In The Shop – Introducing: The Cooper Strap Collection
By Logan Baker
The start of a new year is often accompanied by the making of resolutions, and for watch enthusiasts, that might mean an abstinence of some sort from purchasing a new watch. But if you’re like any of us in the HODINKEE Shop, that can be a mighty difficult proposition to maintain.
Luckily, there are other ways to indulge and enjoy the watch collecting hobby. One such way is to try out a new strap on a neglected watch to refresh its feeling on the wrist. We’re major proponents of the belief that the right strap can totally transform a watch from both an aesthetic and wearable standpoint, and it’s something we’ve been a proponent of from the earliest days of the HODINKEE Shop. In that spirit, we’re returning to our roots to start out 2020 by introducing a new lineup of leather straps – say hello to the Cooper collection.
The Cooper is available in four natural, dark colors, lined or unlined, and in a variety of sizes. Each strap is made of supple English Bridle leather, providing it with a distinctive look that has an authentic equestrian feel. The steerhide used here is sourced from North American cattle of European stock, and it undergoes an eco-friendly, multi-week vegetable oak tanning treatment not dissimilar to the Barrett strap collection we recently introduced. Unlike the glossy nature of the Barrett, however, the Cooper is equally soft and sturdy, and will tolerate almost any sort of daily abuse. In fact, this might just be the most durable strap we’ve ever produced. This robustness is the reason why English Bridle leather is often specified for the saddles and harnesses of horses, as well as for other high-end leather goods such as belts and wallets.
The time-consuming process of tanning English Bridle leather means only the highest quality hides are selected. It’s a premium approach for a premium product, and the final result has a remarkable on-the-wrist feel that is extremely agreeable. Each Cooper strap will age gracefully and develop an eye-catching patina over time.
The Cooper straps have a unique density that is extremely non-porous as a result of a “hot stuffing” process. Hot stuffing is a labor-intensive procedure that involves saturating the leather with natural waxes and oils in order to make it …read more
