AP alligator straps water proof?

[rappvctrinity]

Can I shower with the alligator strap that came on my new 43 Offshore?

might want to rock the alligator for a bit but don't want to ruin it. My thinking is alligators live in water.

[dauster]

Originally Posted by rappvctrinity

Can I shower with the alligator strap that came on my new 43 Offshore?

might want to rock the alligator for a bit but don't want to ruin it. My thinking is alligators live in water.

lol is that a serious question- no don’t shower with your alligator strap leather doesn’t work like that


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[neal.jy]

I was told to avoid getting the alligator strap wet, wiping with a damp cloth is fine but definitely wouldn’t shower or swim with it on. I usually wear mine on the gator strap and just swap out to the rubber if I’m playing tennis or I know il going to get it wet.


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[rappvctrinity]

Originally Posted by dauster

lol is that a serious question- no don’t shower with your alligator strap leather doesn’t work like that


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Ha ha. Thanks. Yeah I was asking for real. lol.

[rappvctrinity]

Originally Posted by neal.jy

I was told to avoid getting the alligator strap wet, wiping with a damp cloth is fine but definitely wouldn’t shower or swim with it on. I usually wear mine on the gator strap and just swap out to the rubber if I’m playing tennis or I know il going to get it wet.


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Thanks. Ha ha. I’m an idiot.

[Tools]

Alligators spend a lot of time in the water.

Many Alligator straps are indeed waterproof. The stitching or chemicals used in finishing may need to be known, but if done correctly and cared for afterwards, will easily last through swimming and showers.

It wasn't that many years ago that our SCUBA gear was strapped on with leather, alligator would have been a luxury.

[rappvctrinity]

Now I’m more confused. lol

[rappvctrinity]

Originally Posted by Tools

Alligators spend a lot of time in the water.

Many Alligator straps are indeed waterproof. The stitching or chemicals used in finishing may need to be known, but if done correctly and cared for afterwards, will easily last through swimming and showers.

It wasn't that many years ago that our SCUBA gear was strapped on with leather, alligator would have been a luxury.

Oh. Awesome. Ha ha. Maybe I’ll just see what happens.

[Audevache]

I was clearly told from a watch expert that you shouldn’t shower with ANY watch, even something like a DeepSea or PloProf.

The extreme humidity of the steam combined with very strong water pressure is hell for the gaskets.

[Andad]

Originally Posted by Audevache

I was clearly told from a watch expert that you shouldn’t shower with ANY watch, even something like a DeepSea or PloProf.

The extreme humidity of the steam combined with very strong water pressure is hell for the gaskets.

Some more fantasy from a watch expert.

If your body can a take the steam and temperature in a shower your watch wouldn’t even notice it and as for strong water pressure being hell for the gaskets…..

I’m always amazed by some of “watch expert’s” advice.

[saltyandwet]

Originally Posted by rappvctrinity

Can I shower with the alligator strap that came on my new 43 Offshore?

might want to rock the alligator for a bit but don't want to ruin it. My thinking is alligators live in water.

That can't be a real q. You've said it yourself, alligators "live" in water. Your alligator is dead, it's not "living" anymore.

[neal.jy]

Originally Posted by Andad

Some more fantasy from a watch expert.

If your body can a take the steam and temperature in a shower your watch wouldn’t even notice it and as for strong water pressure being hell for the gaskets…..

I’m always amazed by some of “watch expert’s” advice.

I’ve had watches accrue condensation on the inside of the crystal after wearing them in a sauna previously, steam does have negative effects from my personal experience. I’ve also been told by both Clearwater and my SA that soap damages the gaskets and can cause them to wear out prematurely.


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[Audevache]

Originally Posted by Andad

Some more fantasy from a watch expert.

If your body can a take the steam and temperature in a shower your watch wouldn’t even notice it and as for strong water pressure being hell for the gaskets…..

I’m always amazed by some of “watch expert’s” advice.

I’ll let you argue with these guys instead.

https://timeandtreasures.com/can-i-w...in-the-shower/

[rappvctrinity]

Wow. Yes this is a real question. Ok my reason to ask.

I travel at times and I usually just wear one watch. So in hotels I don’t necessarily want to take my watch off and potentially forget to put it back on. So I usually shower with it on. I figured alligators swim around and stuff. So maybe fine. Ha ha. 😂

[EEpro]

The liner may not be the same material. The finishing and dye may not be waterproof. The foam lining between the interior and exterior holds water. Dissimilar materials expand and contract at different rates when exposed to heat or moisture and then dry.

Overall it will be ok for awhile but will drastically accelerate aging.

[rappvctrinity]

I have not thought about the temperature changes and metal and crystal expansion rates under steam and heat. Wow. I never actually thought about it just showered with whatever watch it was. AP do at times seem finicky so possibly not a great idea. Rolex Subs I probably won’t worry about.

[rappvctrinity]

Probably easier just to put the rubber strap on and try not to get it wet too much. Thanks guys! A lot of info actually I never knew. Ha.

[Tools]

Originally Posted by rappvctrinity

I have not thought about the temperature changes and metal and crystal expansion rates under steam and heat. Wow. I never actually thought about it just showered with whatever watch it was. AP do at times seem finicky so possibly not a great idea. Rolex Subs I probably won’t worry about.

Complete nonsense.

