How do you clean your PAM's when they are on leather straps ?

[APguy1]

Hi there,

I have purchased a leather strap for my PAM 111 and i was wondering how to clean the watch once the leather strap is on. Now i have a rubber strap and i shower with it so its nice and clean all the time, but with a leather one you cant go near it with water as far as i know.

My question is how do you'll clean you watches to keep them nice and shiney.


Many Regards,

Olly

[wingku]

I wipe it from my micro fibre cloth that I wipe my glasses with.

When I want a nicer clean I swap back to rubber and jump into the shower with it and my rubber duck too!

[APguy1]

Well don't you scratch the shit out of the polished lugs when you keep changing ????!!!!

[wingku]

Just be really carefully :)

PAM owners swap straps all the time, that's one of the best features with PAM. Mine is a keeper so if I scratch it, so be it. Scratches build character lol You can always spend a little money and get it polished every now and then to make it look brand new again.

[advocatia]

1. Take off strap.
2. Clean watch.
3. Put strap back on.
4. Enjoy.

Yes the right side lugs will get scratched a bit. You have to be careful. Mine are slightly scratched and my 422 is not even six months old. I don't care. If they get bad, a light polish will do the trick. Panerai are tough watches meant to be worn. If you treat them like fragile things you will freak out at every imperfection and it's a battle you cannot win.

[WyoWatch]

Originally Posted by zenman63

Well don't you scratch the shit out of the polished lugs when you keep changing ????!!!!

Since the watch has either screws or a quick change system (not springbars, correct?), I can't for the life of me see how you would scratch the watch by changing straps... Just carefully insert the proper screwdriver in the slot, gently unscrew the screw and if need be, push on the opposite end with a toothpick. For the quick change system, just use the non marring plastic tool included with the watch or again a toothpick which also would not scratch. You should never even remotely have to worry about touching the lugs with either of the two above described operations.

[advocatia]

Originally Posted by WyoWatch

Since the watch has either screws or a quick change system (not springbars, correct?), I can't for the life of me see how you would scratch the watch by changing straps... Just carefully insert the proper screwdriver in the slot, gently unscrew the screw and if need be, push on the opposite end with a toothpick. For the quick change system, just use the non marring plastic tool included with the watch or again a toothpick which also would not scratch. You should never even remotely have to worry about touching the lugs with either of the two above described operations.

My experience has been that with both the screw and screwdriver being very small, there is a tendency to slip. Also the screwdriver Panerai gives you is a piece of crap. That along with not always optimal lighting conditions, the wife "patiently" waiting in the car, and 51 year old eyes, have resulted in several minor, minor scratches that are no big deal. With the push button system (which I had on my 88) this cannot happen. But I have also heard of several instances in which the push button system breaks and then what? Off to the mothership or break out the springbars.

[Cru Jones]

like others, i switch straps so often, i just clean it whenever. then again, i purposely chose a quick strap change watch for super easy strap changes (15 seconds max, no screwdriver)....

if you have a historic, you could consider slotted spring bars (click here). i don't have any personal experience with them, but, from the description on micah's site, they sound like a great option:

Tired of scratching up your lugs with that fiddly screwdriver that always seems to slip? Worried about stripped lug threads? These heavy duty slotted spring bars are the answer.

These spring bars replace the lug screws and strap tube assembly on all Luminor and 1950 model Panerais, massively increasing ease of strap changing while having no impact on looks thanks to the cleverly fitted slotted end on the spring bars.

These make switching straps a simple and fast process that takes only seconds, reduces your stress level to zero, eliminates scratches on your lugs (use a toothpick to depress the spring bars) and eliminates the chance of cross threading your screws. At only $15 a pair that's quite a bargain :-)

[Rodentman]

I use those slotted springbars that replace the screws. They are robust, trouble free, and make strap changing a breeze.

[advocatia]

I have some from Micah actually but have been afraid to use them for fear that they would mess up or strip the threads. No chance?

[Cru Jones]

Originally Posted by advocatia

I have some from Micah actually but have been afraid to use them for fear that they would mess up or strip the threads. No chance?

well, the description says "eliminates the chance of cross threading your screws", but, if you have any questions, i'd just ask the man himself. i've recently been in touch with him (not for spring bars) and he's been great.

[p_mcgee]

Not a problem since I got my 233 with the quick change system, but with my old PAMs (and Rolexes when resizing) I used the scotch tape method. Seems to work best with the "magic" (not shiny) tape, just wrap a small piece around the lug & screw, then puncture the tape with the screwdriver.

Admittedly doesn't work well if you are in a hurry, but does save some wear & tear on the lugs if you are concerned about it or intend to resell some day.

[DiverAsia]

I've had some minor scratches while changing straps on my 372.
They are not deep, so I thought a cape cod cloth would work.
Since I have never had or used one, do you think a ccc would work on these light type of scratches. Anyone have any experience with trying to get them out with a ccc?
Cheers!