A good leather watch strap can last for years — and get better looking along the way — if you treat it well. The good news: caring for leather takes only a few minutes a month. Here's how to keep your strap clean, supple and comfortable.
Everyday habits that make the biggest difference
- Keep it dry. Leather and water don't mix. Take your watch off before swimming, showering or washing dishes.
- Let it breathe. After a hot day, take the watch off for a while so the leather can air out.
- Don't over-tighten. A strap that's too tight traps sweat and stretches the holes. You should be able to slide a finger under it.
- Rotate straps. Swapping between two straps gives each one time to rest and dry.
How to clean a leather strap
- Remove the strap from the watch if possible.
- Wipe the surface with a soft, dry or very slightly damp cloth.
- For the lining, use a barely damp cloth and let it dry fully at room temperature.
- Never soak the strap, and avoid household cleaners, alcohol or solvents.
Conditioning: less is more
Every few months, a small amount of neutral leather conditioner applied with a soft cloth helps keep smooth calfskin supple. Test on the underside first, apply sparingly and buff off any excess. Embossed leathers like Epsom and exotic leathers need conditioning far less often — when in doubt, simply keep them clean and dry.
Caring for patina and vegetable-tanned leather
Vegetable-tanned and hand-dyed patina straps are designed to change. Sunlight, handling and time gradually deepen the colour and add a soft sheen. To keep that ageing even, avoid leaving the strap in strong direct sunlight for long periods and keep it away from oils and lotions.
Storage
- Store straps flat or gently curved, never tightly folded.
- Keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
- A watch box or soft pouch protects them from dust and scratches.
When to replace your strap
Cracks along the holes, a frayed stitch line or a lining that stays damp are signs it's time for a fresh strap. Many people keep several straps for one watch — a calfskin for every day, an exotic leather for special occasions.
Browse our handcrafted leather watch straps to find your next one.