I was at Costo awhile back stocking up on gallon mayonnaise and 48 pack Cliff bars. Between pilfering the Ferrero Rocher sample stand and looking for my wife, I came across the jewelry cases. Looking through the glass I saw the watches steadily climb in quality and price until I hit the grail piece at the end, a Panerai listed at a cool $10k. Scrutinizing the piece I noticed the strap and was unimpressed. I mean, it was nice of course but looked a tad skimpy and sterile. My humble Hamilton had a much nicer strap, a SNPR Crazy Horse Strap.
Construction
We’ve reviewed one of SNPR’s designs in the past, so we were no strangers to the solid build quality. However, the Crazy Horse leather is new to SNPR’s lineup.
When asked about the leather itself, SNPR replied Crazy Horse Leathers are made by applying a special kind of wax to a full grain leather surface that has been buffed and smoothed out. The type of wax used rests independently upon the leather fibers allowing the coloration of the leather surface to change if rubbed without the colors immediately reversing back. This process of rubbing and altering the color shades is what causes the antique appearance and is exactly what the craze for this leather is all about.
This American sourced leather is about 4mm thick, or roughly two Washington quarters stacked. The thread is 4 ply nylon cord. The watch features 4 arbor pressed notches which should accommodate anywhere from a 6” to 7.75” inch wrist. The buckle is a torched stainless steel.
Function
I’ll be the first to admit, sometimes a thick leather band isn’t always the most comfortable feeling on the wrist. Thankfully though, the Crazy Horse leather is remarkably pliable. In about a week it was already as flexible and soft as my Horween SNPR strap that is more than 2 years old. My wrist is about 7” and I was between notches but previous experience led me to use the tighter fitting and the leather accommodated to my wrist in no time resulting in a very custom fit.
It’s been pretty frigid on the east coast this winter and the Crazy Horse had a lot of wrist time in low temps, I’m happy to report no chaffing on the wrist or stiffening of the leather in the cold. Since the weather here is as predictable as my ex, I also got to wear this watch in 70 degree weather and handles warm weather nicely. Usually I switch to a NATO strap when Summer hits but thanks to the high quality leather and the notches, it breathes quite well and I can expect all season wear.
Aesthetic
The Crazy Horse is a seemingly understated strap at first glance. It lacks a glossy finish and exhibits a more matte coloring. I really like how it adds to the appeal of my watch, rather than competes with it. I can liken it to a 1969 Camaro with classic American Racing Torq Thrust rims as opposed to 20” chromes.
The pull up on this leather is exquisite. You can bend the strap and see the oils disperse and then rub them back over. The leather almost seems pre distressed and lends well to the vintage look. One of my favorite features on this strap is the torched buckle. It has a pearlescent quality as the colors seem to morph when exposed to light. If torched is a little too exuberant, you can opt for stainless steel, PVD, Vintage PVD or polished. Another note, this particular strap is 22mm at the lugs, but tapers to 20mm for a less bulky and more refined presentation.
Conclusion
I won’t beat around the bush, $265 is a very costly figure, and some won’t understand how a strap can cost more than a decent watch. However, these straps are usually paired with watches that range into the thousands. The quality is there, the craftsmanship is there. SNPR Straps Crazy Horse is the quintessential rugged brown leather strap.
