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Croc Strap Issues
https://www.breitlingsource.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=39668		 Page 1 of 2
Author:  Cavalieresq [ Mon May 07, 2012 1:07 pm ]
Post subject:  Croc Strap Issues
My Datora has the dark brown croc strap with white stitching.

After 2 years with the watch, I've noticed two issues.

First, some of the white stitching has gotten dirty. Does anyone have any suggestions for cleaning this without damaging or bleaching the croc leather?

Second, the leather appears to be fading at then ends closest to the watch. Very odd. Has anyone else had a similar issue? Doesn't bother me too much, but since the replacement straps are rather expensive, I thought I'd check.

I will post pictures of both issues tonight.

As always, thanks in advance for your help. :lingsrock:

Pictures added below. The side-by-side shows the dirty strap on the left as compared to a brand new watch. The others show the fading. Though the picture quality is crappy, the strap is accurately depicted - not a glare or trick of the light.
Author:  Roffensian [ Mon May 07, 2012 3:03 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Croc Strap Issues
Have never seen that fading, very odd :huh

Gentle soap and water will clean up the stitching - just don't let the strap get too wet and then pat dry and allow to thoroughly dry naturally.
Author:  Cavalieresq [ Mon May 07, 2012 4:27 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Croc Strap Issues
Roff:

Thanks for the suggestion. I've learned a great deal from your many other posts.

And if you've never seen fading like I've got, I feel pretty sure that I've got a one of a kind issue. I do wear that watch very frequently, but it's been well cared for, never been wet outside of very minor and occasional sweat, and when not in use is stored in my winder. As I said above, it doesn't bother me too much as it currently looks, but I'm worried that if it continues, it will become very noticeable.
Author:  RXPete [ Mon May 07, 2012 8:10 pm ]
Post subject:  Croc Strap Issues
Are you sure it's fading? From the pictures, it looks like the strap is developing a dark patina except towards the watch head where the color looks like the new strap.


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Author:  sharkman [ Mon May 07, 2012 8:33 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Croc Strap Issues
RXPete wrote:
Are you sure it's fading? From the pictures, it looks like the strap is developing a dark patina except towards the watch head where the color looks like the new strap.


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My thought too.
Author:  Driver8 [ Tue May 08, 2012 1:01 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Croc Strap Issues
I must be honest but I really LIKE that fading/patina on the strap! Never come across anything like fading before myself, but in this case I think it's a really nice effect.
Author:  Cavalieresq [ Tue May 08, 2012 7:20 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Croc Strap Issues
Shark & Pete - It's definitely fading. This is the dark brown strap - the dark color you see is the color it was the day it left the store.

Driver - its funny that you say that. I've actually gotten compliments specifically on the fading. Since its a Datora, which has a throwback look to it anyway, it does sort of fit.

Thanks again guys - really appreciate the thoughts and help.
Author:  Cavalieresq [ Tue May 08, 2012 7:31 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Croc Strap Issues
Pete and Shark:

Re-read your comment - the darker strap is the dark brown croc. The new strap is the "gold" croc strap. The comparison was intended only to show the dirt on the dark strap's stitching.

Thanks.
Author:  RXPete [ Tue May 08, 2012 11:07 am ]
Post subject:  Croc Strap Issues
Cavalieresq wrote:
Pete and Shark:

Re-read your comment - the darker strap is the dark brown croc. The new strap is the "gold" croc strap. The comparison was intended only to show the dirt on the dark strap's stitching.

Thanks.

At any rate, I agree with the comments above that it looks really good as is. As a matter of fact, I'm trying to get a similar patina on mine.
Author:  onewatchnut [ Tue May 08, 2012 11:19 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Croc Strap Issues
Is your wrist exposed to a lot of sunshine? If the lugs are constantly in sunshine while the rest of the band is somewhat protected, it may well be from exposure to the sun. A bright sun will lighten almost anything including furniture, wood floors, etc.
Author:  natesen [ Tue May 08, 2012 11:44 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Croc Strap Issues
I agree with the others, the look of the fading leather adds some character and actually looks really nice.....
Author:  Cavalieresq [ Tue May 08, 2012 12:01 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Croc Strap Issues
Well I'm certainly feeling better about this whole thing, and I will now refer to the lightening of the strap as patina rather than fading. 

As for sunshine - as a book collector, I've had my issues with sun fading before. I wear the watch golf, but take it off when I play. When not in use, the watch is In a closed winder. The only way I can think of that the lugs would get extended sun is when I drive. 

In any event, if I figure out how this occurred, I'll let you know so that you can duplicate this most excellent patina. 

Thanks so much for your comments. 
Author:  fordystar [ Wed Jun 06, 2012 1:46 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Croc Strap Issues
darn i wished i could get my green croc to do this , that strap is stunning!!!!!! i hate the look and feel of new croc, that my friend is class in a glass i know of people who actually wear the leather manually to get this look.
Author:  sharkman [ Wed Jun 06, 2012 3:01 pm ]
Post subject:  Croc Strap Issues
RXPete wrote:
Cavalieresq wrote:
Pete and Shark:

Re-read your comment - the darker strap is the dark brown croc. The new strap is the "gold" croc strap. The comparison was intended only to show the dirt on the dark strap's stitching.

Thanks.

At any rate, I agree with the comments above that it looks really good as is. As a matter of fact, I'm trying to get a similar patina on mine.



First cold press extra virgin olive oil is a good place to start.


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Author:  Driver8 [ Thu Jun 07, 2012 3:07 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Croc Strap Issues
Cavalieresq wrote:
Well I'm certainly feeling better about this whole thing, and I will now refer to the lightening of the strap as patina rather than fading. 

:lol: That's the best way to think of it! If it's a good enough phrase for people to use when sell old and knackered watches ("Oh no sir, that's not watch damage from when I once left the crown unscrewed that you see on that dial there - it's patina!" :lol: ), then it's sure good enough for that great looking strap! :thumbsup:

As I said above, I really like that look.
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