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Thread: I need a product to soften a vintage alligator strap

  1. #1

    I need a product to soften a vintage alligator strap

    Ok, so got a very thin, beautiful Omega alligator strap, vintage , probably 50 years old.
    It’s splitting around the scales as I’m wearing it.
    Any ideas on a product to soften it?
    It’s leather lined.
    Any expert I could send it to?

  2. #2
    Master
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    The only thing I can think of is this,though I expect it maybe to late to save.



    https://www.altberg.co.uk/boots/lede...-bootcare-wax1

  3. #3
    Master earlofsodbury's Avatar
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    Leather oil or saddle oil, but as already said, sounds like that boat has sailed.

    Put "vintage leather refurbishers" or "vintage leather restorers" into Google and see if there's anyone near you who can take a look at it, see if it's salvageable. Good chance it'll cost more than anew one, but worth it if there's sentimental value.

  4. #4
    Quote Originally Posted by bwest76 View Post
    The only thing I can think of is this,though I expect it maybe to late to save.



    https://www.altberg.co.uk/boots/lede...-bootcare-wax1
    Thanks guys.
    Ordered this.

  5. #5
    Master
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    Quote Originally Posted by watchlovr View Post
    Thanks guys.
    Ordered this.

    lets hope it works,I was going to send you some but I only have black.

  6. #6
    Master
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    E45 softens leather brilliantly

  7. #7
    Grand Master number2's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by pete-r View Post
    E45 softens leather brilliantly
    I'll be trying that on some dry shoe's.
    "Once is happenstance. Twice is coincidence. The third time it's enemy action."

    'Populism, the last refuge of a Tory scoundrel'.

  8. #8
    If the leather is splitting, then yes by softening you will reduce further splitting, but depending how bad the splitting is in the first place it will need some form of strengthening, some form of flexible glue that can be coloured to match the original strap that will prevent further splitting.
    I would try a flexible superglue with colouring to match the strap, firstly to strengthen the strap where it is split and then add the softening afterwards.
    I used to make vintage leather straps, sometimes it’s not easy to repair vintage leather without replacement, it all depends on the weakness/ damage in the first place.
    With straps it’s a very small surface area to repair, especially when it’s most likely to have a very expensive watch attached to it!
    It would also be possible to to re-line the strap with a thin kangaroo lining or horween shell cordovan( expensive), to strengthen from the inside out.
    It really does matter how much value is in the original strap or indeed what is attached to it!
    Last edited by melhick; 16th May 2023 at 21:58.

  9. #9
    Master
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    Lanolin

    A mainly lanolin based product. The best natural leather (and skin) treatment IMHO.

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