Dr. Ito's thorough analysis of mechanical watches!! Vol.17 ~ Leather strap season ~ How to handle them properly

Good evening, everyone!

This column discusses mechanical watches from an engineer's perspective. For the 17th installment,

'How to Properly Care for Leather Straps'

will be our topic of discussion.

The scorching summer has finally passed, and the comfortable season has arrived. This means it's time for watches with leather straps to shine!

However, improper storage or neglect can lead to gradual deterioration, causing the leather to lose its charm.

So, this time, I've put together "how to make your leather strap last longer." Please read to the end!

How to Make Your Leather Strap Last Longer

① Dry Wiping

The biggest cause of leather strap deterioration is moisture, such as sweat and humidity. Sweat, in particular, contains salt, which is the worst enemy of leather. Also, leather has fine intertwined fibers, and if dirt gets into those gaps, it becomes difficult to remove, leading to deterioration.

It's crucial to clean it on the same day, so make "dry wiping" a daily habit. Regardless of the season, be especially careful to wipe sweat from the inside of the leather strap.

When dry wiping, use a soft cloth, such as a polishing cloth, and gently "stroke" to wipe away attached sweat and sebum. Be very careful not to rub too hard, as this can push dirt deeper into the leather. It's also effective to use a soft, dry toothbrush to brush out dirt.

If that doesn't work, use a leather cleaner to remove the dirt.

② Loose Fit

Many people who are not used to handling watches tend to tighten leather straps too much. Leather is a very delicate material, and applying excessive force, such as pulling it tightly, will lead to deterioration.

Therefore, aim for a fit where you can comfortably insert one finger between the leather strap and your wrist.

③ Do Not Bend

I often see people, in an effort to tighten the leather strap, pull it so hard that the buckle digs in, then insert it into the keeper, bending it in the process.

This action can cause wrinkles in the leather, leading to deterioration and cracking, so please be very careful.

Be mindful to attach it gently so that the leather strap and buckle do not directly touch, and try to insert the pin into the hole without pulling excessively.

④ Use a Deployment Clasp

To reduce the stress on the leather from putting it on and taking it off, I also recommend using a deployment clasp, which eliminates the need to thread the tang buckle. This allows you to attach and detach the watch without damaging the leather, prevents the watch from shifting even when worn loosely, and creates a gap between your wrist and the leather strap, allowing sweat to evaporate.

⑤ Do Not Use the Same Leather Strap Continuously

It's said that wearing the same suit or shoes every day shortens their lifespan, and the same applies to leather straps; daily use puts a strain on them.

By rotating your straps and allowing them to rest, deterioration will slow down, so try to use multiple watches or leather straps in rotation whenever possible.

Storage Precautions

① Storage Location

Generally, storage in a "well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight" is suitable. Storing it rolled up or folded will create creases, leading to deterioration. Therefore, when storing a leather strap, try to keep it as straight as possible.

However, if you need to store it rolled up in a watch case or similar, it's recommended to dry wipe it and allow all sweat and moisture to completely dry before storing.

② How to Store When Not in Use for a While

Have you ever found a leather strap deteriorated when you tried to use it again after a long time? To prevent this, when you won't be using a leather strap for a while, keep the following points in mind for storage:

■ Remove the strap from the watch and let it dry for two or three days.

■ Place it in a bag made of a moisture-absorbing material like cloth or paper, and if you're concerned, also include insect repellent and anti-mold agents.

■ If stored for a long period, mold can grow, so occasionally take it out of the bag and polish it with a dry cloth.

By taking these small extra steps, you can reuse the leather strap while minimizing deterioration.

Summary

How was it? 

This time, we focused on leather straps, but cleaning and maintaining them after use is a crucial point that applies equally to bracelets and rubber straps. Please keep this in mind!

And as the weather gradually cools down, why not switch to a classic leather strap and enjoy your watch life even more?

I hope this article provides useful information for everyone and sparks even a little interest in luxury watches! Also, if you have any questions, please feel free to ask directly, and we will answer them thoroughly. We look forward to your visit and inquiries.

Stay tuned for the next one! See you then!