A Strapping Question.

[HeavySoul]

Hello watch people

Two questions:

I have recently purchased a Seiko 5, the MX5 of the Pistonhead world. I love it and it does the job I wanted it to perfectly.

Except that it stinks.

Not the watch itself, of course, but the fabric strap.

Now I don't consider myself a profuse sweater but I presume wearing my 5 all day has taken its toll. I have tried washing it under warm water and getting it lathered up well with hand soap but this only seem to dull the wretched smell for a few days.

Therefore:

Any tips on how to properly clean fabric straps long-term without causing too much fade or damage to the metallic parts attached?

Also - I am going to buy a few of these NATO things too, to allow me to change the appearance of my watch on a whim. I think I have read on this forum that 'Timefactors' is the place to go for these?

Do I need a little tool to remove the pins each time to make things easier to swap straps around or would a pair of pliers and some swearing be sufficient?

Any help would be appreciated - I am new to all this watch gubbins.

[Shaw Tarse]

Have a look here http://www.ukwatchstrap.co.uk/nato-watch-strap.htm...
No need to remove the pins when changing a NATO strap.

[Gizmo!]

Your Seiko MX5 probably doesn't have a hole either side of the ... er... strap pin thing.* So you'll need a proper tool to remove it. Like this one. http://thestrapshop.co.uk/pages/access/tools.html

• Complete brainfade. What are they called?

[CardShark]

There are quite a few places that can help you with NATOs, Timefactors and the suggestion above are both recommended as is this place http://www.watchworx.co.uk/pages/lwb/NatoG10.htm You can also get springbar tools from here, and while you don't need one to take a NATO on/off you will need one to release the springbars when using the original strap, you can bodge it with cocktail sticks or whatever but for the money I'd just get the proper tool for the job. As for taking care of your original one, just bung it in the washing machine, tie it in a sock if you don't want the buckle clanging around.

Edited by CardShark on Wednesday 26th October 17:39

[CardShark]

Gizmo! said:

Your Seiko MX5 probably doesn't have a hole either side of the ... er... strap pin thing.* So you'll need a proper tool to remove it. Like this one. http://thestrapshop.co.uk/pages/access/tools.html

• Complete brainfade. What are they called?

Springbar

[HeavySoul]

CardShark said:

As for taking care of your original one, just bung it in the washing machine, tie it in a sock if you don't want the buckle clanging around.

This is the sort of suggestion I knew the internet would come up with! Brilliant!

Thanks CS.

[Gizmo!]

HeavySoul said:

CardShark said:

As for taking care of your original one, just bung it in the washing machine, tie it in a sock if you don't want the buckle clanging around.

This is the sort of suggestion I knew the internet would come up with! Brilliant!

Thanks CS.

Erm... I know one of the 5 attributes is water resistance, but I'm not sure it will like the spin cycle much?

I'd go with "scrub it with a nail brush and some washing up liquid".

[Shaw Tarse]

Just the strap!

Or is it parrot time for me?

[LukeBird]

Shaw Tarse said:

Just the strap!

Or is it parrot time for me?

Just the strap!
I doubt washing a Diver's watch ([i[not[/i] a Seiko 5 though!) would do much harm though, I've done vastly more stupid things to mine!

[CommanderJameson]

LukeBird said:

Shaw Tarse said:

Just the strap!

Or is it parrot time for me?

Just the strap!
I doubt washing a Diver's watch ([i[not[/i] a Seiko 5 though!) would do much harm though, I've done vastly more stupid things to mine!

It's only polite to put one's G-shock through the dishwasher before selling it.

[r1ch]

I have the same problem with my 5. I wear it for work, for sport, in the gym. The smell is pretty gross if i'm honest.

I'd like a nato one instead.

[Mattt]

Gizmo! said:

HeavySoul said:

CardShark said:

As for taking care of your original one, just bung it in the washing machine, tie it in a sock if you don't want the buckle clanging around.

This is the sort of suggestion I knew the internet would come up with! Brilliant!

Thanks CS.

Erm... I know one of the 5 attributes is water resistance, but I'm not sure it will like the spin cycle much?

I do it daily, saves me buying a watch winder for my Autos.