Leather strap

I have a Pilot's Double Chronograph and have worn it constantly since 2004 with the steel bracelet. I also bought the leather band with the original purchase but have been wary of wearing it while I run and shower and sleep.
I would now like to use the leather strap, but would like to know if anyone has used one under those conditions (running and showering and constant use,) and the result.

Disaster. You are kidding I hope.

And you wear your office shoes in the shower as well! Yep great idea! You are wearing a pilot watch in the shower with a variable temperature range and not only has it a crown but 3 push buttons as well. If the seal goes on any of them you have water aided by shampoo straight into the movement. And now you want to wear it in the shower with a leather strap costing £200 approx that will degrade each and every time you have a shower.

Dear Greg and Bill - Thanks for your dire warnings, but do you actually have any experience with this? I HAVE worn the watch in the shower and swimming for 12 years without harm. Loosen up - it's not an icon.

Besides, alligators do it....

Maybe it is a good idea for you to try it yourself: I am looking forward to before - after pictures!

Kind regards,
Paul

Dear Sunflower - I think that is what I will need to do. It appears there is a lack of evidence about the results. I know that if the goal were resale, that leaving the new leather strap in the box would be best. But if I'm not interested in its investment value, it would be good to know how much such wear would affect it - or if it will just fall apart. I'm fairly old and if I die I expect the extra strap will just be discarded anyway so what's to lose. Maybe monthly pictures to this site would add to the body of knowledge.
I just need to figure out how to add a picture to this comment list.

I am looking to get the IW327002 mark XVIII, but really want a strap like on the BP top gun. Any suggestions as where I might be able to find one?(BP strap is to big to swap out with the mark of course)

Some of you were a tad too rude to the OP: there are some straps (e. g. by Hirsch) that are sold as waterproof. If he manages somehow the watch to get as little soap as possible - best is none - why not try such a strap, in the worst of the cases he'll need a frequent replacement of the strap. Others smoke or drive powerful cars just for fun or do other things that produce some environmental harm - why not replacing straps when needed... not much of a big deal. Just my two cents as always.
(I never take a shower with my watch on my wrist, not even my divers'.)
Best,
Robert

Dear Roberto,
Thank you for the response. I am now looking at the Hirsch bands - very nice. I thought, before, that I would need IWC bands only. Hirsch has some leather "waterproof" bands.
I am now asking IWC what my band would cost to replace (I see the leather Pilot is 1000$ less than the steel band.)So I'll either use mine or get a Hirsch. Glad I asked and glad for your help.
You shouldn't worry too much about the shower or pool (I swim in my pool daily in the summer with the watch) and run with it and shower daily for 12 years (since 12/2004 purchase.)
I did have fogging in 2012 when I didn't have the crown screwed in during a swim, but sent it to the factory and haven't had service or problem since. (I dried it out quickly by leaving the crown unscrewed and put it on my boot-dryer low heat apparatus for a few days.)
Again - Thanks much for the advice,- also the advice about civility - I almost made some snarky responses, it's tempting in this format.
Sincerely,
Mark Faith

Just to add to the leather strap question, I've worked out once with a Santoni strap and you could clearly see moisture but of course evaporates in a couple hours. Unless you are really wanting those leather waterproof options, NATO straps and rubber are great combos too and you can do whatever you want with those to be honest. I swapped out my Santoni strap immediately to NATO just because of my profession and needing to wash hands often (hospital environment) so I got a strap that could take a beating. I also don't shower with mine but it's just preference at this point. Just give your crown a quick twist to see if it's locked and you're good to go swim/shower haha.

Best of luck,
Phil

I'm too lazy to order a different band. I have now worn my leather strap for a week - running about 25 miles total and probably 5 showers and it looks the same to me. I would include photos periodically for everyone's info, but I don't see how to add them. When I click on the picture icon it asks for a URL...

Another thought for UK Greg:
I actually do have leather (Docksiders) shoes that I occasionally wash off in a sink and haven't noticed it harms them.

One more bit of info for the faint of heart: 5 years ago I did get moisture in my Pilot Double Chrono when I found the crown loose after a shower. I lossened the crown more and put it on a low heat ventilator apparatus for drying boots and it promptly dried out and has been fine since then -- 5 years ago!
Some of you fellows worry too much about your watches - these IWCs are tough!
I cut the grass and play golf with mine.
If I ever figure out how to post pictures I'll publish a picture of the new Ingenieure leather band occasionally.