If letting your watch strap breathe doesn’t eliminate the odor, it may be time to clean your strap. Also, if your watch’s bracelet is water resistant — i.e., metal or rubber — you can keep it attached and clean it along with the watch, though if the bracelet lacks water resistance (think leather), remove the strap and clean it separately. Unfortunately, they are also one of the harder bands to clean and care for. If, after cleaning and drying, you find any frayed bits of nylon, use the heat (not the direct flame) from a lighter to ever so lightly melt away the fray and seal up the edge of the strap. Completing the Cleaning Process Wipe your watch down with a soft, lint-free cloth. A couple of weeks ago, we took a look at what it takes to keep your watch as clean as possible with a few easy steps you can do from home. This will prevent … Dry the watch completely using a soft microfiber cloth. However, if the condensation persists then the watch should be opened by a professional jeweler as soon as possible “to air out … and prevent further damage.”. Put your nylon straps in a wash bag (or even a spare sock) and toss them in with the rest of your cold water laundry. Apply glass cleaner to a cloth and thoroughly rub all sides of the watch face. This will clean the leather. Additionally, all watches require regular servicing from time to time. Pro Tip: Swap straps (and/or watches) frequently as day-to-day use of a single leather strap leads to considerable wear and tear. document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "abe0561bc6992fc2d48c1452502a25e5" );document.getElementById("hd54caa030").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); © 2021 Ebner Publishing International, Inc. French-heritage luxury strap maker based in New York City, Leather and Complexity: Hublot Big Bang Unico Berluti Cold Brown, Zenith Re-Creates the Watch World’s First “Smoked” Dial with El Primero Chronomaster A385 Revival, Change of Course: Reviewing the IWC Pilot’s Watch Timezoner Chronograph, Watch Collecting 101: How to Clean Your Watch and Strap at Home, Introducing the Armin Strom Gravity Equal Force “The Limited Edition 5th Anniversary”, Sub-Revision: Rolex Dives Into 2020 with Revamped Submariner and Submariner Date. Rub the brush on both sides of the strap. If you don’t keep your watch band nice and clean, it can start to have bacteria buildup around the buckle and in the seams. Some brands recommend servicing once a year, others every two years, some every three years or more, so it’s best to consult your dealer and watch brand directly on how often to have your watch professionally serviced and checked for water resistance. As you may have guessed, the far most important consideration is knowing the water resistance of your watch. This requires warm water, a bit of soap, a small brush with very soft bristles and a piece of clean cloth. Dip the brush in the solution, and gently brush the watch to clean. For a more durable bracelet — such as one constructed from steel, titanium, or rubber — Albers recommends using a soft brush with a gentle soap and water to clean the clasp and bracelet, possibly even running the bracelet under a faucet to flush out any debris. Those white silicone watch straps dirty easily. Use a small screwdriver to do so, if needed. Both of these factors contribute to the effective water resistance of a watch, as older pieces and those that have gone a long time without servicing will have diminished water resistance as a result of aging and drying gaskets. Using a lint-free cloth, rub the mixture into the leather, then buff with a clean, dry cloth. White Apple Watch Sport Bands are particularly hard to clean. For stubborn stains, use a soft brush to clean (combine with a little soap or a mild detergent solution). Wipe with a cloth or even a very soft brush (if suede or nubuck, a suede brush or suede eraser is a good option, if needed). Remove the strap from your watch. The COVID-19 pandemic has become a fact of life for us all. 06/16/2014 09:10 Subject: How to clean a white silicone/rubber watch band/ strap? In addition, Ryan recommends using a gentle hand soap or Dawn-brand dish soap with warm water to rinse, then drying with a soft microfiber cloth. Avoid using any brushes on a daily basis as it can shorten the lifespan of the straps. If the watch band is … Claire Humen, the Technical Director and Production Manager for Jean Rousseau US — a French-heritage luxury strap maker based in New York City — recommends addressing the surface debris first. Once a week wash the strap with a soft soap with filtered water it can help clean the accumulated oils and improve the longevity of the strap. Roll the strap in a hand towel and compress to remove as much water as possible. To learn more about what Wempe recommends for cleaning your watch at home, click here. Some leathers deal with water better than others, so while a shell cordovan is quite easy to keep clean and conditioned, suede or nubuck-finished straps will require more specific care. Fill the bowl with warm water and a small amount of soap to create a gentle soapy solution. From cleaning your watch and its bracelet to any of your hundreds of other straps (I might be projecting, but only a bit), I offer the above information as nothing more than a hopefully helpful guide to protect your favorite straps from a shortened and overly-sweaty life on your wrist. We spoke with Michael Ryan, Vice President of Watches of Switzerland for Wynn Resorts; Ruediger Albers, President of Wempe US; and Claire Humen, Technical Director and Production Manager for Jean Rousseau US, all of whom lead brands that have helped clean and service innumerable amounts of watches and watch straps. Simply insert the watch strap into a sock or a pocket in your jeans, and toss in the washing machine. 