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bcdunham · 13 January 2010, 12:16 AM

So I bought a pre-owned PAM 48. From the pics I saw before I bought it, it appeared pretty beat up. Assumed that I would need to replace the strap and send it off for a polish and service as soon as it arrived. I was pleasantly surprised to see that the case was dirty but in surprisingly good condition. The OEM gator strap, while looking worn, had a nice slightly vintage look to it. Figured the strap, which wouldn't be my primary strap, would definitely get some use from me. So I cleaned the case and I was good to go. However, I noticed that there was a very strong smell of cologne on the strap. I made the bad decision last night to try to clean the strap and, I'm afraid, ruined it in the process.

Started with some leather cleaner that came with my wife's purse. Didn't seem to do the trick. Then used a very mild soap and water.

Then put some of the leather conditioner that came with the purse on it. Thought the strap looked completely ruined but hoped that it would dry out over night and return to good condition in the morning. Here's what I found this morning.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/34517965@N08/4268330547/

So is there any way to salvage this strap??? Any magic conditioner I can soak this thing in for a week straight? Anything??? If not, it's not the end of the world. Had planned on replacing the strap when I bought it and priced it accordingly. However, it still would suck to know that I ruined an otherwise acceptable OEM gator strap. Thanks.

inspires · 13 January 2010, 12:26 AM

Try bringing it to your local shoe repair guy. They usually have something that will do the trick.

bcdunham · 15 January 2010, 05:41 AM

Rubbed leather conditioner on the thing all evening and even let some sit on the strap over night. Helped enough. However, plan on dropping off at the local shoe repair to see if they can help bring it along some more. Here is a pic of the band post-heavy conditioning.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/34517965@N08/4274871410/

Joey_V · 15 January 2010, 06:38 AM

What did we learn here? If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

GL with the strap but it looks beat to me. I won't be washing mine anytime soon.... sorry man.

B. Doggy · 15 January 2010, 06:38 AM

Looks done to me.

A1000 · 16 January 2010, 05:28 AM

Looks like the leather conditioner worked ok to me.

13 January 2010, 12:16 AM	#1
bcdunham "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Kentucky Posts: 126	Any way to salvage this OEM strap? So I bought a pre-owned PAM 48. From the pics I saw before I bought it, it appeared pretty beat up. Assumed that I would need to replace the strap and send it off for a polish and service as soon as it arrived. I was pleasantly surprised to see that the case was dirty but in surprisingly good condition. The OEM gator strap, while looking worn, had a nice slightly vintage look to it. Figured the strap, which wouldn't be my primary strap, would definitely get some use from me. So I cleaned the case and I was good to go. However, I noticed that there was a very strong smell of cologne on the strap. I made the bad decision last night to try to clean the strap and, I'm afraid, ruined it in the process. Started with some leather cleaner that came with my wife's purse. Didn't seem to do the trick. Then used a very mild soap and water. Then put some of the leather conditioner that came with the purse on it. Thought the strap looked completely ruined but hoped that it would dry out over night and return to good condition in the morning. Here's what I found this morning. http://www.flickr.com/photos/34517965@N08/4268330547/ So is there any way to salvage this strap??? Any magic conditioner I can soak this thing in for a week straight? Anything??? If not, it's not the end of the world. Had planned on replacing the strap when I bought it and priced it accordingly. However, it still would suck to know that I ruined an otherwise acceptable OEM gator strap. Thanks.

13 January 2010, 12:26 AM	#2
inspires "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Real Name: Eric Location: Hong Kong Watch: 1665 Posts: 1,495	Try bringing it to your local shoe repair guy. They usually have something that will do the trick. __________________ _____________ All GREEN

15 January 2010, 06:38 AM	#4
Joey_V "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Real Name: Joey Location: Dallas, TX Watch: SS Sub 16610 M Posts: 3,824	What did we learn here? If it ain't broke, don't fix it. GL with the strap but it looks beat to me. I won't be washing mine anytime soon.... sorry man. __________________ Current Rotation: Rolex Submariner Date (M) - 1/08, Rolex Milgauss GV (V) - 2/10, Rolex SS Black Daytona (V) - 6/10, Rolex GMTIIC (G) - 5/11, TAG Heuer Silverstone (286/1860) - 1/2015 Former-watches: Omega PO/2535.80/2254, TAG Carrera/F1x2/Monaco, Panerai 312K/292L Wish List: Panerai 270/505, Rolex SMURF, Rolex RG Daytona, Rolex DSSD

15 January 2010, 06:38 AM	#5
B. Doggy "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Real Name: Bryan Location: Oregon Posts: 7,399	Looks done to me. __________________ Rolex / Panerai / Omega

16 January 2010, 05:28 AM	#6
A1000 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Real Name: Adrian Location: UK Posts: 953	Looks like the leather conditioner worked ok to me. __________________ Rolex 16610LV (2007) PAM 312K (2009) PAM 292K (2009)

15 January 2010, 05:41 AM	#3
bcdunham "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Kentucky Posts: 126	Rubbed leather conditioner on the thing all evening and even let some sit on the strap over night. Helped enough. However, plan on dropping off at the local shoe repair to see if they can help bring it along some more. Here is a pic of the band post-heavy conditioning. http://www.flickr.com/photos/34517965@N08/4274871410/

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