How to care for leather straps?

[red.earth]

Hi All

I've recently acquired my first watch with a non-metal strap (a Montblanc Heritage Chronométrie Ultra Slim) , which seems to be made of the same material as those to be found on Cellinis (and presumably the white gold Daytonas) i.e. alligator. Is there anything I should know in order to take good care of it?

Thanks very much...

Adam

[ralpie]

Just enjoy it, try not to get it wet. It will need to be replaced probably after the summer depending on the lining and how/when you wear it.

Know that it is to be enjoyed and is replaceable.

[hawaiian58]

OP, can I ask how are you liking your new watch? I have it on my radar though I haven't gone to the Montblanc store in town yet yet to try it on in person. While traveling a couple of weeks ago, I passed through a couple of Montblanc stores in the airports but they did not have this particular model. All of their watches are pretty nice though, and appear to be of high quality. Thanks in advance for your feedback. Oh and re: the strap, unless you don't live in a humid environment and/or don't ever sweat, your band will get beat up on the inside and absorb sweat and oils from your skin.If you're okay with it, like I am, then no big deal. If you're going to sell or flip the watch down the road, then either swap the band first or just sell the watch itself with no strap so that you don't gross out your potential buyer! At the end of the day it's for hygienic purposes mainly.

[red.earth]

Originally Posted by ralpie

Just enjoy it, try not to get it wet. It will need to be replaced probably after the summer depending on the lining and how/when you wear it.

Know that it is to be enjoyed and is replaceable.

Thanks Ralphie

Originally Posted by hawaiian58

OP, can I ask how are you liking your new watch? I have it on my radar though I haven't gone to the Montblanc store in town yet yet to try it on in person. While traveling a couple of weeks ago, I passed through a couple of Montblanc stores in the airports but they did not have this particular model. All of their watches are pretty nice though, and appear to be of high quality. Thanks in advance for your feedback. Oh and re: the strap, unless you don't live in a humid environment and/or don't ever sweat, your band will get beat up on the inside and absorb sweat and oils from your skin.If you're okay with it, like I am, then no big deal. If you're going to sell or flip the watch down the road, then either swap the band first or just sell the watch itself with no strap so that you don't gross out your potential buyer! At the end of the day it's for hygienic purposes mainly.

Thanks for your advice, Hawaiian58. I'm now wondering how much replacement straps cost!

As you will gather from what I had to say in the thread below, I've no intention of selling the watch. I'm absolutely thrilled with it!! I imagine that when you do get the chance to try one on, you're going to want to buy it

http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=441917

Any reservations or concerns after a week of wear? Other that how long the strap will last, absolutely none. I think, certainly relative to JLC and other ultra thin watches, this is an absolute steal

[hawaiian58]

Adam I totally agree with you. For the price it's an absolute steal. Appreciate your review of the watch. I definitely need to get my butt down to the Montblanc store! Hmmmm Christmas present to self perhaps lol.

[red.earth]

Originally Posted by hawaiian58

Adam I totally agree with you. For the price it's an absolute steal. Appreciate your review of the watch. I definitely need to get my butt down to the Montblanc store! Hmmmm Christmas present to self perhaps lol.

Ah, the old "Christmas present to myself" chestnut! I've used that one many times

[perpetual92]

With leather bands I try to just wear those watches in the cooler months. Sweat will DISTROY a band. You can wipe it down with a damp towel to neutralize the salt/acids daily and put on some preservative now and then. But the key thing is to wipe the band down with a water dampened rag and air dry. Never use heat.