1 step: Remove the watch head (watch face), there is a removable tab on the silicone watches. The next two considerations to think about are the age of the timepiece and its last servicing date. Or, for a more natural approach, use plain white household vinegar. A fabric NATO strap is the easiest watch strap to clean—lucky you. If you have a strap care routine that's working, I'm not suggesting that you change a thing. Above all, Humen stressed to us that “alcohol, a wet cloth, soap, and the force of rubbing should never be tried on your strap” if it is to be maintained in its best shape for years to come. Next, use rubbing alcohol or similar wipes to disinfect the watch all over. However, if while cleaning you notice lasting condensation or even tiny drops of water underneath the crystal, Albers recommends you “visit your local jeweler immediately” — as in the same day — as it can indicate a watch has been compromised with water and can quickly damage the internal components. Everyone loves the luxurious look and feel of a genuine leather watch band. However, if your bracelet is constructed of something much less water-resistant — leather, for example — then you will need to use a gentler cleaning process. You can saturate a cotton ball in isopropyl alcohol to spot clean any particularly stubborn grime. 14270, Reference Points Understanding The Rolex GMT-Master. A timepiece has a crystal, caseback, crown, [and] tube and some also have pusher gaskets, and if one of them fails because they are old and dry, moisture can damage your timepiece.” He went on to tell us that harsh chemicals can also affect the gaskets, which is why Watches of Switzerland recommends using only mild soap at home for cleaning, like Dawn brand dish soap or a hand soap, rather than a more heavy-duty cleaner. I like to use Allen Edmonds Leather Lotion, and I tend to avoid heavier treatments like mink oil (it's great for certain uses, but will darken leather). I can’t believe that “little to no water resistance is defined as 30 m or less.” 30 m is almost 100 feet, or 4 atm of pressure. Make sure to use cold water, and do not put in the dryer (air dry on a flat surface like above). If your watch is made of a precious metal (such as gold), you will want to use either an extra-soft brush, microfiber cloth, or just your hands to avoid damaging the softer material. For more uncommon material case constructions, such as bronze, carbon fiber, or one of the many other natural and upcycled material options, Ryan suggests contacting the dealer you purchased from or manufacturer to learn how best to clean the watch in question. Wipe down the watch strap with a dry microfiber cloth. Avoid direct sunlight as UV can be hard on rubber materials. I love rubber straps because they are comfortable, great in the summer, and stand up to a lot of abuse (sunlight, salt, sunscreen, bug spray, etc.). What about the crusty NATO you wore all summer? It will remove finger prints and wrist moisture. If your watch is made of a precious metal (such as gold), you will want to use either an extra-soft brush, microfiber cloth, or just your hands to avoid damaging the softer material. Or your favorite leather strap now that leather strap season is upon us? As a result, cleaning your watch, now more than ever, has become a necessary routine as part of your regular personal hygiene. Set up one bowl of clean warm water, and one bowl of warm soapy water with a small amount of antibacterial soap. You can also combine the two options and soak your dirty NATOs in ice water with a strong detergent and then move on to rinsing and drying. Some Very Important Considerations Before Cleaning: While from the instructions above it might seem quite easy to clean a watch and strap (and it is), there are some important factors to think about before you launch into the task. And to learn more about Jean Rousseau’s recommendations for strap care, click here. With the New Year beginning, and many of our watches undoubtedly needing a good sprucing up, we at WatchTime spoke with a few watch and watch-strap cleaning experts, to help our readers keep their wristwear shining in a few easy steps at home. Both Albers and Ryan recommend knowing the last service date of a watch, and if you have a concern over the effective water resistance of your watch to have it inspected by a reputable watchmaker. It is highly desired that you only use a soft bristled brush. Comment Genuine leather will react differently based on factors like how long you wear it, what kind of activity you do while wearing one, as well as exposure to different environments. Mix one part of each in a bowl or saucer. Even with the best care, rubber watch straps typically last a maximum of 18-24 