Leather watch bands are great – they’re stylish, feel nice on the wrist, and can give your watch that extra pop. But they’re also quite needy. If you want them to last, especially if it’s on something extremely valuable, you have to give them a bit of love here and there. So, here are some tips on how to look after a leather watch band.
First Thing: Water Ain’t Your Friend
This one’s quite obvious, but it’s easy to mess up. Leather and water don’t get along. Even a splash while washing your hands or sweating too much on a hot day will add up. If it gets wet, use a soft fabric to wipe it before cracks, stiffness, and odours show up. You wouldn’t want to damage your new or preowned Rolex because of a band issue.
Wipe the Leather (But Don’t Go Crazy)
You don’t have to scrub it or anything, but giving the band a quick wipe every so often helps more than you’d think. Your skin leaves oils and dirt, so a soft, dry cloth is enough. If it starts to look a bit grimy, dampen the cloth a little and go over it once. Don’t use soap unless you’re absolutely positive it’s safe for leather. And yes, don’t forget to dry it after.
A Bit of Conditioner Goes a Long Way
Every other month or so, you should clean and condition the leather watch strap by applying a small amount of leather conditioner. Not too much – just enough to keep it from drying out and cracking. Use a clean cloth, go slow, and don’t use anything with heavy wax or weird ingredients that could mess it up. Some conditioners leave a greasy feel, which nobody wants on their wrist.
Give It a Break
Are you wearing the same watch every single day? That’s totally fine, but if you can give the strap a break once in a while, it’ll last longer. If you’ve got more than one watch, rotate them. Or even just take it off when you’re home. Leather needs to breathe a bit. And when it’s not on your wrist, keep it in a dry, shaded spot. Not in the bathroom or on the windowsill. If your leather band is off on the sidelines and you don’t want to use a steel band, rubber bands are another option.
Know When It’s Time to Toss the Band
Eventually, the band is going to wear out – that’s normal. If it begins to feel hard or smell off, it might be time for a new one. Doesn’t mean the watch is done – just the band. For something like an older Rolex, putting a fresh, high-quality strap on it can make the whole thing feel brand new again. Plus, if you ever want to get your watch appraised, a clean, solid band definitely doesn’t hurt.
Wrapping Up (Not Fancy, Just Honest)
Look, leather doesn’t need spa treatment. It just needs some attention now and again. Keep it dry, wipe it off, and throw on some conditioner every once in a while. That’s really all it takes. And if you’re thinking of selling your watch or just getting it looked at, having a strap that doesn’t look wrecked makes a much better impression.
If you’re curious about the value of your watch, want another piece, or need advice on a Rolex, Omega, or a Patek Phillipe – we can answer all your questions.
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