How do you care for your leather straps?

[tokeyx]

So my Mario Paci strap just arrived, and at $200 I want to make sure I'm taking proper care of it. I emailed Elliott at TC Straps and he said that he doesn't recommend using leather conditioner on it.

Is that the same as not using the waterproofing spray? Does anyone NOT condition/waterproof their straps? I don't want it to stain if it gets wet in the rain or at the sink or anything, and I've actually never had a leather strap before, just rubber and steel.

 

[J.Prime]

If the maker doesn't recommend conditioner or cleaner, I wouldn't use it. Some leathers work well with this stuff while others would not benefit, conditioners could even change the color or feel of some leather. I usually never put sprays or waterproofing chemicals the straps I make myself. Basically, I don't wear them if it is raining, (I'll switch to rubber or steel) unless I have a jacket on, and near the sink, I slide the watch up my wrist a bit and avoid getting it wet. Water is always an enemy to leather.

Do you have any pictures of the strap and your watch? Everyone loves pictures here