Neither your watch nor its strap should ever be neglected when it comes to care and maintenance. A clean and well-tended strap not only keeps your timepiece looking its best but also protects it from damage due to dirt and moisture buildup. In this article, we'll take a look at how to clean and condition your leather strap to keep it looking and performing at its best.
Cleaning Your Leather Watch Strap:
The first step is to remove the strap from your watch and use a dry microfiber cloth to wipe off both sides to remove any trapped dirt. You can also use a soft bristle brush to gently remove any stubborn dirt or debris from the crevices of the strap. Avoid using harsh detergents or chemicals as they can damage the leather and strip away the natural oils that keep it soft and supple. For valuable or heirloom timepieces, periodic professional maintenance by a skilled watchmaker can ensure that both the strap and the watch remain in optimal condition.
After you've removed the dirt from the strap, it's time to dampen a jewelry cloth with a tiny drop of mild hand soap or saddle soap. Gently clean the leather strap using small circular motions to remove any build-up or loose dirt. Be sure to rinse the strap thoroughly with water dampened towels until all traces of soap are removed to avoid drying out the leather. Let the strap air dry completely before conditioning it to prevent damage to the leather from heat exposure or moisture buildup. Never use a hair dryer to speed up the drying process as this can damage the leather. Natural air drying is always the safest option.
Conditioning Your Leather Watch Strap:
Once the strap is completely dry, apply a thin coat of leather conditioner or balm with a soft cloth. Rub gently into the strap, focusing on the creases, seams, and areas prone to wear. Horse Oil by Saphir is a highly recommended leather conditioner as it nourishes and protects the leather from cracking and drying out over time. Let the conditioner soak into the leather for about 15-20 minutes then wipe away any excess with a dry cloth. Conditioning on a regular basis, at least every 4-6 months will keep the leather supple and resistant to cracking.
A great leather strapped timepiece would be the Alpina Alpiner Heritage Carrée Automatic. It's unique rectangular case and stepped sides is a stunning tribute to Alpina's 140 year history of watchmaking excellence. The star of the show is undoubtedly the light brown ostrich leather strap with dirty white stitching. The perfectly tooled strap in a luxurious deep wine hue oozes quality and craftsmanship. It feels supple and soft against the wrist while giving you a firm secure fit. The design is simple yet elegant, accentuating the unique case shape and Art Deco styling of the watch head.
The rectangular dial design with numerals and syringe hands gives this timepiece a vintage flair while the advanced AL-530 automatic movement with 38 hour power reserve ensures precision and reliability. If you love the combination of traditional watch aesthetics and contemporary technology, immersed in rich history and heritage, then the Alpina Alpiner Heritage Carrée with its luxurious wine-colored leather strap could very well become your steadfast companion for life. Representing exceptional value for money given the high-end materials, bespoke design and Alpina's Swiss pedigree.
In summary, the Alpina Alpiner Heritage Carrée Automatic’s red leather strap is the pièce de résistance that transforms an already distinctive watch into a true collector's item and heirloom asset for generations to come.
Caring for your Leather Watch Strap:
In addition to cleaning and conditioning your leather strap regularly, there are a few other steps you can take to ensure it stays in good condition long-term:
- Avoid exposing your leather strap to harsh chemicals or solvents as they can damage or discolor the leather. This includes perfume, cologne, hair products, sunscreen, and other cosmetics that may come in contact with the strap.
- Store your leather strap in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources such as radiators and ovens. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can cause the leather to crack and dry out over time.
- If your leather strap becomes wet or stained, blot away any excess water immediately with a soft dry cloth. Do not attempt to wipe the entire strap at once as this can cause the leather to stretch or warp out of shape. Instead, blot away the water in small sections at a time until the strap is fully dry.
- If your leather strap comes into contact with salt water or chemicals such as bleach or acetone, rinse it immediately with fresh water to prevent the salt or chemicals from damaging the leather.
Another piece we love is the Tissot Chemin des Tourelles Powermatic 80 Lady. With its mother of pearl dial, it is a true work of art. The smooth, swirling iridescence of the white mother of pearl dial gives this timepiece a sense of elegance and sophistication beyond compare. The soft glow and uncanny depth you see when light catches the polished dial surface will leave you mesmerized. But the beauty of this watch goes beyond aesthetics. The Powermatic 80 calibre automatic movement promises unprecedented precision and endurance. All of these elements come together to create a classically elegant, feminine timepiece. Considering the typical Tissot wrist watch price, this is a great first piece for collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Undeniably it is the embossed alligator-style grained cowhide strap that elevates this watch into the realms of exclusivity and rarity. You'll find yourself constantly distracted by its organic ripples, swirls and delicate shimmer. It's a work of art that just happens to tell the perfect time. Check out Tissot’s full collection here at The Watch Store, the official authorized reseller of Tissot Philippines.
By following these simple care and maintenance tips, you can keep your leather strap looking and performing its best. With proper care, your leather strap can last for years and even become a treasured family heirloom that can be passed down from generation to generation. So don't neglect your leather strap – take the time to care for it properly and enjoy the beauty and functionality of your timepiece for many years to come!
Stay in touch and follow our social media accounts for real time updates and upcoming promotions:
Subscribe to our Messenger Newsletter for exclusive website only deals
Sources:
[1] https://hookandgaff.com/blogs/news/leather-watch-strap-care-guide
[2] https://thewatchcareco.com/blogs/watch-care-cleaning-protection-tips/cleaning-and-maintaining-leather-watch-strap
[3] https://thomas-earnshaw.co.uk/blogs/the-earnshaw-odyssey/leather-watch-strap-care-101-cleaning-conditioning-and-protecting-your-investment
[4] https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/how-to-clean-and-care-for-your-watch-straps
[5] https://www.gearhungry.com/maintain-leather-watch-straps/
[6] https://timex.com/blogs/the-timex-blog/how-to-clean-your-leather-watch-strap
[7] https://diywatch.club/en/blog/how-to-clean-leather-straps-properly
[8] https://longvadon.com/blogs/blog/how-to-clean-and-care-for-your-leather-watch-strap
[9] https://bandandbezel.com/blogs/news/leather-watch-straps-five-key-care-maintenance-tips
[10] https://thomas-earnshaw.co.uk/blogs/the-earnshaw-odyssey/...
[11] https://www.gearhungry.com/maintain-leather-watch-straps/
[12] https://thewatchcareco.com/blogs/watch-care-cleaning...
[13] https://longvadon.com/blogs/blog/how-to-clean-and-care...
[14] https://bandandbezel.com/blogs/news/leather-watch-straps...
[15] https://cavewatch.com/blogs/leather/how-to-condition...
[16] https://gearpatrol.com/2019/07/15/how-to-care-for-leather-watch-straps/
[17] https://helloluxuryco.com/blogs/journal/how-to-care-for-your-leather-watch-strap