Got hold of a watch recently, and I can only presume that the previous owner was a very heavy smoker: the watch, box and straps stink of it.

Any ideas about how to get rid of the smell? I'm going to wash it (again), and try airing it outside - but it's a powerful one, this, and my hopes aren't too high...

Throw the straps away and get the Brasso or metal polish out for the case, Other than that i really wouldn,t know.

Scrub the box gently with a damp cloth with lemon washing up liquid maybe.

But i am sure someone else may help more.

atnits wrote:Got hold of a watch recently, and I can only presume that the previous owner was a very heavy smoker: the watch, box and straps stink of it.

Any ideas about how to get rid of the smell? I'm going to wash it (again), and try airing it outside - but it's a powerful one, this, and my hopes aren't too high...

I had one of these, and it was terrible. I never used the strap, and I left the box (open) in the open air for a long time. For the watch itself, I washed it with mild liquid soap and a toothbrush, and that helped.

I never bonded with that particular watch and I sold it on quite quickly. Even then, I had to tell the new buyer about the stinky box.

atnits wrote:Got hold of a watch recently, and I can only presume that the previous owner was a very heavy smoker: the watch, box and straps stink of it.

Any ideas about how to get rid of the smell? I'm going to wash it (again), and try airing it outside - but it's a powerful one, this, and my hopes aren't too high...

Nope.....i would say you will have to chuck away the straps.If the watch is waterproof leave it to soak for a bit and see if that works.

However,when you bought the watch did the previous owner mention that he smoked? As far as i'm concerned that is important and potentially deal breaking information. It will certainly alter the value of the watch and i would be getting hold of him to either arrange to return the watch,or if you really don't want to do that,a partial refund to cover the cost of buying new straps.

The wife says, try putting in a seal-able plastic bag with lots of potpourri or strong smelling candles, pine fresh car fresheners. who knows if it will work.

Worth a try

Had the same and the strap went in the bin. I'd go the lots of fresh air route first for the case, making use of the nice breeze we have at the mo.

This will work, including for the straps, box, and paperwork:

Put in a vacuum chamber to pull off the volatile organics. Preferably heated to 50 degrees C to increase the vapor pressure of the contaminants. Leave overnight if possible.

Then store with activated carbon granules in a closed container for a few months.

28800bph wrote:This will work, including for the straps, box, and paperwork:

Put in a vacuum chamber to pull off the volatile organics. Preferably heated to 50 degrees C to increase the vapor pressure of the contaminants. Leave overnight if possible.

Then store with activated carbon granules in a closed container for a few months.

How simple could it be?

student solution = Febreze and air!

Baking soda will work OK too.

Activated carbon granules can be purchased at pet stores (fish aquarium section). ~$3 per bag.

I can't believe you guys don't have your own vacuum furnace at home!

28800bph wrote: I can't believe you guys don't have your own vacuum furnace at home!

...and they call themselves watch collectors. ..............................

JAG wrote:

28800bph wrote:Baking soda will work OK too.

Activated carbon granules can be purchased at pet stores (fish aquarium section). ~$3 per bag.

I can't believe you guys don't have your own vacuum furnace at home!

When are you going to liquid fill my C6 then Sir28800

and mine? Pretty please?

JAG wrote:

28800bph wrote:Baking soda will work OK too.

Activated carbon granules can be purchased at pet stores (fish aquarium section). ~$3 per bag.

I can't believe you guys don't have your own vacuum furnace at home!

When are you going to liquid fill my C6 then Sir28800

and mine? Pretty please. Oops double post. Sorry!!!

DSHall wrote:

JAG wrote:

28800bph wrote:Baking soda will work OK too.

Activated carbon granules can be purchased at pet stores (fish aquarium section). ~$3 per bag.

I can't believe you guys don't have your own vacuum furnace at home!

When are you going to liquid fill my C6 then Sir28800

and mine? Pretty please?

I'm hanging on to my white C6, just hoping Mr 2800 starts offering this service one of these days.

Kip wrote:

28800bph wrote: I can't believe you guys don't have your own vacuum furnace at home!

...and they call themselves watch collectors. ..............................

I stand proudly, ankle deep, in the shallow end of the WIS pool