A leather strap wears with time. How long it lasts, however, depends a lot on you. Here is what to expect and the five rules that keep it looking good for longer.
Lifespan
How long does a watch strap last?
Many watch manufacturers recommend replacing a leather strap after 6 to 18 months. This is a guideline. How long it really lasts depends on your habits: whether you sweat a lot, the climate you live in and whether you wear the watch every day or take turns with others.
Above all, sweat, cosmetics, sun, water and rubbing wear the leather. If you pay attention to these, your strap will last noticeably longer.
Good to know: you can wash a shirt, but not a leather strap. So it is best to keep sweat and moisture away from the leather.
Tips
5 tips to make your leather strap last longer
- Avoid sweatSweat is hard on leather and can cause an unpleasant smell. In hot weather or during work that makes you sweat, wear the watch a little looser. Or switch to a metal or silicone strap in high summer.
- Cosmetics first, watch secondDeodorant, hairspray and other cosmetics contain substances that damage leather. Only put your watch on once you have finished.
- Protect it from the sunStrong sun damages leather. Take the watch off when you sunbathe. At home, keep it in a dark place rather than right in front of the window.
- Keep the leather away from waterTake the watch off before you shower or bathe. Splashes when you wash your hands and the damp air in the bathroom also damage the leather over time. A few drops are no problem, just wipe them off.
- Limit rubbingWear from rubbing cannot be avoided completely. Take the watch off more often during housework, or wear a second watch with a metal or silicone strap for it.
Cleaning
Cleaning and caring for a leather strap
There are many opinions on how best to clean a leather strap. These steps are gentle and are enough in most cases.
- Take the strap offThis way you reach every spot and the watch stays dry.
- Dust it off dryRemove dust and dirt with a soft, dry cloth.
- Wipe with a damp clothLightly dampen a soft cloth, it must not drip. If the strap is dirtier, add a drop of mild soap or a little leather cleaner. Only wipe the top of the strap. Never soak it and never hold it under the tap.
- Let it dry slowlyLet the strap dry in the open air, not on a radiator, in the sun or with a hairdryer. Drying too fast makes the leather hard and brittle.
- Apply care thinlyOnce the strap is completely dry, apply a thin layer of leather care or leather balm to the top and polish it with a cloth. Once every few months is enough.
Top and underside: the steps above apply to the smooth top of the strap. The underside is often nubuck, a lightly sanded leather. Water and leather care do not belong there. Clean the underside only when dry, with a soft cloth or a soft brush. The same applies to suede straps.
Vegan straps made of plant-based materials such as apple, cork or cactus are only wiped with a damp cloth. Leather care is not made for them. You can find out more about these materials among our vegan watch straps.
Important: first test soap and care products on a hidden spot on the top, for example at the very end of the long part of the strap. Some products darken leather. Alcohol and household cleaners do not belong on a leather strap.
New strap
When the strap is worn out
A good leather strap gradually adapts to your wrist and becomes softer. With a little care, it stays comfortable and good-looking for a long time.
When should you replace your strap?
- Deep cracks in the leather, especially around the holes and at the bend near the case.
- Torn or badly stretched holes in which the pin of the buckle no longer holds properly.
- Damaged attachment points: the leather is torn at the spring bar, the stitching is coming undone or the edge has opened.
- A torn keeper, so that the end of the strap sticks out.
- Hard, brittle leather or a smell that stays even after cleaning.
At the latest when the attachment at the spring bar gives way, do not wait any longer. Otherwise the watch can come loose and fall. A new strap is fitted quickly. Our guide how to change a watch strap shows how.
A nylon NATO strap, on the other hand, can be washed with water. How to do it is explained in our guide how to fit and clean a NATO strap.
