The Breitling Watch Source Forums

I've been known in the past to use Autoglym Leather Cleaner, which is designed for car seats - and it works fine. It's a good product as it also maintains the natural oils in the leather to keep it supple. (For older straps you can also use the Autoglym Leather Care Cream afterwards. This doesn't clean the leather but is great for putting the essential oils back in if the leather is really dry).

In both cases I'd suggest only using it on the outer surface, unless you don't mind losing the nubuck finish on the inside surface, although obviously as a strap gets older, the inner surface will become a bit more shiny anyway so it won't matter so much.

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Driver8

Site Moderator

Thanks for that D8. I'll pick some up at the weekend and give it a try on the stitching around the deployant buckle as it's looking a little dirty.

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STAFFWOLF - NAVITIMER

viewtopic.php?f=5&t=4090

I'd suggest testing it on a small bit first just to check the colour-fastness as they advise on the instructions. It's been fine on both blue and brown croco that I have used it on before, but a very old black strap I had was less colour-fast. If I was you I'd make sure on a small area first before diving in with the whole thing.

Couple of other points - make sure you remove the strap from the watch first (or else the head will get a bit mucky), use the cleaner sparingly and spray it on a clean cloth instead of directly on the strap. I'd also suggest buffing the strap lightly afterwards with another clean soft cloth as per the instructions on the bottle. Lastly, make sure you leave the strap to dry off afterwards before wearing it.

I fyou go easy it should come up with a nice semi-matt finish once it's dry.

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Driver8

Site Moderator

Send it to Driver8, he will do it for you

Jeez I'm starting to wish I hadn't got involved with this thread now!

Anything people do with, or to, their straps is done entirely at their own risk! OK?!?!?!

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Driver8

Site Moderator

I put my black croc on yesterday and found it to be less comfortable than steel bracelet. I realize that there is some breaking in to do

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That's the key. Once it breaks in though the leather is very comfortable.

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Driver8

Site Moderator

I'm starting to wonder if D8 has a business going on the side! I'll Fedex my strap to you when the time comes!
You can blame me for starting the post. Anyway, great to hear such encouraging news from all of you.
This strap is great! Although it gives the watch a new look, I love it! I still can't believe this is one of the thickest watches, and the heaviest watches that Breitling makes, and it is so comfortable - all day.
I certainly do not regret paying the extra to get a Breitling strap. I looked at a lot of aftermarket stuff on the internet, but unless I can see something and be sure, I decided not to go with that idea.
It doesn't really take that long to break the strap in. Got it on Saturday, now it's Wednesday, and feels like I had it a very long time.
As my dear Mum would have said: "So much ado about a leather strap!" Mind you, she would have said it in jest and with a smile on her face. A very old expression for all you young ones: ado = fuss.
Cheers,
Carl

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'63 Omega Seamaster, 2014 Omega Speedmaster MarkII

"Those who possess a sense of entitlement are seldom satisfied"

I remember having a vintage Omega seamaster made in 1963, it had had light wear admittedly but it came with the original strap as well as a new one the seller threw in. the orginal strap was still wearable even after 40 years... And that was with a tang buckle! I think I am in the minority here in not liking deployant on leather, I have one on one of my watches and i find it less comfortable and harder to put on than the tang (I have minor mobility problems with my hands!)

Like all leather it last longer if properly maintained. A wipe with a slightly damp cloth once every couple of weeks will remove any salt deposits from sweat. The once a month a light application of a leather food cream should keep it supple.

The Breitling strap has plenty of meat to it (no pun intended!) and is high quality calf so as long as it is looked after in the aforsaifd way it should easily last 5-10 years!

Driver8's advice is spot on I think, My uncle used to use the autoglym on his rolls royce leather seats, ten years on and the seats were fantastic!

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All the best.
Ian

mine get alternated and only worn in winter but i dont take my watch off to sleep.

the leather has transfered colour tot he stiching, the crocs have not. the leahter has become very supple and a pleasure to wear the brown leather has darkened but in a good way and the vlack is ok. again the croc seems to wear much harder.

inside on all of mine the only discolouration is from the metal on the deployment no sweat marks etc on the inside.

leather are 3 years old and crocos are 1 year old.

i was also told and im not sure i believe it that if you send the wacth for a full service where the polish is complimentary that if the leather is in bad condition its replaced free can anyone confirm or deny this?

i think it woiuld be good if it is seeing as a bracelet polish alone is £70 which isnt far off a new leather so if you dont have bracelet to polish your missing out on 70 value.

not an issue for me as all of mine have metal except the 806

cheers

Now that's an idea I'm LOVING!

(Don't know if it's true or not though).

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Driver8

Site Moderator