Watch band smells

[motojunkie101]

I've got a timex expedition...nice little watch with a built in compass so I can walk north if I ever get lost while out and about. The problem is that the band smells. I wear it most of the time, including when I work out. I'd take it off, but how else can I see how much of an underachiever I am when out for a jog?

I've tried washing the band but nothing seems to get the smell out....so SW what am I do to? Any tips for cleaning or should I just pony up and spend the 5 bucks on a new watch band?

I forgot to mention - its leather on the inside and nylon on the outside.

 

[winter brew]

Can you describe the smell?

 

[Scott]

Biggest trick is to get air underneath between the skin and the band. Don't have them on too tight. They need to breath.

I always only wear a Timex Ironman Triathalon watch. My watch purchase is always paired with buying an aftermarket watchband.

I NEVER wear the stock band. I always mod my watch equipment too. I have always chucked the stock plastic band right into the shopping bag and I wear "The Band". It's the velcro wrap around one.

It usually starts to stink in the summer and well into the wrestling season. By then it's time to throw it in the washing machine. Very easily done in the washing machine.

Those bands last me about 2 or 3 years before I need a new one. My watches last about 6 years before the seal goes out and I opt for a new one.

http://www.chums.com/category/watchbands

They do thousands of colors.

 

[NorthMNSledder]

You mod your watch bands? I don't know if I'm impressed or concerned!!

 

[Superjag]

You mod your watch bands? I don't know if I'm impressed or concerned!!

For the record, I'm a little of both.

To the OP, I used the google (turns out there's quite a few of you stinky b*stards out there) and they most frequent suggestions were either saddle soap or making a paste out of mixture of baking soda and water and letting it sit on there overnight.

Like others have already said and according to what I found on the 'net, they key seems to be not to let it get too stinky in the first place. Air it out when you can and take it ff when you sleep or shower.

 

[XXL]

Take the watch off the band, hook it around your belt loop the next
time you wash your jeans. Unless you want to see if it can take a lickin and keep on ticken then leave it on.

 

[motojunkie101]

I scrubbed it pretty hard this morning and it still doesn't smell right.

My watch on the other hand smells a little less after a meeting with some dawn dish soap...although I think a new one will be in order pretty soon. I don't sleep with it on, and usually take it off before I shower. I had this watch throughout my deployment and 120-130 degree temps last summer so it had been soaked in sweat just about every day. I can say its held up pretty well other than being a little smelly.

 

[TIM]

just go to a jewerly store and by another band. they are not that much money. I have been changing the bands out yearly for about 4 years now on the same timex watch.

 

[oldsledsrule]

OMG, what's next------- "my pocket comb is bent", wadda we do now ?????????

 

[HDEMWET]

The cause of the odor is brevibacteria, it is a bacteria which lives off of skin cells, and will form on your wristband. It gives off "waste" which is very close to acetic acid (vinegar). Basic chemistry dictates that if you wish to neutralize an acid you add a base. As mentioned above mixing baking soda (base) with water into a paste will destroy the odor by neutralizing the acid. A good anti-bacterial agent or rubbing alcohol will kill the bacteria (for now). Because these are anaerobic bacteria, allowing air between your band and skin helps to prevent them from forming.

 

[sidehil]

Us archery hunters have that licked, just spray a little elk piss on it and problem solved. They sell it at Cabelas, heck you can use as deoderant if your tough!

 

[motojunkie101]

haha, i think with elk scent I'd have bigger problems to worry about, like finding a new place to sleep! Some people just cant appreciate the finer things in life.

 

[m8magicandmystery]

don;t wear your watch on the same hand that you use when you stand around with your thumb up your butt...its your thumb your smelling

 

[motojunkie101]

Sounds like you may be speaking from experience.

 

[m8magicandmystery]

Sounds like you may be speaking from experience.

nope....never been close enough to ya to smell your thumb

 

[xrated]

People still wear watches?

I figure if I'm at work there are clocks all over, if I have to be somewhere I have my cell phone. Otherwise I don't care what time it is. Eat when I get hungry, piss when I have to, go to bed after it is dark.

 

[Jeff C]

Simplest/easiest way to get rid of that smell.........

PORT YOUR WATCH BAND!

 

[xrated]

Simplest/easiest way to get rid of that smell.........

PORT YOUR WATCH BAND!

What kind of pattern and what size holes? Will there be any performance gains or will it still seem stock?

 

[Superjag]

Simplest/easiest way to get rid of that smell.........

PORT YOUR WATCH BAND!

Yes, but will my band still make boost at idle?

 

[winter brew]

If it smells anything like my helmet, I let the dog piss on it to freshen it up a bit.