My watch band STINKS.

MichaelD

Lifer
Jan 16, 2001
31,528
3
76
Literally. I've posted this before, but got no help, so I'm trying again.

My watches all have leather bands. I have hairy arms, so those expando-metal bands are a no-no; they snag the hair. :Q

I guess I have weird body chemistry or something...after a few weeks of wear, the band starts to stink. Badly. :eek:

I've tried washing the band w/deodorant soap and rinsing/drying thoroughly. The smell comes back. What's it smell like? Well, to me, it smells like what socks worn for a week straight...during the summer...in the rain...inside rubber boots would smell like.

I get up in the morning, shave, take a shower using either Coast/Irish Spring or Dial deodorant/antibacterial soap. I wash my wrists especially well, due to the stinkage factor...

I put the watch on and then my damn arm smells b/c of the watch band.

What can I do about this?
 

MichaelD

Lifer
Jan 16, 2001
31,528
3
76
Originally posted by: notfred
spray some leather waterproofing stuff on the band, maybe?

Hmm....to like , seal it closed? Didn't think of that. I happen to have a waterproofing paste (comes in a shoe-polish can) that I use on my boots....I may try that.
 

Yossarian

Lifer
Dec 26, 2000
18,010
1
81
Don't get an expando metal band, get a fixed length one that has a latch on it. Leather stuff will always stink once you get sweat and stuff in there.

Or you could just shave your arms and take a bath you disgusting smelly ape man :D
 

CraigRT

Lifer
Jun 16, 2000
31,440
5
0
Don't watch bands always stink eventually?
my Swiss Military watch band stinks.. has to be washed from time to time... the problem comes back, wash the band again.
 

MichaelD

Lifer
Jan 16, 2001
31,528
3
76
Originally posted by: iamwiz82
stop smelling your wrists?

LOL! I can't help it. I lean on my left hand while I surf/work...the watch is right under my nose. :eek:
 

Eli

Super Moderator | Elite Member
Oct 9, 1999
50,419
8
81
Put some tea tree oil on the band. It doesen't have a bad smell, but it is definately pungent.

It helps in two ways.. one, it smells good.. and two, it's anti-bacterial.

It may stain the leather if you only put a drop or two in spots, though.
 

Howard

Lifer
Oct 14, 1999
47,982
11
81
Use antibiotic occasionally. I hear it's from a concentrated amount of sweat-eating backterai.
 

Jzero

Lifer
Oct 10, 1999
18,834
1
0
Just wash it when it starts to smell. It's going to happen. I used to wear my cloth-band Shark in the ocean, pool, shower, gym, never ever took it off. It would start to smell, so I'd wash it in soapy water, and it would be fine for awhile.

 

Scarpozzi

Lifer
Jun 13, 2000
26,392
1,780
126
Go to Walmart and spend $7-10 and buy "the band". If you ask for it at the watch counter they'll hook you up. It's a nylon watch band that's compatible with most every watch.

You can wash it. ;)
 
Feb 10, 2000
30,029
67
91
Better yet, get a cool-ass NATO band, which is a high-quality nylon band with metal hardware. Search Google for a vendor.
 

dakels

Platinum Member
Nov 20, 2002
2,809
2
0
My main watch has a band much like this (I also have some Skagens too).
Skagen

Its a fine mesh that doesn't trap any hair, in my experience, and is totally waterproof and won't smell. Its very stylish too IMO and works with my nice suits or jeans and T-shirt. Has gone diving with me 50 feet, skiing and snowboarding, or just daily to work. Very versitile band.

Go to a store and try it.
 

Try a rubber watch band? It's a possibility only if it fits the style of the watch.
 

Omegachi

Diamond Member
Mar 27, 2001
3,922
0
76
use toothpaste to clean your watch or use a safe disinfectant to clean it. it is probably mildew or mold that you can't see.
 

toant103

Lifer
Jul 21, 2001
10,514
1
0
Originally posted by: MichaelD
Literally. I've posted this before, but got no help, so I'm trying again.

My watches all have leather bands. I have hairy arms, so those expando-metal bands are a no-no; they snag the hair. :Q

I guess I have weird body chemistry or something...after a few weeks of wear, the band starts to stink. Badly. :eek:

I've tried washing the band w/deodorant soap and rinsing/drying thoroughly. The smell comes back. What's it smell like? Well, to me, it smells like what socks worn for a week straight...during the summer...in the rain...inside rubber boots would smell like.

I get up in the morning, shave, take a shower using either Coast/Irish Spring or Dial deodorant/antibacterial soap. I wash my wrists especially well, due to the stinkage factor...

I put the watch on and then my damn arm smells b/c of the watch band.

What can I do about this?

take it to a watch store and ask them to soaked it in the ultrasonic machine. It should be like $1, sometime free
 

0roo0roo

No Lifer
Sep 21, 2002
64,795
84
91
stop wearing it so tight, u should be able to slip 1-2 fingers under your band.

me i wear rubber or metal. i tend to shower with it on so it stays reasonably clean:)