How long did your alligator watch band last

My band worn through after 5-6 years of use. I don't wear my watch everyday so I am somewhat disappointed considering the cost of a new one.
How long should one last?

My oldest strap is about the same age as yours but it still looks and feels like new. I never wear straps when it's hot and humid and I have about 8 watches in rotation, 3 on steel bracelets.

I have heared stories of the strap only lasting for one or two seasons when worn often and in hot climates.

Kind regards,

Clemens

My oldest one is only 3-4 years old but still looks like new - it was worn pretty regularly to start with but now probably twice a week.

Do you give your strap any TLC? Like any leather goods, you cant just wear and forget, they do need some maintenance - would you expect a pair of leather shoes to last 6 years without some polish and oiling? Every few months I oil my straps with Dubin, but neatsfoot oil, most shoe care products and any leather care items you can get at a saddlery will extend the life of your straps.

Welcome to the forum. To start with a "complaint" is perhaps not always the best strategy.

But your question is a good one. Two good responses already. I also add that the use of a deployment helps considerably in the longevity of a leather strap.

The question is a bit like asking "how large is a blue suit?" It depends. For me, if I get 2 or 3 years for a watch worn often I feel fortunate. But perhaps I perspire a lot and am obsessive enough that I like an almost new look. ;)

I've used a leather balm made for fine leathers. The problem with my alligator strap is that it is coming apart for a lack of a better term I'll call it the joint in the skin has gotten very weak and won't last much longer.

QUOTE="bendy"]My oldest one is only 3-4 years old but still looks like new - it was worn pretty regularly to start with but now probably twice a week.

Do you give your strap any TLC? Like any leather goods, you cant just wear and forget, they do need some maintenance - would you expect a pair of leather shoes to last 6 years without some polish and oiling? Every few months I oil my straps with Dubin, but neatsfoot oil, most shoe care products and any leather care items you can get at a saddlery will extend the life of your straps.

[/QUOTE]

The strap of my small Portuguese Automatic starts to look a bit brittle, although it still seems strong enough. It is 12 years old, but not worn often the last 7 - 8 years or so. All my other croc straps, and the calfskin straps too, still look like new, the oldest being 8 years old. Normal wear, in rotation with other watches, no hot humid summer weather in abundancy in Holland: that explains it all, I guess. When their time comes they will be replaced: he who can afford an IWC watch, can afford its good quality strap too.

Kind regards,
Paul

Hey,
Would you like to share which watch you have which is too old but still looking too good?
am crazy to know about this type of company who produce such watches.

All depends on wear and tear but if you want a custom alligator band that is moisture resistant go for something like the Bianca Mosca (www.biancamosca.com) alligator bands. They come in all sizes and colors and you can choose a contrast stitching color. Most importantly they have a special rubber lining that is antiperspirant.Good if you sweat in Summer.

I know people who get through watch straps in a year or so. It depends on sweat, the PH of the sweat, exposure to other substances and whether or not you use a deployant.

Church's shoes, a decade or so ago before they were taken over by an Italian company, had very helpful advice for their consumers: if you alternate your shoes with another pair, they will last twice as long, if you alternate with two other pairs, they will last longer. Shoes should not be worn on consecutive days. Perhaps, a watch shouldn't be worn on consecutive days either.