[clement]

I just got an ostrich leather strap to put on a classic watch (I liked the nice texture).
At the moment it is very light brown / honey, and I find it to be too light; the seller told me that ostrich leather will darken up to "dark chocolate in a few months", which would be really cool.

Is is something any of you has experienced ?
Thanks for your inputs...

 

[doctorc]

As with most lighter leathers, as the strap absorbs oils from wearing it can darken. If you would like to speed up the process you could give a light coat of leather conditioner.
This is a Hirsch ostrich strap with some patina and aging. It is a little darker now.

 

[clement]

Thank you Greg, your tip worked like a charm :
I used leather care oil, let it dry, brushed it and then applied some leather waterproofing spray. It darkened half the way I want it to be.

Now I just have to wear it and make it dirty !

 

[TheTigerUK]

From what i know Clement it depends which end of the ostrich the leather comes from but the rear end seems to get darker with age

 

[clement]

Haha John, that's a pretty good one !
It sure won't get lighter :-D

Here are the results :

 

[ClockBloke]

As with most lighter leathers, as the strap absorbs oils from wearing it can darken. If you would like to speed up the process you could give a light coat of leather conditioner.
This is a Hirsch ostrich strap with some patina and aging. It is a little darker now.

My word that watch is lovely! What is it?

 

[doctorc]

My word that watch is lovely! What is it?

The wrist shot is a little blurry, Here's a little better

and a before shot...

 

[ClockBloke]

No wonder it's nice. I thought that was the name on the dial & as it's out of my league, well for now anyway. What a super looking watch. Congratulations are seriously in order with that beauty.

 

[mwbuss8]

I use mink oil on most of my leather items. I got hooked on the stuff for my baseball gloves because it softens and protects (and definitely darkens) better than anything labeled for the same purposes. The more you rub, the darker it gets.

 

[clement]

I use mink oil on most of my leather items. I got hooked on the stuff for my baseball gloves because it softens and protects (and definitely darkens) better than anything labeled for the same purposes. The more you rub, the darker it gets.

Very nice tip, and I now where to get some, I'll try it this week-end.
Thank you

 

[wheeler004]

Mink oil will darken up the leather nicely, but it can deteriorate thread so use it sparingly near any stitching.