Horween Chromexcel Leather: A Family Legacy

First made in 1913 for mechanical uses, Horween Chromexcel is now a staple in premium footwear, bags, jackets, and watch straps. Each batch takes 28 working days and 89 processes across all five floors of Horween’s Chicago tannery.

Hides arrive brined, hair-on, and are halved, dehaired, and lime fleshed to remove unwanted tissue. They’re then bated and pickled (now with enzymes instead of the old bird-dropping method) to soften and clean the hides.

A chrome tannage gives them the signature “wet blue” color, followed by grading and a vegetable retan with bark extracts. This combination tanning blends chrome’s softness and durability with vegetable tanning’s fullness and patina potential.

The hides are hot stuffed with oils, waxes, and greases for flexibility and the famous pull-up effect. Finally, they’re hand-finished with aniline dye and Neatsfoot oil, which Horween also recommends for conditioning.

Where can you buy Horween leather products?

Nomad Watch Works
Our Horween Chromexcel straps, available in three designs and sizes from 18mm to 26mm, are crafted for lasting comfort and character. If we don't carry it in a size you need, we are able to custom make one! If you read my previous post about the Submariner, the picture below will look familiar to you.

Strap Atelier
Available in sizes from 18mm to 22mm, Strap Atelier offers a more tapered and non-padded version of our Classic Horween Strap.

Nomad Goods
Looking to dress up your iPhone (sorry Android fans) and protect it at the same time? Look no further than Nomad's Modern Horween Leather Case.

Thursday Boots
Perhaps not the best choice for Singapore's climate, but man do leather boots look good. You may have even spotted me occasionally rocking a pair of leather boots in the store. I don't own any Horween boots yet, but Thursday's on my list.

Horween Chromexcel is a favourite amongst leather enthusiasts, and it's no wonder why. It's an excellent leather with a history as rich as the oils in it.