Community Stories

Deodorizing a smelly watch

mseamaster
Posts
457
Likes
151
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
Posts
13,483
Likes
31,778
Personally I'd just wipe with a damp cloth, no need to add another possible irritant.
 
M'Bob
Posts
7,178
Likes
23,258
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
Posts
24,302
Likes
54,105
I would start by changing the strap, that seems like the most likely source.
 
Meme-Dweller
Posts
2,476
Likes
3,862
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
Posts
457
Likes
151
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
Posts
327
Likes
822
If all of the mentioned don't help: Buy yourself an ozone generator.
It's worth the 50 USD and might help.
 
Davidt
Posts
13,209
Likes
22,970
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
Posts
24,302
Likes
54,105
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
Posts
3,882
Likes
8,407
If it is standard cow leather, use saddle soap and then recondition it.
 
JwRosenthal
Posts
16,307
Likes
44,994
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
Posts
356
Likes
356
in addition to the previous serious comments op make sure the smell doesn't spread to you and all your other possessions... 😵‍💫
 
Zman4eva
Posts
787
Likes
6,745
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
Posts
16,307
Likes
44,994
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
Posts
5,082
Likes
15,701
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
Posts
29,700
Likes
76,881
Putting a strap in the freezer can do wonders to eliminate smells...
 
BLOW UP
Posts
1,320
Likes
1,679
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.
 
5 More Posts...
Sign up or log in to reply...

Similar threads

impalla62ss

Sometimes you don't have to take out a second mortgage for a Grail watch.

impalla62ss Open Discussion
padders
padders
Posts
7
Views
302
Mattsky

Does this Seamaster smell like a rat or...not?

Mattsky Vintage Omega Watches Help, Discussion and Advice
Mattsky
Mattsky
Posts
14
Views
806
DSotW

Are you seeing a decline in digital watches?

DSotW Open Discussion
epopy
epopy
Posts
24
Views
392
skipcress

What gives with the watch straps for the Connery Rolex ref. 6538 Submariner?

skipcress Open Discussion
JimInOz
JimInOz
Posts
1
Views
101
Redondo444

Vintage watch dealer in Napoli, IT. Any recommendations?

Redondo444 Open Discussion
K
kvikster
Posts
5
Views
134
Walrus

AI to asses authenticity of a watch

Walrus Open Discussion
Pastorbottle
Pastorbottle
Posts
26
Views
1K