Water damage to straps

[bcacncnc]

Does anyone know what would happen to leather straps if they got thoroughly soaked in water?

Is it possible to let it air dry and have it return to "normal" or would the leather be damaged/stained forever?

[Speed]

I am sure some leather straps are treated to take water better than others...but I cannot see a strap returning completely to normal after soaking up a ton of water. Maybe after one soaking?

The staining depends on the leather finish. Black, tan or???

I would not make getting leather straps wet a normal part of my PAM enjoyment, although I know the Italian Navy Frogmen used to go underwater with them!

[MNDZA]

My AD told me to put the rubber strap on when I go to Mexico next week. Told me not to risk messing up the beautiful leather strap in the water. I'm not going to take a chance so I just put the rubber strap on yesterday....very comfy!

[B. Doggy]

It is leather.

[Cru Jones]

okay, so, swimming is out with a leather strap PAM, apparently.....washing hands, too?

seriously, how much do you have to baby the straps?

i never thought of this, what with the italian navy heritage and all....

thanks.

[snog]

with normal use I'm sure it will be fine,ok maybe don't go swimming with the leather strap,the strap will be replaced at sometime anyway as it will wear out ,just a bit quicker if it gets wet a lot.

[WJGESQ]

Originally Posted by bcacncnc

Does anyone know what would happen to leather straps if they got thoroughly soaked in water?

Is it possible to let it air dry and have it return to "normal" or would the leather be damaged/stained forever?

Why is a leather strap featured on a "dive" watch?

Are these serious tool watches or is it primarily a styling thing?

[Megalobyte]

I just bought my first Pam, a 24L, I have already been bitten by the strap bug, the new strap system is awesome btw, IWC could learn something re: their silly Aquatimer strap system, anyway... I want a nice tan leather strap, but, I live in FL, and sweat a lot in summer, and swim a lot, and for that reason, I am likely going to get a Kodiak treated leather strap, my understanding is, they are way more water resistant than normal leather and should hold up well to water immersion.

[bcacncnc]

Originally Posted by Megalobyte

I just bought my first Pam, a 24L, I have already been bitten by the strap bug, the new strap system is awesome btw, IWC could learn something re: their silly Aquatimer strap system, anyway... I want a nice tan leather strap, but, I live in FL, and sweat a lot in summer, and swim a lot, and for that reason, I am likely going to get a Kodiak treated leather strap, my understanding is, they are way more water resistant than normal leather and should hold up well to water immersion.

Let us know how the Kodiaks go. I have seen them advertised as waterproofed for seawater. However, I have a feeling that being treated for waterproofing they might be a little stiff to wear.

[Megalobyte]

Originally Posted by bcacncnc

Let us know how the Kodiaks go. I have seen them advertised as waterproofed for seawater. However, I have a feeling that being treated for waterproofing they might be a little stiff to wear.

I will, though it'll be a while, I recall that the leather straps I've worn other watches on take a few months of normal wear before they start to smell like sour milk. :)

This is the Kodiak I really like, unfortunately it's the one color that doesn't come in a 130/85 which is the size I need for my large wrists. It does come in a 130/80 though.

[htc8p]

i have accidentally dunked croc strap in water. i let them air dry not in sunlight. it sort of got crunchy and shriveled up (inner) and lost shine.

[bcacncnc]

Originally Posted by htc8p

i have accidentally dunked croc strap in water. i let them air dry not in sunlight. it sort of got crunchy and shriveled up (inner) and lost shine.

Thanks Bert. Very useful advice forf us croc strap lovers.

I have read that for croc leather, it is a good idea to apply "bees wax" which will soften the "inners" - I think the bit below the scales - of the leather. That might do the trick. If I can find that link I'll post it here.

[f-du-27]

I had a pair of leather gloves for diving that could be washed so why don't we find proper leather straps ?

[snog]

Originally Posted by f-du-27

I had a pair of leather gloves for diving that could be washed so why don't we find proper leather straps ?

you can buy waterproof leather straps,I think the op was asking about the OEM straps.

[oo7]

Chlorine & salt dries out leather. Companies like Panerai would like you to replace them periodically with OEM bands in the $350 range.