Softening up my Zulus

[andy tims]

I've given my Maretec Zulus a couple of longish soaks in warm water (one with a bit of fabric softener added) and they are still pretty stiff.

Any ideas as to how to soften them up apart from years of wear?

[AlexC1981]

I'm afraid I don't know, but what I do with stiff leather straps is to strap the watch on something wrist shaped and leave it for a couple of days. Make sure you use something the right size so that you can do it up on the right hole. A tube of Superdrug sun tan cream works well for me!

I don't suppose it will loosen up your zulus, but perhaps it will make them a little more comfortable.

[Stu R]

Saddle soap

[apotek]

Front rank FIRE!
Second rank FIRE!
worked for Michael Caine

[CardShark]

apotek said:

Front rank FIRE!
Second rank FIRE!
worked for Michael Caine

[andy tims]

apotek said:

Front rank FIRE!
Second rank FIRE!
worked for Michael Caine

Very good.

Anyway, I've given them a couple of washes in the washing machine (well the wife did) & they've softened up a treat.

[Stuart]

Andy,

I'd quite like to try one of these - is it possible to buy them from a UK supplier? A cursory Google only came up with US suppliers, assuming of course that correct spelling is Maratac, rather than Maretec?

Sorry for lightly crashing your thread btw...

Stuart

[andy tims]

Stuart said:

Andy,

I'd quite like to try one of these - is it possible to buy them from a UK supplier? A cursory Google only came up with US suppliers, assuming of course that correct spelling is Maratac, rather than Maretec?

Sorry for lightly crashing your thread btw...

Stuart

Maratec is the correct spelling & buying from a UK source seems just about impossible.

I actually bought a load from these guys

http://www.gnomonwatches.com/Product-view.asp?id=3...

They might not be the ones made by Maratec, but the quality was fine and the price & choice of colours was the best I found, even if the straps were a bit stiff prior to going in the washing machine.

[Stuart]

andy tims said:

Maratec is the correct spelling & buying from a UK source seems just about impossible.

I actually bought a load from these guys

http://www.gnomonwatches.com/Product-view.asp?id=3...

They might not be the ones made by Maratec, but the quality was fine and the price & choice of colours was the best I found, even if the straps were a bit stiff prior to going in the washing machine.

I think that Eddie sells these as well? Ought really to have looked before asking the question.

ETA - I meant his Rhino straps. Look very similar, and as tough.

[andy tims]

Rhino's are OK without the naff "logo" patch - can easily be removed.

Limited choice of colours though & some have very shiny hardware.

[andy_s]

I've bought a few from gnomon and no probs and good service.

[RemainAllHoof]

Pinch sections between thumbs and forefingers and wiggle them, then move along the strap until the other end is reached... just breaking the bonds down, I guess.