months. Us the chamois as purchased. Humen went on to tell us that extra care should be used when approaching leathers that are super matte or dyed with tannins, “as they are naturally more susceptible to absorbing natural oils and water from a too damp cloth.” For these, she recommends, use only a lightly damp cloth or a dry microfiber cloth. How to Clean Fluoroelastomer Apple Watch Bands The Apple Watch Sport Band is made from a material called fluoroelastomer, which is especially durable and sweat-resistant. Manipulate the pin to line up with the other end of the pinhole on the other side of the watch case. All watches are different, and that is why it is always best to consult your watch dealer or the manufacturer on how best to clean your watch before undertaking the task. Wipe with a cloth or even a very soft brush (if suede or nubuck, a suede brush or suede eraser is a good option, if needed). Remove the strap from the watch (unless you absolutely trust the water-resistance of said watch). Spray glass cleaner on a soft cloth, and wipe down the watch face, case and bracelet to refresh the shine. For straps with a smooth grain (non-suede or nubuck), use a minimal amount of water and some … Pro Tip: Want a more automated option? Shop Spotlight A Closer Look At The Massena LAB Uni-Racer, In The Shop The Oris Divers Sixty-Five 'Sunset Brown', In The Shop The Search For The Perfect NATO-Style Strap Is Over, In-Depth Everything You Need To Know About The Rolex Explorer Ref. Ryan recommends cleaning a watch without water resistance using only “a dry soft toothbrush” to physically brush up any debris, and then to “clean it up with a cloth.”. Repeat with the other side of the band. To keep dirt at a minimum, clean the straps daily with a mild soap and water to remove any oils, lotions, etc. A watch you love can last you decades if you take good care of it, and that means proper cleaning! Like the watch itself, when cleaning a bracelet you should consider its water resistance, age, material construction, etc., all of which will help you determine how to best clean it. In a suitably-sized dish, mix a soft soap (I commonly use dish soap) with warm water and submerge your strap for a few minutes. A 3 atm watch could never be a daily wearer for me. 2 step: Put the silicone watch straps on the addition of detergent soak in boiling water for about 15 minutes . This will ensure that dirt will not scratch the leather when you scrub it more thoroughly later. Hard bristles might tamper with the material or mess up the dye. Thankfully, they are really easy to wash. Albers recommends using “a soft, maybe [lightly] damp cloth” to clean, but to avoid submerging the piece lest you cause “significant damage” to the timepiece. For cleaning there is a good Lexol brand cleaner too, but I'll avoid cleaning unless really necessary, just use hairbrush for leather regularly or a clean cloth to keep it free of dust and looking it's best. After cleaning, let the band air dry thoroughly before re-attaching to Apple Watch. After removing from the wash, follow steps 6 and 7 above. The wristwatch — which for many has long been one of the least cleaned and most used items in their possessions — is consequently not immune from becoming a vector for both grime and the virus. Ryan stressed that watches become quite slippery while cleaning, and if your timepiece accidentally falls out of your hands and onto a hard surface then it can quickly become damaged. This should be done without rubbing hard, and is acceptable on leather like alligator, shark, grain calf.”. After cleaning the strap, rinse the cloth under running water until all of the soap is gone. Then lightly wipe the leather strap with the clean damp cloth to remove all soap residue from the band. After all, if you're going to spend good money on great straps, you might as well treat them well by keeping them clean and ready to wear. To learn more about Watches of Switzerland’s professional servicing options, click here. - Cleaning Nylon Apple Watch Bands. If you're not sure, you can always consult with the manufacturer of your rubber strap to see if there are any specialized cleaning needs. Carefully dip only the bracelet or strap of your watch … NATOs are great straps that offer excellent comfort and flexibility and can easily stand up to the water, sun, and more that is common to an active lifestyle (they are great for sunscreen, and bug spray, too). what it takes to keep your watch as clean as possible. For simplicity, I'm breaking it down into leather straps, nylon straps (including NATOs), and rubber straps. Ryan also mentioned that a hesalite or acrylic crystal — found most often on vintage timepieces — can easily scratch as compared to something more durable like sapphire, so you will want to opt away from abrasive brushes while cleaning these facets, and again opt towards something very soft like a microfiber cloth or your hands. Do not use hot water; intense heat can (and will) affect the nylon (this is also why I don’t recommend using your dishwasher, as I've seen NATOs melt from the heat). After this time, it is usually necessary to replace them. In my opinion this is significant water resistance, allowing a watch to be dipped in a shallow pan of water or cleaning solution