My watch is a Timex Expedition that came with a leather band and has had one previous band replacement of all leather.  What made the replacement necessary in each case was the cracking of the band, always in the same place.  It appears the leather stiffens over time and sooner or later it is necessary to replace it or it will split.  When the second band started splitting, I ordered this band, even though I could have gotten another all-leather Expedition band for leas money, because it appeared from the picture that there was a mesh section in the band just where I have had problems.  Now that I have the band on my watch, I can confirm there are mesh sections on either side of the watch.  With the mesh, I should not have the problem experienced before, and also the band fits tighter on my slim wrist because it is more flexible.  As my leather band aged and hardened, it became very loose on my wrist.  I do not expect that to happen with this band thanks to the mesh section.

I should also mention that it is a good looking band.  Looks as good as my previous leather bands.