September 24, 2025

How to Care for and Maintain Your Watch Straps

A great watch strap doesn’t just complete your timepiece—it defines how it feels on your wrist. Whether you prefer rubber, leather, or NATO, taking care of your straps is essential if you want them to last, stay comfortable, and keep your watches looking their best.

Here’s your ultimate guide to watch strap care and maintenance, tailored for collectors who understand that the details matter.

Rubber Straps: Keep Them Clean and Fresh

Rubber straps are built for adventure, but even the toughest materials benefit from a little TLC.

Rinse Regularly: After swimming in saltwater or chlorinated pools, rinse your rubber strap with fresh water to prevent buildup.
Gentle Cleaning: Use mild soap and warm water with a soft cloth or brush to remove sweat, dirt, and oils.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Perfume, sunscreen, and solvents can degrade rubber over time—try to avoid direct contact.
Store Properly: Keep rubber straps out of prolonged direct sunlight when not in use to maintain their softness and color.

👉 With WIS rubber straps, our lint- and UV-resistant finish makes maintenance easier than ever—they’ll look new far longer than standard straps.

Leather Straps: Preserve Elegance with Care

Leather is timeless, but it requires the most care to maintain its refined look.

Avoid Water: Leather absorbs moisture, which can cause staining, stiffness, or odor. Take off your watch before swimming or showering.
Wipe After Wear: Use a soft, dry cloth to remove sweat or dirt at the end of the day.
Condition Occasionally: Apply a leather conditioner every few months to keep it supple and prevent cracking.
Rotate Your Straps: Daily wear will age leather quickly. Rotating between a few straps extends the life of each one.

👉 Over time, high-quality leather develops a patina—a unique character that tells your story. Proper care ensures it looks rich rather than worn-out.

NATO & Fabric Straps: Simple and Reliable

NATO and fabric straps are low-maintenance, but they still benefit from occasional cleaning.

Hand Wash: Soak in warm, soapy water for 15–20 minutes, then gently scrub with a soft brush.
Rinse Thoroughly: Remove all soap residue and air dry completely before reattaching.
Check Hardware: Ensure the metal keepers and buckle stay secure and rust-free.

👉 NATOs are some of the easiest straps to maintain, making them ideal for casual, everyday wear.

General Strap Care Tips

No matter what strap material you prefer, a few universal practices will keep them lasting longer:

Rotate Straps: Don’t wear the same strap every day—rotation prevents overuse and extends their lifespan.
Keep Away from Extreme Heat: Avoid leaving watches in hot cars or direct sunlight for long periods.
Inspect Regularly: Check spring bars and quick-release pins for wear or weakness. A strap is only as strong as its connection to your watch.
Match Strap to Activity: Save leather for formal settings, rubber for sports and water, and NATO for casual use.

The WIS Straps Advantage

At WIS, we build our straps to withstand the test of time:

Rubber engineered to resist UV rays, lint, and sweat.
Leather selected for quality, durability, and comfort.
NATOs designed with reinforced stitching and durable hardware.
Quick-release technology that makes swaps fast and safe—so you can rotate with ease.

When you invest in WIS, you’re not just buying straps—you’re buying longevity.