Hand Crafted Goods | USA Made | Do Not Handle With Care.
FFF Watchband (Cordovan)
$62
We took the design of The Original Cordovan Button-Stud Watchband, and added the ability to adjust the band to fit your wrist or preferred wear style, while maintaining the comfort, simplicity, and innovative design of the original.
Offered here in Horween’s absolute top-shelf leather, Shell Cordovan. Chromexcel & Veg Tan leather options also available.
“Why do some of the colors look different between the band and the swatch??” There can be a good bit of variation between particular pieces of cordovan (true for ALL full grain leather)–also, depending on the viewing angle, the color can change a good bit.
Your first inclination, with a shiny new watchband, is to take it out of the box and slide it through your watch face, just as you always do with a NATO band: Tag end first. However, pulling the band all the way through the springbars, or removing your band by pulling on the stud end can result in a scuff from a sharp-edged watch case. Stay (so) fresh and (so) clean (clean):
Do not 'center' the watch face on the watch band, as you would with a normal-style/every-other-watchband-out-there. You'll see all the adjustment holes (rather than having them hidden behind the watch face, thereby presenting a nice, smooth, minimal leather band), and the button will rest on the pulse point of your wrist and get in the way while working (as well as being more likely to get snagged on something). Once you wear the button-stud watchband, you'll realize how uncomfortable it is to have watch clasps in your way while working...and you'll be so glad you took the time to read this. Hey--we're here to make your life better...or something like that.
Always keep the watch face close to the button stud--if you can see more than one adjustment hole while wearing the watch, you aren't getting the benefits of our original design. You can check out all of the photos of the watches on the site, if this verbal description doesn't make sense.
Avoid pulling the strap all the way through the springbars--only the pointed end of the strap and the adjustment holes themselves should ever pass through the springbar gap in your watch face. Pulling the entire band through can leave a big, probably-permanent scuff/scratch right down the middle of your band due to a sharp edge on your watch case.
To install and remove the band, first remove the button stud--as above. If you're able to install/remove the band with the button-stud still installed, re-read the above point--you won't put your eye out, but you'll end up with a scuffed up band from a sharp watch case edge (i.e., yer' doin' it wrong).
When installed and worn correctly, any scuffs on the leather as a result of installation will be hidden, the adjustment holes will be hidden, and the button-stud will stay out of your way while working at a desk. Hey...we don't call it 'form•function•form' because it rolls so easily off the tongue--this is a sleek and very functional design (and we want to make sure you get the most out of it).
In short--hide your holes, and avoid band torture by following the above tips.
Be sure to 'Mind the Gap':
On some watches (a vintage Omega Seamaster, for example), the springbar is very close to the case itself, leaving a tight space to slide a NATO-style band through. If it is relatively easy to swap grosgrain bands on your watch, this is likely not your situation. However, if you find that your case/springbar dimension is particularly tight, and getting your new band through is proving difficult, form•function•form recommends obtaining a springbar tool in order to easily remove the bar and install your cordovan band.
The Swiss company Bergeon makes a quality option in their '6767' model. It will take at most 15 seconds to figure out how to use the tool to remove the springbars; just make sure the 'spring' doesn't shoot the tiny part across the room--that will take hours to undo.
Installing the band 'point-first', as above, rather than 'rounded-end first' will make the whole process go much more smoothly, especially in a tight springbar gap; we intentionally pointed the end of the band to make installation easier--slipping the small point through the springbar enables a good grip to pull the rest through.
"How do I know which color is which??" Select a leather color from the drop down menus below, and the photos will update to reflect your choice.
We hand-make to order in our Florida studio, ship fast (usually within 2 days), and are not making money on shipping costs, so you get your stuff quickly and without loads of extra fees.
Free US economy shipping both ways, with upgraded options available.
Low cost shipping for international customers, as well as upgraded options.
Check the Shipping Information page for a description of our Economy, Upgraded, and Expedited Shipping options. (*note: not actually super-secret OR high-tech--we're just committed to not being jackasses about shipping or returns.)
