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Deodorizing a smelly watch

mseamaster
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Is it alright if I use a wet wipe on a watch back and leather straps?

The watch smells a bit of mold(can't say if it just the leather) and my hand gets irritated when wearing it.

Initially I was thinking of using a q-tip with ethyl alcohol but perhaps a wet wipe is better?

Or something entirelt different?
 
X350 XJR
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Personally I'd just wipe with a damp cloth, no need to add another possible irritant.
 
M'Bob
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I think it’s important to sort out where the smell is coming from. If the leather strap, replace it. The metal portions would have to be cleaned with something a bit more agressive than water to remover bacteria, but careful of the rubber gaskets.
 
Dan S
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I would start by changing the strap, that seems like the most likely source.
 
Meme-Dweller
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The alcohol is going to damage the leather.... don't do it!

Use a damp cloth or if you happen to own a car with leather seats, use the cleaner from that. They also sell leather wet wipes at most stores that sell car stuff.
 
mseamaster
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Thanks for all the suggestions.

There's no visible dirt or mold on the watch itself or the strap. However the box it came in had mold on top of it.

I will try some leather cleaning fluid on the strap first.
 
Redondo444
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If all of the mentioned don't help: Buy yourself an ozone generator.
It's worth the 50 USD and might help.
 
Davidt
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Is the strap genuine Omega and otherwise in good condition?
I can’t think of a vintage watch I’ve bought where I kept the old strap. The thought of wearing years of someone else’s skin cells and sweat isn’t appealing.
 
Dan S
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Davidt Davidt
Is the strap genuine Omega and otherwise in good condition?
I can’t think of a vintage watch I’ve bought where I kept the old strap. The thought of wearing years of someone else’s skin cells and sweat isn’t appealing.
I kept this original strap, but I don't wear it. 😲

Picture1.jpg
 
ErichPryde
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If it is standard cow leather, use saddle soap and then recondition it.
 
JwRosenthal
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If it’s a really vintage strap, don’t bother. The glues they used don’t hold up after this long and even if you condition it, once it starts to heat up on your skin it will quickly start to come apart. Clean the box off with white vinegar (if it is indeed mold) and put it in direct sunlight- those are the only things that actually kill mold.
If the strap isn’t that old and just smells dank- leave it in direct sunlight for the whole day, and then a sealed Tupperware with a dish of baking soda.
 
speedb
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in addition to the previous serious comments op make sure the smell doesn't spread to you and all your other possessions... 😵‍💫
 
Zman4eva
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speedb speedb
in addition to the previous serious comments op make sure the smell doesn't spread to you and all your other possessions... 😵‍💫

Is that a Seinfeld reference?

1000008177.gif
 
JwRosenthal
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I got a watch on eBay from which I could smell the cheap cologne when I opened the box. The strap had only been worn a handful of times but clearly by someone who was nose blind to whatever stank they were spraying. I did the sun and baking soda trick for days but no about of intervention would save it- it was saturated with it. Strap went in the bin- bye, bye.
 
DaveK
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I bought a sealed plastic bag full of watches from a thrift shop once and opened it in the car. It smelled like 50 hippies, minus the patchouli oil.
 
Archer
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Putting a strap in the freezer can do wonders to eliminate smells...
 
BLOW UP
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ErichPryde ErichPryde
If it is standard cow leather, use saddle soap and then recondition it.
Yes, glycerin-based saddle soap is great for veg-leather, aniline leather or the like, but it's really not good for pigmented, finished or similar leathers.
 
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