Stinky Leather Watch Bands

[KlezmerBlues]

Originally Posted by gdl203

ugh @ the pics in this thread

Yes, great pics and watches in this thread.

I've never experienced this problem, but would try some antibacterial wipes.

 

[Chips]

I have the same problem with my stingray band I put on my watch. Only when its close to my face can I tell, but either way, I don't like it.

 

[0b5cur1ty]

Try a Cordovan leather strap. They never seem to smell of anything other than their own distinctive smell, even if you sweat profusely on them.

 

[calvinloke]

I have this leather strap which says water resistant on it. Material on both sides of the band are the same. Probably synthetic but feels very much like leather. Been using it for more than a year it still smells alright. No unpleasant smell.

 

[patrick_b]

I hate to say it, but the best [only, IMO] option for non funky watch band is a metal bracelet in the warmer months. I just stopped wearing straps in the summer as i end up with stink issues like you.

For instance, I always install a ZULU strap (NATO style) on my diver's watches when wearing them over water activities (sea kayaking,for instance) for the extra the security of staying on the wrist if a springbar lets loose. However, if I leave the Zulu on my watch for a few weeks of regular, daily summer wear, it begins to smell awful.

Therefore, I've resigned myself to simply wearing bracelets in the summer. I know you mentioned that you don't like them, but it will solve your problem and you could limit the time to only the warmest months.

 

[ThinkDerm]

Originally Posted by Hany

Here's a pic from Timezone...really love the way it looks but it's not for everyone.

For more info click here

dressed down patek, really, not badd

 

[cbird]

Why not try cleaning it with Lexol every now and then?

 

[mickeymickey]

Originally Posted by 0b5cur1ty

Try a Cordovan leather strap. They never seem to smell of anything other than their own distinctive smell, even if you sweat profusely on them.
I'm going to resurrect this thread to say I've tried this. I have a brown cordovan strap I got in January that I didn't wear at all in the summer, but started to smell once I brought it back into rotation in September. I've used some Saphir on the inside of the band, and that has definitely reduced the smell drastically. I can now put the band to my face and I smell leather + saphir as opposed to just plain funk. Initially I tried using obenauf on the inside of the band to waterproof it but that didn't work out so well, the sweat absorbed into the band anyway. Next time the smell arises, I might try Lexol instead of Saphir to see if that is as effective. I know no one but me notices the smell, but I still don't like it, and I will fight it as long as possible! On another note, I also have this navy cordovan wallet that I've been using daily most of the year. Fortunately it only smells like cordovan still, and not butt sweat.

 

[Dressed2the9s]

This is sort of a stupid question, but I'm wondering if others run into problems with stinky leather watch bands.

The trick is not to wear the same watch everyday. That way the watch doesn't quicly accumulate bacteria,dead skin, sweat, oil etc that gives the leather that...(ahem) certain aroma.

You should also switch the leather bands often as well.

 

[westinghouse]

Put leather watch bands in your jeans pocket then wash jeans in the washing machine. The band comes out clean without destruction.

 

[gdl203]

Originally Posted by westinghouse

Put leather watch bands in your jeans pocket then wash jeans in the washing machine. The band comes out clean without destruction.