USA made, low profile screw-back button studs in stainless steel, black DLC perma-coated stainless, and solid brass (all with hypoallergenic solid brass screw backs).
Available band widths: 14mm, 15mm, 16mm, 17mm, 18mm, 19mm, 20mm, 21mm, 22mm, 24mm. Contact us for other widths.
If yours is a small/medium size wrist, and you find too much extra band on the button-stud end of the strap, simply trim the excess off. We suggest leaving approximately 3/4" of leather past the button stud. Cutting a slightly rounded arc is recommended, but not necessary--the adjustable end you cut is intentionally hidden by the studio-finished tag end.
Leather stretches--but not on its own, like an old rubber band. We have attempted to size our products to take the stretch into account, and still result in a product that fits appropriately: Additionally, if a particular leather/weight will stretch too much for a particular product, we don't use it--so you don't need to worry about picking or not picking a product/leather based on which leather type it's made out of; get what you like, don't worry about stretch, and if your particular piece stretches abnormally, contact us for a replacement. We do our best to ensure that products perform similarly when they leave the studio, but as leather is a variable/non-engineered product, occasionally a piece just breaks in differently than normal, and we'll fix the issue for you.
Different types of our leathers may stretch more (and differently) than others, depending on their own qualities (type of animal, location on hide, etc.), and the method in which they were finished at the tannery. Here are our thoughts and observations on leathers that we work with regularly:
Chromexcel (Natural, Ink, Black, etc.) tanned leathers tend to stretch more than others: an average sized bracelet can easily be stretched almost 1/2 of an inch with limited force, and an adjustable watchband will usually stretch one extra hole's length (1/4") after a week or two of wear. Chromexcel often takes on a slightly lighter color when stretched.
Veg Tan leathers 'give' slightly less than Chromexcel, but sill stretch--especially when wet. Stretched Veg Tan typically retains the same color as unstretched.
Latigo leathers stretch very, very little, due to their tight grain and tanning processes.
Shell Cordovan leathers exhibit minimal stretch compared to the veg tan and chromexcel, due to the unique structure of the leather. They will, however, move slightly with time and pressure--an average bracelet-sized strip of Cordovan can gain just under 1/4" in length with limited, intentional force; this is why our Original Custom Button-Stud Watchband is tight at first, and stretches to fit perfectly after one or two wearings.
Russet leathers stretch very little, if at all, though are initially more stiff than the other leathers. With time and wear, they will soften up, but not as much as the other leathers.
Ultra-Thin HF (Horsefront) leathers are very thin, but due to the characteristics of horsehide, exhibit minimal stretch. They are excellent for when the absolute lightest weight leather is needed, but a very light weight regular chromexcel or veg tan (cow hide) leather would lose its shape.
With that said, if you are not happy with the size shipped to you, please refer to our Return Policies page for return shipping, replacement, or refund instructions.
Your first inclination, with a shiny new watchband, is to take it out of the box and slide it through your watch face, just as you always do with a NATO band: Tag end first. However, pulling the band all the way through the springbars, or removing your band by pulling on the stud end can result in a scuff from a sharp-edged watch case. Stay (so) fresh and (so) clean (clean):
Do not 'center' the watch face on the watch band, as you would with a normal-style/every-other-watchband-out-there. You'll see all the adjustment holes (rather than having them hidden behind the watch face, thereby presenting a nice, smooth, minimal leather band), and the button will rest on the pulse point of your wrist and get in the way while working (as well as being more likely to get snagged on something). Once you wear the button-stud watchband, you'll realize how uncomfortable it is to have watch clasps in your way while working...and you'll be so glad you took the time to read this. Hey--we're here to make your life better...or something like that.
Always keep the watch face close to the button stud--if you can see more than one adjustment hole while wearing the watch, you aren't getting the benefits of our original design. You can check out all of the photos of the watches on the site, if this verbal description doesn't make sense.
