There's more that goes into a good watch strap's value than its material alone. But a high-quality leather is an excellent start. Horween, shell cordovan and Chromexel are terms that command a premium in any type of leather product, and watch straps are no exception. So, how good can a Horween Chromexel strap bought on Amazon for $24 be? That's what we're here to find out.
Bisonstrap Horween Chromexel: What We Think
A Horween strap on Amazon for $24? I was curious and had to give it a try, so I bought a Bisonstrap Chromexel almost a year before committing to reviewing them. Letting it break in a little, it's the experience with that single strap that led to my deciding that their quality and value was worthy of review and bringing to your attention. In short, you're getting a strap that feels like one of at least twice its price.
Yeah, about twice that of Bisonstrap's price is where Horween leather straps usually start. It's typically more, often much more. You can get higher-end straps, sure, but you'll be paying far more and Bisonstraps don't feel like much of a compromise. They'll be a go-to for my tool watches going forward and I've already been gifting them liberally. At this price, why not?
- Sizes: 18mm-24mm (including odd sizings)
- Length: 75mm and 120mm (125mm for 23mm and 24mm lug);
- Colors: Black, brown, green
- Hardware: Steel, gold pvd, rose gold pvd, black pvd
Horween, and what's good about chromexel
The historic Horween company in Chicago is legendary and considered one of the best tanneries in the world. These days, if you look into any type of premium leather products from boots to jackets to watch straps, you're going to encounter Horween and its signature products.
Chromexel is one of them, and it's got a rich texture that ages beautifully, is soft, supple and durable. It's made with "at least 89 separate processes taking 28 working days," according to Horween. What more do you need to know? (Learn all about how Chromexel is made at Horween here.)
The bang for buck is real
Spending any less for a leather strap is very often not even worth it. That's why getting a premium material at near the category's entry point genuinely feels like a steal. Is cost being made up for with shoddy workmanship? Not that I can detect.
They might not claim to be handmade, but they're not lacking in care and precision. While you could get yourself a 60-inch roll of Chromexel leather on Etsy, make a strap yourself and try to save a few bucks, there's no denying Bisonstrap's bang for buck.
The comfort is real
Leather can require breaking in. Straps can start out stiff. One of the known qualities of Chromexel, however, is its suppleness, as noted above.
The thin Bisonstrap construction is comfortable right out of the box (bag, actually), doesn't require excessive bending or molding and only forms further to your wrist with time. I haven't had mine long enough to really let it age, patina and break in, but I've already gotten my money's worth.
Bisonstrap Horween Chromexel: Alternatives
Search "Horween leather watch strap" on Amazon and you'll see that Bisonstrap isn't your only option around this price point. But you're skeptical, and we don't blame you. Another brand called Hemsut also prominently offers Horween straps at similar prices, but they're built a bit long for my wrist and their typo-ridden descriptions don't inspire confidence.
You can root around on Amazon but, as noted above, you're typically going to be looking at spending significantly more for a Horween strap you can trust. While the material is American-made, Bisonstrap is a Chinese company, and you'll be paying more for the likes of Italian, American or other such straps. If that's in your budget, those from our favorite strapmakers are worth a look such as Uncle, B&R Bands, WindUp and House of Straps.
