Sky D OEM strap question

[vladi123456]

Hi all.
Yesterday at our local AD I was looking at a sky D on a strap, and I asked the sales person how long they typically last. She said that life expectancy for the strap was 2-3 years if I don't take showers with it. And less if I do. That seemed very short.
Could anyone share their experiences? Or is there any after market strap that is longer lasting?
-v

[notchview]

My last leather strap cracked and smelled like death just from my daily sweat, lasted about 18 months (no showering or extra water). Unfortunately there's nothing you can do here. If the leather or alligator look is a must, there are some very nice faux options out there made from rubber that will last a long long time.

[zengineer]

I think it depends on how sweaty, oily and gritty a person tends to be as much as anything. Its a natural material so I don't think its fair really to expect it to wear like a steel bracelet or rubber. I'm not particularly greasy but generally only wear leather in the cooler months or when I will be in air conditioning most of the day. I think you could easily wear out a nice leather strap in 6 months or it could last 20 years.

I have a few canvas, nylon, sailcloth or rubber straps I wear on the dive watches that tend to see rough duty or outdoor work in hot weather but with them the whole watch can go in the shower with me.

[vladi123456]

Thank you for clarification!