Avoid pulling the strap all the way through the springbars--only the pointed end of the strap and the adjustment holes themselves should ever pass through the springbar gap in your watch face. Pulling the entire band through can leave a big, probably-permanent scuff/scratch right down the middle of your band due to a sharp edge on your watch case.
To install and remove the band, first remove the button stud--as above. If you're able to install/remove the band with the button-stud still installed, re-read the above point--you won't put your eye out, but you'll end up with a scuffed up band from a sharp watch case edge (i.e., yer' doin' it wrong).
When installed and worn correctly, any scuffs on the leather as a result of installation will be hidden, the adjustment holes will be hidden, and the button-stud will stay out of your way while working at a desk. Hey...we don't call it 'form•function•form' because it rolls so easily off the tongue--this is a sleek and very functional design (and we want to make sure you get the most out of it).
In short--hide your holes, and avoid band torture by following the above tips.
Be sure to 'Mind the Gap':
On some watches (a vintage Omega Seamaster, for example), the springbar is very close to the case itself, leaving a tight space to slide a NATO-style band through. If it is relatively easy to swap grosgrain bands on your watch, this is likely not your situation. However, if you find that your case/springbar dimension is particularly tight, and getting your new band through is proving difficult, form•function•form recommends obtaining a springbar tool in order to easily remove the bar and install your cordovan band.
The Swiss company Bergeon makes a quality option in their '6767' model. It will take at most 15 seconds to figure out how to use the tool to remove the springbars; just make sure the 'spring' doesn't shoot the tiny part across the room--that will take hours to undo.
Installing the band 'point-first', as above, rather than 'rounded-end first' will make the whole process go much more smoothly, especially in a tight springbar gap; we intentionally pointed the end of the band to make installation easier--slipping the small point through the springbar enables a good grip to pull the rest through.
Shipping to US and US Territories:
For orders within the USA, we offer USPS (low cost, relatively reliable shipping dates) and UPS shipping (higher cost, very reliable shipping dates).
United States Postal Service domestic shipping: Low cost, and typically reliable except during the holiday season or other times of heavy demand, when delivery times can slip drastically. Quoted USPS shipping times are an estimate, and are not guaranteed.
Free Economy Shipping (USPS First Class; $0.00): 2-3 days to craft your item, and then 2-6+ days in transit, for a total of 4-9 days. NOTE: free economy shipping does not include replacement of lost/damaged/stolen-in-transit goods. You are rolling the dice with the USPS.
Economy PLUS (USPS First Class; $2 per order + 1/2% of order total): Same shipping speed as Economy, but we will send a free replacement of any items damaged in transit, and will re-ship your order if it has not arrived within 21 days of shipment.
Upgraded (USPS Priority; $6.50, free with $175.00 order): 2-3 days for us to craft your item, and then 2-3 days in transit for a total of 4-6 days, includes same insurance/replacement for damaged/lost/stolen items as Economy PLUS.
UPS domestic shipping. Higher cost, higher reliability, date-specific delivery. See UPS US Service Guide for a more complete description of services and obligations. We do not require signatures on domestic UPS shipments.Check transit times here for specifics to your destination, from zip 32804. All UPS shipment options include the same replacement for lost/damaged goods as Economy PLUS, above.
UPS 3-day: Same/next day crafting plus 3-days in transit, for a total of 3-4 business days to your door. You will receive an email when your order ships with a tracking number and a guaranteed delivery date.
UPS 2-day: Same/next day crafting, plus 2 business days in transit, for a total of 2-3 business days to your door. You will receive an email when your order ships with a tracking number and a guaranteed delivery date.
UPS Overnight: Same day crafting and shipment (if there is physically time to make and ship your order before the last FedEx pick up of the day at 5:15 pm EST), plus next business day delivery.
UPS Ground (rates vary by destination): UPS Ground service. Standard crafting times, 2-7 day UPS Ground delivery (including crafting time) to your door. UPS Ground transit times (from zip 32804).
