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Softening leather watch strap

D
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Hi all,

I've picked up an NOS omega leather strap. It's really stiff though. I know wearing it is the best way to solve my problem, but i don't plan on wearing it super often. What is the best way to artificially get it softer? I've read Burts Bees would be good. Other sites recommend other oils. Is there a consensus on the best way to do this?

Thanks.
 
Syzygy
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Look to the Equine industry...plenty of products for cleaning and conditioning saddles and halters that may be of use for your situation.

Or, wear it...let nature happen. No need to rush things. Savor the moments as they happen, at least, that's how I interpret 'the spice of life'...
 
Difeer
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You don't really need any softener. When it is not worn, just keep it secured around the pillow that came with the watch case. Over time the strap will conform to the roundish shape, making it more comfortable on the wrist.
 
Spruce
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My wife suggested the type of polish that very expensive handbag makers use or recommend.

I haven’t tried it yet …….
 
Donn Chambers
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D djcarpentier
Hi all,

I've picked up an NOS omega leather strap. It's really stiff though. I know wearing it is the best way to solve my problem, but i don't plan on wearing it super often. What is the best way to artificially get it softer? I've read Burts Bees would be good. Other sites recommend other oils. Is there a consensus on the best way to do this?

Thanks.

whoever recommended Burt’s Bees doesn’t know what they are talking about — that’s a wax-based product and won’t get absorbed by the leather. You need a leather conditioner and time. I use Bick 4 for all my leather boots and have for years — it’ll keep the leather strap soft and protected for years. But what you really need to do after conditioning is bend the strap in your hands for some time to give it a curve. What you are doing is getting the padding inside the strap softer and conforming. It’ll take some time, but will eventually get you the result you’re looking for.
 
D
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Thanks for all the suggestions. Keeping it on a roll and will add some leather lotion later for protection as well. I've purchased NOS straps in the past and i find they can sometimes deteriorate fast.
 
redpcar
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I think it also depends on the type of construction. If it is bonded (2 parts glued together), you need to be careful as the selected product may impact the glue bond.
If it is all hand stitched, I use Lexol or even petroleum jelly (vaseline). Lexol when it dries, does not change the color. Vaseline will permanently darken.

I visited the Nakona factory (leather boots, belts, etc) some time ago. They used petroleum jelly because it penetrates into the leather and lubricates the fibers to make it more soft / pliable and durable.

$.02
 
redpcar
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redpcar redpcar
I think it also depends on the type of construction. If it is bonded (2 parts glued together), you need to be careful as the selected product may impact the glue bond.
If it is all hand stitched, I use Lexol or even petroleum jelly (vaseline). Lexol when it dries, does not change the color. Vaseline will permanently darken.

I visited the Nakona factory (leather boots, belts, etc) some time ago. They used petroleum jelly because it penetrates into the leather and lubricates the fibers to make it more soft / pliable and durable.

$.02
PS, please post a pic of your strap.
 
noelekal
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redpcar redpcar
I think it also depends on the type of construction. If it is bonded (2 parts glued together), you need to be careful as the selected product may impact the glue bond.
If it is all hand stitched, I use Lexol or even petroleum jelly (vaseline). Lexol when it dries, does not change the color. Vaseline will permanently darken.

I visited the Nakona factory (leather boots, belts, etc) some time ago. They used petroleum jelly because it penetrates into the leather and lubricates the fibers to make it more soft / pliable and durable.

$.02

Great point about strap construction using glue. I nearly lost a 1961 vintage Omega De Ville once when a glued strap let go and separated from a spring bar. Now the rule here is that is no more glued straps need apply.

I've not encountered a strap that i thought was unwearable because it was too stiff or hard. I simply install them and wear them. They always improve with wear. Look that the stiffness in the same way as "new-car-smell."

71Jy6yr1jpL._AC_UX679_.jpg
Saphir Renovateur has worked on leather shoes, belts, and holsters for me with no discoloration. The product is proving to be nice to use after cleaning with Saphir Reno’Mat. I've never used Renovateur on watch straps though.

I have cleaned the strap on the Speedmaster with Reno’Mat to return it to its original whisky hue. After the cleaning I treated that strap with Blackrock Leather 'N' Rich. The cleaning and treatment doesn't darken the strap, but it does darken again over time and wearing. As far as softness, this strap was supple from when new.

51eUMO3SFBL._AC_UY500_.jpg

Blackrock_Leather_Conditioner_4_oz_580x.jpg

A Fluco Cordovan Horween strap in the whisky hue, as newly installed in Feburary of 2015.



As darkened with age and use. I returned it to its original hue with the treatment twice, but it always darkens after a year or two use. The strap is undeniably durable as it's been the primary way the watch has been outfitted since installation on that snowy February day in 2015 when the previous photo was taken.
Edited:
 
SkunkPrince
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Saphyr makes good stuff.

Fiebing's glycerine saddle soap is fantastic stuff. I've used it on straps, on shoes... yeah, I bought it at first because Milwaukee company (at least originally) but keep it because it works!
 
JwRosenthal
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I think you are all assuming the leather in question is a naturally tanned leather. If this is a 1961 strap (or pretty much any commercially available strap prior to the last 20 years), I am willing to bet it is topped, glued, then stitched. These were not high quality straps by what we would consider “high quality” by today’s bespoke strap making standards.
I have tried to resurrect my fair share of vintage straps and rarely have success. Even if they do soften up, this is like trying to rehydrate cardboard and dry it out again- it will start cracking at stress points.
Leave the vintage straps in the box and get a well made modern strap that has the same proportions and style as the original if you like the esthetic.
 
JwRosenthal
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D djcarpentier
@JwRosenthal That is what my brother said. I guess i'll just roll the dice at this point.
You may have some luck depending on how the leather was originally treated. But be sure to really scrutinize and ply a bit on the folded over sections at the lugs and buckle before you wear it- and the heat and moisture from your body may loosen up the adhesive as well after a few hours - I would wear it around the house for a day or two over carpet before committing to the outside world of pavement and asphalt.
 
RevZMan123
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Spruce Spruce
My wife suggested the type of polish that very expensive handbag makers use or recommend.

I haven’t tried it yet …….

Saphir creme Universelle leather balm, brushed on by only the finest horsehair bristles, and polished with a gentle chamois cloth.
 
JwRosenthal
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RevZMan123 RevZMan123
Saphir creme Universelle leather balm, brushed on by only the finest horsehair bristles, and polished with a gentle chamois cloth.
This sounds more like fetish than leather care 😗
 
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