Leather bands - comfort and durability?

[rosspanics]

I am thinking about several watches with leather bands, but am concerned with the comfort and durability of them.

After wearing a steel band for so long, I think the leather bands are too sticky and sweaty for me. Do others think the same way? Will I everntually get over that?

Also, I am concerned about the durability - how long should a good leather band last? Would it be crazy to put a cheaper leather band on and store the original one for resale purposes?

[gettocard]

If you stick to winter use only you'll be alright,I actually much prefer the classic steel case/leather combo in a watch.
Sweaty summer is not the best time to wear a leather strap watch,unless it's a top quality one. But even if top quality in the long run will break anyway. And even if it'ill take a while to break it will stink pretty bad.

[East Bay Rider]

Originally Posted by rosspanics

I am thinking about several watches with leather bands, but am concerned with the comfort and durability of them.

After wearing a steel band for so long, I think the leather bands are too sticky and sweaty for me. Do others think the same way? Will I everntually get over that?

You might want to stay away from rubber straps. I have one on my Tudor and I hate it. I am looking for a leather strap comparable to the original at a low price.

Originally Posted by rosspanics

... Would it be crazy to put a cheaper leather band on and store the original one for resale purposes?

No I think that's a smart idea. In fact that's what I did with my Tudor chrono. When I bought it the AD warned me that I could not find an original replacement strap so to be careful. I opted to replace the original with a rubber strap (that I hate and will replace with leather soon) and keep the original brand new and unworn. If I ever sell the watch the original unworn strap will be a desireable accessory.

[Widows Son]

I love leather straps, especially on my dress watches. On my beaters I'll wear rubber or cloth in the Summer. I think leather and cloth are FAR more comfortable than metal. Cloth bands can be put through the washer when they start getting ripe, and rubber washed in the sink.

[rustedmetal]

My skin breaks-out when I throw a leather band on. I just stick to the stainless band or a Nato.

[Mockingbird]

Leather is the only way to go on a dress watch.

[GMZ]

Leather in winter and a NATO/RAF in summer does the trick for me.

[Art161]

I switched to a metal bracelet because the leather band wore out. They are, in general, not all that durable.

[Lion]

I can see buying a Nato for my GMT but I think a leather band would not go well with the watch!!!

[Alcan]

If you're going with leather I'd strongly recommend a butterfly deployant clasp. The strap will last much longer, nor being folded at the buckle every time you put it on or off.

[Kokyuryoku]

It really comes down to how often you intend to wear the watch with the leather band. If you're thinking about it as a daily wearer, then the durability of the strap does become an issue. However, as Alcan mentioned above using a butterfly-deployant clasp will greatly increase its life. It also depends on what kind of leather you are thinking of using, calf, croc, lizard all are great and all feel a little different. While I don't think it's necessary to buy really expensive OEM straps, I still think you should invest a little money and get top quality straps. They'll look better and last longer than the cheaper versions. Also, if you buy a variety of straps you can always change them thus increasing the overal life of them. Post some pics once you decide