How should a leather strap be maintained?

　　Due to the inherent limitations of genuine leather, the maintenance requirements are relatively high. So how should you maintain a genuine leather strap? Let us take a look below.

　　Methods for maintaining genuine leather straps

　　1, Dealing with strap moisture

　　Moisture is also a common cause of reduced strap lifespan, so try to avoid getting the strap wet in daily life. After exposure to a small amount of domestic water, wipe it dry immediately with a dry cloth, but do not use a tumble dryer or place it in direct sunlight. When coming into contact with water sources, it is best to remove the watch from your wrist.

　　2, Dealing with strap hardening

　　A strap worn for too long will suffer wear to the material itself due to various factors, and hardening is one of the common phenomena. It is worth noting that keeping the strap in a humid environment frequently will accelerate hardening, and sweat stains will also corrode the strap. To extend the lifespan of a leather strap, it is recommended to switch to a steel bracelet as much as possible in summer. Do not bend the strap arbitrarily once it has hardened; replace the strap in a timely manner if necessary.

　　3, Dealing with strap odours

　　Leather straps of any material will develop an odour if worn for a long time, and the wisest approach is to clean them regularly and keep the strap dry. If the strap develops an odour, you can use a soft-bristled brush dipped in a little soapy water for a quick scrub (to prevent soapy water from seeping into the leather, the whole process is best completed within 20 seconds), then wipe it clean with a damp soft cloth. Once the leather is dry, applying leather oil to the surface will yield even better results.

　　Leather strap wearing common sense

　　Unlike steel bracelet watches, leather straps require ventilation to extend their service life, and wear and tear during regular wear may also lead to strap breakage. Therefore, leather strap watches do not need to be worn constantly, and it is best to have a steel bracelet on hand as a backup. Once the strap is damaged, go to a professional watch repair centre as soon as possible to replace it and avoid dropping and breaking the watch.