6,256 Discussions and CommentsMember since March 22, 2001
Rule Nr. 1 is keep it dry at all times >
As for cleaning, I haven't heard the recommendation of using any kind of product on it. Perhaps you could buff lightly from time to time with a soft cloth. Daily use will give a shorter life (18/24 months average).
3,741 Discussions and CommentsMember since March 22, 2001
Do NOT use leather conditioner!!!
Many leather conditioners contain water, or are "water based" which will ruin the strap. I ruined my doppelchronograph's Crocodile strap with "Coach Leather Conditioner" after my local Patek dealer said that would be okay on crocodile straps.
MF told me once, about 11 months ago about a special brand of a shoe polish cream - but I do not recall it's name.
73 Discussions and CommentsMember since Oct. 10, 2001
A few things you can do...
1. Use a deployant, which will minimize bending of the strap. 2. Alternate using the watch with another, so the leather can "breathe"/air out for 24 hours. 3. Prepare for the inevitable-- replacement of the strap (in 1.5-2 years).
123 Discussions and CommentsMember since March 22, 2001
I have the same problem...
My hands sweat, and inevitably my bands get quite wet after a day's wear in the warm season.
Besides changing the bands every year or so (it gets quite expensive), I've tried a couple of different things:
- As I wear most of my watches with deployants, my bands are mounted inverted on the watch (i.e. long part with holes at 12 o'clock), and that is the part which normally gets wet (at least in my case). I now `order` my bands custom-made, with TWO long parts and one short one (made at the same time out of the same piece of leather so that they match perfectly). I can then replace the long part when it gets too worn, while the short one still looks fine. This way, I get twice the life out of the band set for only 50% additional cost...
- Once a band has been worn quite a bit, sometimes you can get more life out of it by soaking it overnight in a very mild soap/water solution, then rinsing it and leaving it to dry in dry air (i.e. in front of an AC unit or dehumidifier). Though with certain leathers (i.e. croc) this will make the band look duller (it will lose its shine), it gets it really clean and fit for a few more month's use.
However, noting beats replacing the bands regularly - though this gets expensive really quick with croc. handmade bands!!!
3,348 Discussions and CommentsMember since Sept. 14, 2001
Second watch on bracelet.
For the lucky ones (as I am I must admit):
have (at least) two watches: one everyday beater on bracelet (me: Mark XV). If it get's ugly I just wash it off with clear water and dry it with a normal cloth.
One special purpose watch which can also be worn everyday when it's cooler. (Me: SS Port. Chrono Auto).
Sorry, it does not work in countries or places where it's hot and humid the whole year. The special purpose watch can be worn very rarely there or the straps have to be changed very often.
How do I maintain it so it lasts longer and also how do I clean the watch itself from daily use?
Thanks
As for cleaning, I haven't heard the recommendation of using any kind of product on it. Perhaps you could buff lightly from time to time with a soft cloth. Daily use will give a shorter life (18/24 months average).
Cheers from Isobars.
IN A HUMID COUNTRY LIKE MINE, ANY SUGGESTIONS? ASIDE FROM "DON'T USE IT":)
Many leather conditioners contain water, or are "water based" which will ruin the strap. I ruined my doppelchronograph's Crocodile strap with "Coach Leather Conditioner" after my local Patek dealer said that would be okay on crocodile straps.
MF told me once, about 11 months ago about a special brand of a shoe polish cream - but I do not recall it's name.
Regards,
Ardoise
Last edited: 1 January, 2012 - 17:55
1. Use a deployant, which will minimize bending of the strap.
2. Alternate using the watch with another, so the leather can "breathe"/air out for 24 hours.
3. Prepare for the inevitable-- replacement of the strap (in 1.5-2 years).
Regards,
Wootichai
the best is not to apply anything especially water.maybe just wipe it with a dry cloth.
My hands sweat, and inevitably my bands get quite wet after a day's wear in the warm season.
Besides changing the bands every year or so (it gets quite expensive), I've tried a couple of different things:
- As I wear most of my watches with deployants, my bands are mounted inverted on the watch (i.e. long part with holes at 12 o'clock), and that is the part which normally gets wet (at least in my case). I now `order` my bands custom-made, with TWO long parts and one short one (made at the same time out of the same piece of leather so that they match perfectly). I can then replace the long part when it gets too worn, while the short one still looks fine. This way, I get twice the life out of the band set for only 50% additional cost...
- Once a band has been worn quite a bit, sometimes you can get more life out of it by soaking it overnight in a very mild soap/water solution, then rinsing it and leaving it to dry in dry air (i.e. in front of an AC unit or dehumidifier). Though with certain leathers (i.e. croc) this will make the band look duller (it will lose its shine), it gets it really clean and fit for a few more month's use.
However, noting beats replacing the bands regularly - though this gets expensive really quick with croc. handmade bands!!!
For the lucky ones (as I am I must admit):
have (at least) two watches: one everyday beater on bracelet (me: Mark XV). If it get's ugly I just wash it off with clear water and dry it with a normal cloth.
One special purpose watch which can also be worn everyday when it's cooler. (Me: SS Port. Chrono Auto).
Sorry, it does not work in countries or places where it's hot and humid the whole year. The special purpose watch can be worn very rarely there or the straps have to be changed very often.
Tilo Hillenbrand
Tilo
Last edited: 20 November, 2012 - 10:38
friends at Schaffhausen. Are you listening?