The leather feels broken in but not broken down and the color is just what I had hoped for.  Looks wonderful paired with my new Seiko SKX007.  I did trim off the small loop that goes under the watch band simply because it set the watch up too high and the two buckles on the end did make noise when I walked.  Not a deal breaker and I'm happy to have had the option.  I'll likely make that trimmed off bit into a key chain.

Band thickness in the 22mm model I received as close to or at 2mm thick.  I am very impressed.