Forums Latest Members
  1. JwRosenthal Oct 12, 2019

    Posts
    14,861
    Likes
    40,074
    Just picked up a Jean Paul Menicucci strap from a fellow member (thank you @watchdaddy1 ), and the first think I noticed was the smell- like a baseball glove- sweet, aromatic leather, soft and smells like summer.
    I have only had two other straps that have smelled like this, the rest either have no smell, or are more acrid tannery smelling. I even have a few I can’t wear becuase they smell so caustic when my skin heats up and they start emanating their foulness (a couple that are shell cordovan).
    What is it that gives some leathers this particular smell?

    86E8EBD0-A9D6-4352-AAC3-5982BDF2C753.jpeg

    A4CC3522-4BC1-45D8-B954-BF8E77BDEF94.jpeg
    D04558A2-ED0A-4260-B3D7-1A16E097A030.jpeg
    Gotta have pics of course.
     
  2. gostang9 Oct 12, 2019

    Posts
    2,668
    Likes
    7,103
    That’s the new proof of “genuine leather” campaign.

    if you’ve ever been to a farm, where leather is grown, you’d understand... :D
     
    Sidnos likes this.
  3. gostang9 Oct 12, 2019

    Posts
    2,668
    Likes
    7,103
    Truthfully, leather goes through a lot of processing to get near to a product fit for use, I assume what you’re smelling is one or more of the chemicals used to tan and colour the hides. I’m sure there are various chemicals used, with some leaving more of an odor than others...
     
  4. p4ul “WATERRROOP” to 50m Oct 12, 2019

    Posts
    1,233
    Likes
    2,743
    DANGER.....it’s not the strap, it’s that watch, please pm me for my delivery address and the problem will be solved.

    +1 for gostang9 above.
     
  5. Canuck Oct 12, 2019

    Posts
    13,375
    Likes
    37,530
    Aroma! Good. Smell? Not so good.
     
  6. JwRosenthal Oct 12, 2019

    Posts
    14,861
    Likes
    40,074
    Wel, considering most of my generation’s touchstone for the smell of “genuine leather” was 70’s Chrysler’s which always smelled of farts and cigars, this is a new revelation

    8572E133-998A-4032-B83F-92ABC23558F5.jpeg
     
    noelekal and Vercingetorix like this.
  7. Vercingetorix Spam Risk Oct 12, 2019

    Posts
    3,238
    Likes
    5,219
     
    Wryfox, Nathan1967 and JwRosenthal like this.
  8. Walrus Oct 12, 2019

    Posts
    8,916
    Likes
    41,908
    It may smell but it’s nice looking
     
  9. JwRosenthal Oct 12, 2019

    Posts
    14,861
    Likes
    40,074
    Oh it smells yummy- just wondering what gives this kind of “glove leather” it’s smell compared to others. It’s gotta be a specific oil or chemical in the tanning process. I’m sure there are some leather experts here who would know.
     
    Sidnos likes this.
  10. Walrus Oct 12, 2019

    Posts
    8,916
    Likes
    41,908
    Yeah I tried but I failed leather in college.
     
    NT931 likes this.
  11. Canuck Oct 12, 2019

    Posts
    13,375
    Likes
    37,530
    That the “aroma” of tanned leather is so wonderful, the process of tanning animal skins is somewhat less romantic.
     
  12. S.H. Oct 12, 2019

    Posts
    1,515
    Likes
    3,511

    Do I read well? "Electronic Lean Bum System" :D
     
  13. Donn Chambers Oct 12, 2019

    Posts
    2,227
    Likes
    3,009
    The best leather is tanned using oils from plant materials, and the products have the great aroma you describe - “like summer.”

    But the process is slow and expensive. Cheap leathers use chemicals, which is a lot faster process. And they do give off some chemical smell after.

    Smells like you got a quality strap! ;)
     
    JwRosenthal likes this.
  14. JwRosenthal Oct 12, 2019

    Posts
    14,861
    Likes
    40,074
    I used to love the smell of my Rawlings Baseball mit- used it from middle school through my early 20’s- this smells like that.
    My curiosity is what oils specifically. Obviously if this straps smells like my baseball mit from 30 years ago, they probably used the same process.
     
  15. Vercingetorix Spam Risk Oct 12, 2019

    Posts
    3,238
    Likes
    5,219
    Birch bark. Cow brains. Urine. Shit. All used to tan leather.
     
  16. Donn Chambers Oct 12, 2019

    Posts
    2,227
    Likes
    3,009
    Vegetable tanning has been used for thousands of years, so not surprising the baseball glove used it as well.

    Most of the time birch bark is used, but other tree barks are also used and give that nice, earthy smell.
     
    JwRosenthal likes this.
  17. Evitzee Oct 12, 2019

    Posts
    6,250
    Likes
    11,555
    Personally, I love the smell of 'Fine, Corinthian leather' on my straps, especially when sold by Mexican/Spanish actors with a strong accent.

     
    JwRosenthal likes this.
  18. time flies Oct 12, 2019

    Posts
    1,225
    Likes
    4,548
    Maybe your glove was treated with what I know as neets foot oil (sp). Or maybe it's just a old guy remembering what he thought he heard when he was six. Anyhow... "play ball"

    have fun
    kfw
     
  19. JwRosenthal Oct 12, 2019

    Posts
    14,861
    Likes
    40,074
    Just like a genuine faux diamond.
     
  20. machamp6650 Oct 13, 2019

    Posts
    359
    Likes
    566
    When I picked up my Dewitt it smelled like they'd massaged all the leathers (both strap and case) in cocoa butter or something. Smells nice but it still follows me around when wearing the watch after 4 years or so. I'd imagine this isn't the kind of smell you're talking about though...