HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR WATCH LEATHER

Our watches have a good reputation for robust form and long-lasting durability.

Your watch can withstand a lot, no matter what you do. And with good care, your genuine leather strap can last a long time too.

Here are some of our top tips and answers to the most frequently asked questions for caring for your leather watch strap.

Is a Leather Watch Strap Waterproof?

Leather watch straps are not waterproof — nor are any other genuine leather straps. A genuine leather strap is a natural product that behaves like skin, meaning it is very porous and will never be truly watertight. Water can damage leather straps and cause them to stain, discolour, or prematurely degrade.

Does a Leather Watch Strap Stretch?

Because leather is a natural material, yes, it will stretch somewhat on its own. Over time, the warmth from your wrist and the oils in your skin will stretch the leather so that it moves more comfortably.

Does a Leather Watch Strap Smell?

Leather naturally has a fresh, rich, and earthy scent — but not a foul one. However, if you wear a leather strap daily, the pores in the leather can trap odors over time. This means that every now and then you should clean it.

How to Stop a Leather Watch Strap from Smelling
If you’re wondering how to stop your leather watch strap from smelling, your first step may be to take it off. Because of its skin-like nature, leather absorbs sweat and dirt that are inevitable when you wear it routinely. And just like your skin, your leather watch strap needs to breathe too.

How to Clean a Leather Watch Strap

If simply letting your strap breathe doesn’t remove the odor, it might be time for a thorough cleaning of your strap. To clean your leather watch strap, follow these steps:

-Remove the strap from your watch and use a dry microfiber cloth to wipe both sides. Doing so will ensure that trapped dirt won’t scratch the leather in the next step.

-Then, dampen — do not soak — a jewelry cloth and apply a tiny drop of mild hand soap or saddle soap to the cloth (about the size of a half-dime). Do not aggressively scrub the leather; instead, use a dabbing motion and move in gentle circles, applying light pressure and paying attention to spots with dirt. Gentle soap is best, as harsher soaps can strip the leather.

-With another damp cloth, gently wipe the leather clean. Do not use too much water, as it can damage the leather.

-Give the strap ample time to thoroughly dry before wearing it again.

-Condition the leather with your favorite leather oil or conditioner to soften and protect it if you wish. Follow the conditioner product’s instructions.