Water molecules are all the same size whether in steam form or in the pool, they don't change sizes and slip inside, nor is any steam you might encounter under enough pressure to force its way in.

As to expansion rates, more rubbish. The expansion is no more than going from winter to summer. If a watch could expand enough to come undone at the tiny temps we encounter they would fall off our wrists on a hot summer day.

And the gaskets are nytril and delrin - soap doesn't affect them at all if it could even creep past the compression seal they are under.

Your alligator strap will get sweaty, dirty, and scuffed over time. Wash it, clean it, and give it some moisturizer and it will last for decades.

[Andad]

Originally Posted by Audevache

I’ll let you argue with these guys instead.

https://timeandtreasures.com/can-i-w...in-the-shower/

Time and treasures…..

I sometimes wonder why we bother Larry?

[77T]

Originally Posted by Audevache

I was clearly told from a watch expert that you shouldn’t shower with ANY watch, even something like a DeepSea or PloProf.

The extreme humidity of the steam combined with very strong water pressure is hell for the gaskets.

Originally Posted by Audevache

I’ll let you argue with these guys instead.



https://timeandtreasures.com/can-i-w...in-the-shower/

Wow - doubled down, and then dug a deeper hole.

Ummm…


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[Tomas Eriksson]

Originally Posted by neal.jy

I’ve had watches accrue condensation on the inside of the crystal after wearing them in a sauna previously, steam does have negative effects from my personal experience. I’ve also been told by both Clearwater and my SA that soap damages the gaskets and can cause them to wear out prematurely.


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My experience is the opposite, taken my RO and my ROOs to saunas many times over the years without issues. Regular water-resistance test is a good idea once the watch is a few years old or if it hasn't been serviced for a while.
Many reasons for gaskets to fail over time, wouldn't worry about soap. There is much worse compounds you could use to clean your time piece

[Audevache]

Originally Posted by 77T

Wow - doubled down, and then dug a deeper hole.

Ummm…


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Feel free making fun of me, if you have nothing better to do with your life.

I actually got very similar advice regarding showers and WR from the guy at Bucherer who sold me my Sub and from my SA at the Vacheron boutique where I bought my Overseas.

I haven't discussed the same topic with my SA at the AP House but would be very surprised if I get a different answer.

[APhound]

Is it this?
I just put it on mine. Very high quality isn’t it?
Showering and swimming will deteriorate it but it will hold up. It’s just a strap, once it’s worn out, whether that take you one year or ten years you just buy another one. Do whatever you want with it.
The other nice thing about these is the quick release. A lot of times I’ll travel with just my offshore and maybe I’ll throw another strap in my bag to change it up/ swim.





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[rappvctrinity]

yeah the same Alligator but with yellow stitching. yeah I would just replace when worn out. I would think a alligator strap would last longer than cow leather.

Originally Posted by APhound

Is it this?
I just put it on mine. Very high quality isn’t it?
Showering and swimming will deteriorate it but it will hold up. It’s just a strap, once it’s worn out, whether that take you one year or ten years you just buy another one. Do whatever you want with it.
The other nice thing about these is the quick release. A lot of times I’ll travel with just my offshore and maybe I’ll throw another strap in my bag to change it up/ swim.





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[macrowatch]

Originally Posted by dauster

lol is that a serious question- no don’t shower with your alligator strap leather doesn’t work like that


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Why is that not a serious question? If an alligator is water proof why isn't a product made from water proof materials not water proof? A four year old can see the seriousness of the logic, you should too!

[fsprow]

Originally Posted by Tools

Complete nonsense.

Water molecules are all the same size whether in steam form or in the pool, they don't change sizes and slip inside, nor is any steam you might encounter under enough pressure to force its way in.

As to expansion rates, more rubbish. The expansion is no more than going from winter to summer. If a watch could expand enough to come undone at the tiny temps we encounter they would fall off our wrists on a hot summer day.

And the gaskets are nytril and delrin - soap doesn't affect them at all if it could even creep past the compression seal they are under.

Your alligator strap will get sweaty, dirty, and scuffed over time. Wash it, clean it, and give it some moisturizer and it will last for decades.

Materials Science background and this is 100% correct. Also, depending on the backing and stitching water may slightly degrade the strap but leather (and rubber) straps are disposable items and might need to be replaced a bit sooner. Not to worry.

[EEpro]

Originally Posted by fsprow

Materials Science background and this is 100% correct. Also, depending on the backing and stitching water may slightly degrade the strap but leather (and rubber) straps are disposable items and might need to be replaced a bit sooner. Not to worry.

That's the expansion and contraction I was referring to: Alligator vs calf lining getting wet and drying over and over accelerating the wear and tear. Perhaps OP went tangential regarding showering and glass vs metal etc. certainly not what the topic was. We were talking about straps until that post.

[Golf&Watches]

This

Originally Posted by Tools

Complete nonsense.

Water molecules are all the same size whether in steam form or in the pool, they don't change sizes and slip inside, nor is any steam you might encounter under enough pressure to force its way in.

As to expansion rates, more rubbish. The expansion is no more than going from winter to summer. If a watch could expand enough to come undone at the tiny temps we encounter they would fall off our wrists on a hot summer day.

And the gaskets are nytril and delrin - soap doesn't affect them at all if it could even creep past the compression seal they are under.

Your alligator strap will get sweaty, dirty, and scuffed over time. Wash it, clean it, and give it some moisturizer and it will last for decades.