safely. Don't do this for suede or similar. Keep your timepiece looking fresh and working well by giving it a good cleaning. The goal here is to moisturize and keep the material as soft and supple as possible. Tags: Accessories, Luxury Watches, Vintage Watches, Wempe. Step 2 Dip the edge of a cleaning rag into the … Feel free to clean your fluoroelastomer Apple Watch band using warm water and gentle soap to remove stubborn stains. The final consideration when cleaning your watch at home is to clean over a protected surface. There are two parts of a watch you need to keep clean: the face, and the band. The Watch Face. Wipe the leather with a soft, cotton cloth to remove grime buildup. Pour 1 cup warm water and 3 drops dish soap into a bowl. Ultimately, she told us, “it’s a good idea to maintain the surface of your strap by wiping it so every so often to prevent any hard to remove dirt from settling,” which is good advice not only for your luxury leather strap, but for metal bracelets and the watch itself. For all other bands, follow the care information provided with the band. Clean the band according to the manufacturer instructions—take care to spot clean leather without saturating it. Once cleaned, gently rinse the watch with non-soapy water. Then, use a piece of cotton or a soft, clean cloth to clean the band. Choose a micro-fiber cloth and get the strap of your watch cleaned with … To clean the watch face, fill a dish with warm water and a bit of mild detergent, like Dial dish soap. Along these lines, before you begin cleaning, Albers recommends double checking that the crown of your watch is pushed or screwed in completely, he also recommends not operating the pushers on the side of the case during cleaning if the watch is a chronograph, as having an unsealed case, via an open crown or moving pushers, reduces the overall security of the watch against water. A good way to avoid this is by cleaning over a layered towel, which will help catch water and any potential slips. Like, really bad. Do not wet it. Like leather shoes, it's best when they are worn and then given a chance to rest. Generally speaking, some water is ok, but you want to avoid soaking the strap (especially if it has a liner). Make sure you have the right tools for the job you you are going to completely remove the strap for a more detailed clean. As with the How To Clean Your Watch post, the following is meant to steer most people in the right direction. Don't soak leather bands in water. If Your Watch is Water-Resistant (Approximately 50 meters and above): The most typical watch to clean is one with a good water resistance, think approximately 50 meters and above (such as the new Rolex Submariner, pictured above). Albers does note that a very small amount of temporary condensation seen underneath the crystal may be normal, especially when there are dramatic temperature changes put on the watch. At its most basic, cleaning a leather watch band only requires a lint-free cloth to wipe it clean, possibly with the addition of a bit of water. Rinse away any excess soap and allow the strap to dry. A new watch band costs $300-350. Once soaked, rub the strap between your fingers to work the soap into the fabric. Many people think it’s ok to throw their watch strap in the dishwasher. Daily clean your watch strap with a soft cloth, it will help remove any dirt. To clean the watch strap, rinse the watch under a running stream (or shower) as dust particles will follow the water stream, then wipe dry with a soft cloth. Purchase a 2 square foot chamois at the local auto parts store and wipe the watch with that. 4. Yes, those need to be cleaned and maintained too (don’t worry, it's easy). Hopefully, by now, you've had a chance to clean your watches and any bracelets you're fond of using – but what about the rest of your straps? And, it will last forever. Insert one end of the spring bar into the case lug. Collectively, let’s say they know a thing or two about how best to approach the task. But all of this sweat, water, and various protective chemicals end up soaked into the strap's woven material, so cleaning is key to avoid a stinky and stained NATO (or other nylon strap). Simply use a little mild dish soap and warm water and gently scrub the strap. For extreme-smelling leather watchbands, proceed to Step 4. The third important consideration is knowing the materials of the watch, the watch crystal, and the watch strap. Re-attach the straps by inserting the spring bar into the case-end into the dry watch bands. Ryan told us that “the brush you use on stainless steel can scratch the shiny gold finish on a precious metal timepiece,” so while you should use a soft brush to clean a steel or titanium timepiece, you’ll want to opt towards an ultra-soft brush, microfiber cloth, or even just your hands while cleaning something constructed of precious metals. Copyright © 2009–2021, HODINKEE Inc. All Rights Reserved. Fill the bowl with warm water and a small amount of soap to create a gentle soapy solution. Your watch band needs to be cleaned. While serious deep cleans during servicing are great, nobody has their watch serviced every week, so it pays to keep up with the regular maintenance a watch needs yourself. 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