Men's Clothing Forums banner
Cancel
Create thread New Forums

Caring for Alligator and Croc Watch Straps

Jump to Latest
1 - 15 of 15 Posts
#2 ·
quote:Originally posted by youngdandy

I recently recieved a Baume and Mercier Watch with a brown alligator strap as a gift. My question is how if at all does one care for these staps (eg polishing)?
Click to expand...
I use mink oil which treats and protects the leather.

Train your eye! Then train your brain to trust your eye.
 
Save
Reply Quote Like Like
#5 ·
quote:Originally posted by Mr. Knightly

I would be shocked if a Baume and Mercier with an alligator strap had a tang buckle.
Click to expand...
B&M offers their dress watches with tang buckles, as do many fine makers. Some would say that a deployant buckle would throw a small, thin watch out of balance on the wrist.
 
#7 ·
quote:Originally posted by Tomasso

quote:Originally posted by Mr. Knightly

I would be shocked if a Baume and Mercier with an alligator strap had a tang buckle.
Click to expand...
B&M offers their dress watches with tang buckles, as do many fine makers. Some would say that a deployant buckle would throw a small, thin watch out of balance on the wrist.
Click to expand...
By and large, this is true, although from time to time at various watch shows, I have seen some very delicate deployant buckles that would work with many smaller, thinner watches; Cartier has always used deployant buckles with their tanks, which are pretty small and thin.

Train your eye! Then train your brain to trust your eye.
 
Save
Reply Quote Like Like
#8 ·
quote:Originally posted by rip

quote:Originally posted by Tomasso

quote:Originally posted by Mr. Knightly

I would be shocked if a Baume and Mercier with an alligator strap had a tang buckle.
Click to expand...
B&M offers their dress watches with tang buckles, as do many fine makers. Some would say that a deployant buckle would throw a small, thin watch out of balance on the wrist.
Click to expand...
By and large, this is true, although from time to time at various watch shows, I have seen some very delicate deployant buckles that would work with many smaller, thinner watches; Cartier has always used deployant buckles with their tanks, which are pretty small and thin.

Train your eye! Then train your brain to trust your eye.
Click to expand...
Of course there are always exceptions, I have a JLC Master Ultra Thin that came with a deployant clasp that is about the thinnest you'll ever see. And Cartier has a long history with deployants, but I don't recall ever seeing one on a Calatrava.
 
#9 ·
quote:Originally posted by rip

quote:Originally posted by Tomasso

quote:Originally posted by Mr. Knightly

I would be shocked if a Baume and Mercier with an alligator strap had a tang buckle.
Click to expand...
B&M offers their dress watches with tang buckles, as do many fine makers. Some would say that a deployant buckle would throw a small, thin watch out of balance on the wrist.
Click to expand...
By and large, this is true, although from time to time at various watch shows, I have seen some very delicate deployant buckles that would work with many smaller, thinner watches; Cartier has always used deployant buckles with their tanks, which are pretty small and thin.

Train your eye! Then train your brain to trust your eye.
Click to expand...
That's the very watch that is on my wrist at the moment.

Costly thy habit as thy purse can buy,
But not express'd in fancy; rich, not gaudy;
For the apparel oft proclaims the man.
 
#14 ·
quote:Originally posted by youngdandy

I recently recieved a Baume and Mercier Watch with a brown alligator strap as a gift. My question is how if at all does one care for these staps (eg polishing)?
Click to expand...
Is your strap glazed or matte finished? Glazed straps don't wear well and once the glaze begins to degrade, there's not much that can be done. Tang buckles make quick work of them and moisture of any kind eats up the glaze. I prefer matte finished straps. A neutral shoe cream will keep them supple and a neutral shoe wax can bring a nice gloss to them. Summer(heat+humidity=perspiration) is tough on leather/exotic straps, that's when I switch to bracelets.
 
#15 ·
quote:Originally posted by youngdandy

I recently recieved a Baume and Mercier Watch with a brown alligator strap as a gift. My question is how if at all does one care for these staps (eg polishing)?
Click to expand...
Meltonian all purpose cleaner and conditioner and Pecard Leather Dressing are excellent for reptile leather. Using them on my alligator watch straps, crocodile cigar and pipe cases for years with brilliant results. Apply just a tiny dab once a month or so. Olive oil is also very effective if you want the natural route (but tend to leave glossy skins with a mirror shine).

The thing is to pay attention to the spaces between the scales. As long as they are supple you are fine as that's the area where the cracking/peeling starts.

As with shoes try rotating your watch wear. Most damage begins at the lining/inner padding actually. Being suede/absorbent material moisture from sweat,hand washing swells the material and stretches the strap not to mention the smell. You'll notice a strap put on tight in the morning tends to feel looser as the day progresses.

Hope this helps. A replacement watch brand name reptile strap can cost a bomb:-(
 
1 - 15 of 15 Posts
About this Discussion
14 Replies
9 Participants
Last post:
shoefetish
Men's Clothing Forums
posts
1.7M
members
84K
Since
2004
A forum community dedicated to men’s fashion and clothing enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about collections, materials, models, styles, scales, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more!
Full Forum Listing
Explore Our Forums
Timeless Style Trad Style The Interchange Food, Drink, Travel & The Arts Deals, Steals, & Sales!