How Long Do Leather Straps Last?

November 30, 2024

Introduction

Leather watch straps are a classic and stylish choice for many watch wearers who like their sophisticated look. If you are going to invest in one, you will want to know how long they, on average, last.

So, before we get into the details, lets start with a brief overview to get our horological minds going. So, broadly, how long do leather watch straps last?

It depends on a number of things - how you look after your strap, how much you wear it, and other factors that we will discuss in more detail in this article, but generally you can hope to get anywhere from six months to two years out of your leather watch strap.

What is the Average Lifespan of Leather Watch Straps?

There are different factors that determine how long a leather watch strap will last.

These include how often you wear the watch - watch straps that are worn daily will wear faster than ones that are only worn every now and then. Your lifestyle also determines its lifespan - straps that are often in water, or direct sunlight, will likely fade quicker, especially if they are not maintained properly after such activities.

You should also be mindful of the type and quality of the leather that you choose for your watch strap too, as poorer quality leather will not have the lifespan of a higher quality leather.

hamilton khaki field with brown leather watch strap

Here at The Thrifty Gentleman, we wrote an article summarising the different types of leather watch straps and the material used. You can find out more about the Pros and Cons of those types of leather watch strap there.

Signs Your Leather Strap is Wearing Out

There are a few ways to tell that it is becoming worn out and that it might be time to replace it. These include:

Visible signs of damage like cracking or splits in the leather.
Discolouration of the leather or signs of fading possibly caused by water or sun damage.
Stiffness in the leather that is causing the strap to be uncomfortable due to it not fitting properly.
Edges or stitching in the leather that is beginning to fray or come undone, likely due to not looking after the strap properly and/or wearing it a lot.

Tips to Extend the Life of Your Leather Strap

There are a few things you can do when you get a leather watch strap to prolong the lifespan of it.

Avoid Water Exposure

It is best to take your watch off and keep it away from anywhere it might get wet. This will help to prolong the life of the leather and keep the strap looking fresh. Leather is porous, and as such can easily be damaged when put in contact with water. The same applies if it is warm and you are sweating, as it causes the same damage.

Regular Cleaning

After wearing your watch, clean the leather with a soft cloth to remove any dirt or moisture that may have attached to it during the day, and condition the leather often to prevent it from going stiff.

Rotate Straps

Swap the leather strap regularly to give each one a break from being worn, and increase their lifespans.

Store Properly

The strap should be kept in a cool, dry and shady place when not being worn.

Choosing Durable Leather Straps

Being mindful about the quality of the leather in your strap will impact its lifespan- full-grain leather is high quality and will last a lot longer than top-grain leather and bonded leather, which is the lowest quality. The craftsmanship of the straps also makes a difference- opt for well-crafted straps and reinforced stitching to reduce premature wear and tear.