UPS Ground Transit Times (Business Days - add 1-3 days for hand-crafting your order)
International Shipping:
Due to the uncertain nature of USPS and its partner parcel delivery services worldwide, as well as the customs officers used in this low-cost shipping method, all USPS delivery times are estimates, and can vary wildly, based largely on your country's customs offices. We include appropriate paperwork, but sometimes things just take an inexplicably long time to clear customs, and there is unfortunately absolutely nothing we can do to hurry the process along. For day-specific, MUCH faster delivery, please use the UPS delivery options. Additionally, any customs duties/fees/VAT imposed by governmental authorities or local carrier shall be the customer's responsibility (contact us with questions or concerns on this point).
Please note: form•function•form shall not be responsible for loss damage, or theft of any order shipped internationally via USPS.No refunds shall be offered on international shipping fees/product charges due to delays in transit or lost/stolen merchandise shipped via USPS. For guaranteed delivery dates and packages insured against loss, theft, and damage, please use the UPS delivery options. CUSTOMS OFFICES IN YOUR COUNTRY CAN CAUSE VERY VERY LONG DELAYS AT TIMES. THIS IS BEYOND OUR CONTROL, and unfortunately there is nothing we can do if your USPS order is taking a long time. If you need an order in a timely manner, we suggest UPS.
In an extremely high percentage of the time, international shipments sent via USPS (our 'economy' and 'upgraded' options) have made it to their destination without any problem, particularly to any country offering electronic delivery confirmation service (see USPS first class international "E-USPS DELCON INTL" participating countries at the usps.com page here, and USPS Priority mail international participating countries here). As of March 2014, the following countries appear to be able to track packages end-to-end using Economy and Upgraded shipping, but we do not guarantee this capability: Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Gibraltar, Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Hungary, Israel, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Netherlands, New Zealand, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland. Of course, UPS/FedEx shipments can always be tracked end to end, regardless of the country they are shipped to.
Economy shipping via USPS First Class Package International (approximately $10; price varies by location and shipment weight, add products to cart to find your exact shipping fee--free with $175 order): 10-30+ days (customs dependent, NOTE: customs delays are possible and completely unavoidable from our end. If your country's customs office is slow, or backed up--particularly during the holidays--your package will simply sit until they get to it).
Upgraded via USPS Priority International (price varies by location, does not depend on weight of shipment, approximately $25): 10-15 days (customs dependent, NOTE: customs delays are still possible with USPS priority shipments. They happen less often than with economy/first class, but DO still occur occasionally, particularly in times of high demand).
Expedited via UPS (price varies by location, depending on weight): Date-specific shipping, typically in 1-3 business days. Check your specific country here at the UPS Rate and Transit Time estimator, from US zip code 32804. All international UPS orders are crafted and shipped the same day (if there is physically time to make and ship your order before the last UPS pick up of the day). By default, we do not ship 'signature required.' If you would like us to require a signature at delivery, contact us after placing your order.
Free return shipping for all US orders. Contact us via our contact page for a pre-paid label.
International customers are encouraged to ship return orders via insured, signature-confirmation methods. form•function•form shall not be responsible for return shipments that are lost, damaged, or otherwise do not make it to our studio in the condition they left your hands. Contact us prior to returning any goods; we reserve the right to refuse delivery/refund/replacement of any goods returned without prior authorization.
General Shipping Information/Timeframes/Other Options: If you prefer delivery by some method not listed here, or have a question about shipping policies, send us an email, and you should hear back within hours; if you haven't heard back quickly enough, feel free to send another email without worrying that you're bothering us--sometimes emails come in and in the rush of getting other things out the door they fall behind--every question is read, and we immediately respond to any problem. Never hesitate to contact us with questions or concerns about your order, and feel free to reach out on Facebook or Twitter (or any of our other contact methods). Every product is made by hand in our studios in Florida. The vast majority of orders ship within two to three business days. However, in times of extreme high demand, new orders may ship out slightly later. We will keep customers updated via our Facebook page and email on new and unexpected multiple-day shipping delays. Of course, if you ever have a question about--or problem with--your order, please shoot out an email: What's up with my damn order??
