The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Ok guys, what are the best products to keep a croco strap well maintained, water proof and looking good ?,
The strap in question is Black in colour and I would not want to use anything on it that would also colour the White stitching,
your help / advice is much appreciated,

Regards,
The Soulman.

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Superocean Chrono, Black dial / Silver subs / Pro 1 Bracelet.
Beautiful Blue Dialled Headwind / Pilot Bracelet.
Black dialled Colt Automatic II / Black leather croco strap with tang / buckle.

There is an actual Breitling leather care product that apparently is given away by AD's as a little gift. I've seen them on eBay too, but the price is often a little on the high side for the size of the bottle.

You could also probably use something like Autoglym leather care cream, but I can't vouch for what it would do to the stitching - I shouldn't imagine it would colour it, but may make it prone to picking up dirt. Whatever you chose just make sure you try it on something first!

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Driver8

Site Moderator

Driver,

If you find a leather conditioner that works, be sure to let
us know. I'm too much of a coward to experiment on my
$700 brown croco strap. It's still like new, but as time
passes, I'd like to know there's something out there that
can extend its life.

Good luck.

Steve

Sorry, Driver. I was addressing the post to Soulman. Still half
asleep. My blunder.

Steve

No worries Steve..... and I know what you mean about not fancying any experimentation!

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Driver8

Site Moderator

Well I was toying with the idea of clear Dubbin, has anyone ever used this and what are folks thoughts on this, good idea or not ?,

Regards,
The Soulman.

_________________
Superocean Chrono, Black dial / Silver subs / Pro 1 Bracelet.
Beautiful Blue Dialled Headwind / Pilot Bracelet.
Black dialled Colt Automatic II / Black leather croco strap with tang / buckle.

I've only ever used Dubbin on my old rugby boots, so I seriously wouldn't recommend that on your watch strap! Yes it would help it to be waterproof, but the Dubbin I used is a horrible, oil-based product, that never really dries. If I was you I'd ask your AD about the Breitling product, and failing that go for either a leather jacket product, or something used for leather sofas or car seats - it's more gentle.

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Driver8

Site Moderator

Well Driver8, that was exactly my concern as well, really looking for something that penetrates and gives the same protection and suppleness to leather as dubbin but without the oiliness,

Regards,
The Soulman.

_________________
Superocean Chrono, Black dial / Silver subs / Pro 1 Bracelet.
Beautiful Blue Dialled Headwind / Pilot Bracelet.
Black dialled Colt Automatic II / Black leather croco strap with tang / buckle.

At the risk of semi-hijacking this thread (sorry Soulman) - what do you guys use to clean the stitching - I've noticed mine are starting to get a little dirty.

Nope, steer clear of Dubbin. It softens leather by penetrating it and actually breaking it down slightly. Would probably make the strap more comfortable in the short to medium term, but long term it would turn your strap to mush.

A very soft toothbrush and gentle strokes with a weak soap solution, then rinse with water and dry it quickly with a towel/cloth. Don't use so much water so you soak the leather.

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Collection: http://s540.photobucket.com/albums/gg32 ... mview=grid

Thanks Aleister!