Crafted for HODINKEE by one of the world's finest shoemakers, these special watch straps are made from leather that dates back to the eighteenth century. No joke. In 1786, a ship called the "Metta Catharina" sank off the coast of England in the Plymouth Sound. It was carrying cargo from St. Petersburg to Genoa, including a bounty of reindeer leather.

This so-called Russia Leather was the best of its time and the production methods were kept secret. For the better part of a century, after production was shut down during the Russian Revolution, it was thought that we would never see this leather again. Until 1973, that is, when British divers found the shipwreck and bundles of perfectly preserved leather buried in the dark mud.

The cross-hatched surface, amazing smell, and rich brown color that will turn almost ruby over time, are hallmarks of this piece of history. This is 227 year old reindeer leather was cut and crafted into watch straps for HODINKEE by London's GJ Cleverley, one of the world's finest shoemakers and inarguably the experts at working with this Russia leather.

These very limited edition straps are available in 18mm, 20mm, and 22mm widths, and you must provide your own buckle. All are 12cm long on the side with the holes and 7.5cm long on the side with the buckle. Each comes in a GJ Cleverley box with a certificate of authenticity for the Russia Leather.

GJ Cleverley for HODINKEE straps will ship Monday, December 2nd.