A leather watch strap should last between six monthsand fouryears depending on the kind of leather it is, and how well it is looked after. Traditional leather watch straps tend to last closer to the year mark, buta genuine alligator or calfskin strap willoftenlast longer.As with everything though, there are a bunch of variables that can influence these numbers. However, there arethree simple steps you can taketo get all leather watch straps tolast longer than expected:
- Have arotation of watch straps.
- Replace the standard pin buckle with a clasp.
- Maintain a regular cleaning routine.
How to Make a Leather Watch Strap Last Longer
For watch enthusiasts, a watch strap is an important purchase; it makes a statement thatexpresses our individual style. There is nothing worse then, than when your belovedsupple leather watch strap becomes cracked and unwearable.
Even though a leather watch strap canlookbetter after it has a few signs of wear because it gives it more character, this look isn't for everyone - especially if the strap has become unreliable.
To make your watch strap last longer, you should:
1. Have a Rotation of Watch Straps
Much like you have a rotation of trainers or shoes, you should have a rotation of watch straps to help your leather watch strap last longer. This stops an individual strap from being worn weeks on the trot, preserving it for a longer period of time.
The added benefit is that a solid rotation of watch straps allows you to match your watch to your outfit and mood! A comfortabledive watch worn to the beach in summercan become arefined alligator strap for dinnerin a matter of minutes.Quick-release watch strapsare the best for these changes aseach strap change should only take a couple of minutes max.
2. Replace the Standard Pin Buckle with a Clasp
If you replace the standard pin buckle with a clasp, you put less stress on the strap where it would normally fasten through the buckle. Almost all watch straps can havea shiny new clasp fitted to it.
Our clasp recommendations are as follows:
- SPORT Deployment Claspin PVD Black
- SPORT Deployment Clasp inPolished Steel
- SPORT Deployment Clasp in Brushed Steel
- PUSH-BUTTON Deployment Claspin PVD Black
- PUSH-BUTTON Deployment Clasp in Polished Silver
- PUSH-BUTTON Deployment Clasp inBrushed Silver
3. Maintain a Regular Cleaning Routine
As with most of our belongings, you can extend your leather watch strap's life and keep it looking timeless with a regular clean.
We recommend that you followour full guide here, but the general process is as follows: remove the watch strap; clean with a gentle soap; use a leather conditioner andrepeat every two weeks.
Our Longer Lasting Leather Strap Picks
Handmade watch straps tend to last longerdue to the nature of the craft. We'd recommend:
Jean Paul MenicucciItalian Distressed Tasso Leather Watch Strap inAmber
Straightfromhis workshop in Lucca, Italy,Jean Paul Menicucci and his team produce hand-crafted and hand-finished vintage style Italian leather watch straps. The Distressed Tasso strap is wrought from soft, supple suede leather andcarefullygiven a worn, coarse appearance that has an appealingly rustic look upon the wrist.
Available in a selection of earthen tones, this is a comfortable, natural-looking band that fits in well with a wide variety ofmen's and women's watches.
Hirsch LONDON Matt Alligator Leather Watch Strapin Dark Green
Aspart of theHirsch Selectionrange,the London strap is generally made-to-order. This strap is crafted from genuine Louisiana Alligator skin, with samples specially-selected for their large, uniform scales. The strap is also edge-lacquered and remborded for a refined, more durable finish.
The Hirsch London is available in a wide range of colours, widths, lengths and buckles.
Morellato LEVY Vintage Calfskin Leather Watch Strap inLight Brown
Founded in 1930 by Giulio Morellato in a Venetianworkshop, the Morellato name rose to prominence as a mark of qualityand style.With an ever-expanding range of styles in their repertoire, Morellato produce straps to suit all tastes.
The Morellato Levy is atraditionally-styled strap wrought from high-quality vintage leather. This is a perennial favourite, featuring muted and understated colour, with a matching tonal edge stitch and moderate, rounded padding encased in a semi-remborded construction.
RIOS1931New YorkShell Cordovan Leather Watch Strap in MOCHA
The RIOS1931New York is adurablewatch strap with a substantial shape, crafted from refined shell cordovan leather for a glossy, uniform look.
Theshape and textureare accentuated with a hand-stitched saddler's seam in a contrasting cream hue.
A Long-Lasting Alternative to Complete Leather
The Hirsch Performance collectionis a great alternative to complete leather straps -they are rubber lined but have a leather top. This gives you the best of both worlds: the rubber does the leg work and makes the strap last longer, and the leather top gives you that recognisable and handsome look from above.
Shop ourluxury watches,watch strapsandwatch tools and accessorieson our website.
