regular strap/buckle taper: 18mm/16mm, 19mm/16mm, 20mm/16mm
- Short strap/buckle taper: 18mm/16mm, 19mm/18mm, 20mm/18mm
- Regular piece length 118mm / 75mm excluding buckle; Total length 7-5/8" (193mm) excluding buckle
- Short piece length 105mm / 70mm excluding buckle; total length 6-7/8" (175mm) excluding buckle
- 2.5mm thick
- Slim, flat profile for a refined look
Includes:
- See Size options to confirm standard or quick-release spring bars
Some Fluco Horween shell cordovan straps are integrated with handy quick-release spring bars. Prefer standard spring bars? Quick-release bars are easy to remove: simply slide the lever as far as you can to the left, then gently bend back the strap corner until the bar emerges from the slot.
Watch a JustBlueFish video review of the Fluco Horween shell cordovan watch strap:
HOW OTHERS ARE PAIRING IT
I got this strap to pair with my Longines Conquest with a green dial. I really like how the strap looks and the quality is very nice. It is hard to find a 19mm quality leather strap and shell cordovan is my favorite leather so this was a win win. I highly recommend it.
It was time to change the strap on my 1973 Omega Geneve and I wanted black shell cordovan. I was looking for something similar to what Nomos uses with their Club Campus.
The quality, softness, fit, and durability of this strap are very impressive. It has injected new life into a 50 year old watch. Highly recommended.
The strap color goes well with Seiko SPB435 (Bamboo Grove Alpinist). I am glad this strap is 19mm and has quick release spring bars. The leather is comfortable and feels premium. The whiskey color is a light brown and matches gold/yellow tones of a watch. It makes my watch look elegant and I really like it.
The strap color goes well with Seiko SPB435 (Bamboo Grove Alpinist). I am glad this strap is 19mm and has quick release spring bars. The leather is comfortable and feels premium. It is a joy to wear. The color is dark green and shiny.
Fantastic strap. You can't get shell cordovan this nice anywhere for a better price. Stitching is excellent and quality is excellent. Throw your factory buckle on there and you have a heck of a nice package.
Really enjoying my new Fluco Chicago Horween Shell Cordovan Brown Flat Leather Watch Strap. It feels very comfortable and pliable, without feeling cheap. I like that it is just starting to get small scuffs and "patina". In my opinion this strap is very simple looking, and not eye catching, which is what I wanted, yet is of good quality. Sort of under the radar nd understated. If you want that confidence in quality this a a good strap for you. It pairs well with my BALL Engineer M Pioneer 2. This is my second watch strap purchase and I will be returning for more in the future. Very satisfied!
The flat Fluco straps are great. They are thick enough to be strong, but thin enough (and the leather is of high quality) that they are flexible. My wrist has become thin, and aome padded straps are too stiff to be comfortable. The Fluco Horween leather is beautiful leather, and the strap is well made and fits very comfortably.
I needed a short strap in a cognac-like color for my wedding. I bought this and a Molequin Nubuck watch strap for double the price for my wedding hoping one would match the cognac shoes/belt nicely. While the Molequin Nubuck was more comfortable and had better edge finishing, this is an extremely nice and comfortable strap for the price and I had no reservations at all about making it my pick for the wedding. The color match to cognac was very close, and the buckle sits nicely. My only wish is that there was an option with color matched/more subdued stitching as I was using this on a dress watch (Oris Artelier S) but it’s not a big deal. I’ll probably be back for a black one at some point.
If you aren’t familiar with cordovan, you might think it’s plastic at first glance. It’s that smooth and uniform. The brown looks fantastic with yellow gold. It’s hard to show how sharp and clean looking it is. It’s also lined. Custom Horween Cordovan straps cost twice as much!! The Fluco butterfly clasp (you have to buy it separately) is a nice upgrade . Cordovan doesn’t need much care, but if need be pick up a bottle of Venetian Shoe Cream (elsewhere) to restore the shine.
This was exactly the neo-vintage look I was hoping to have on my Seiko Pressage SPB165. However, I was surprised to find that I am wearing this regular length strap on the tightest hole on my 6.5" wrist. The hole spacing is broader than most leather straps so there's not as much micro adjustment in this strap. The quality of the leather is top notch and the smell is lovely. The color of the Whiskey is a little pale which will darken some as the strap naturally patinas. But it doesn't match my brown leather dress shoes unfortunately, but it does match the leather sandals lol.
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Get everything you need
Specifications | |
---|---|
Brand |
Fluco
|
Length Regular, Short or Long
|
Regular and Short
|
Thickness |
3.5mm or less
|
Color |
Black, Blue, Brown, Green, and Tan
|
Style |
Smooth and Dress
|
Spring Bar |
Quick Release and Standard
|