Why do the plastic bands crack? Is there anything I can do about it?

[casiophile]

According to the Casio Timepiece Repair Guide:
"All of the plastic Casio bands are made of polyurethane. Polyurethane, like most plastics, is pretty dense and fairly waterproof --- but no plastic is acid proof. The same acids and proteins in body sweat which corrodes jewelry and leather will (in time) take out all of the moisture in the polyurethane plastic; leaving it shiny and brittle. Rough handling of the brittle plastic can break it easily. This is normal. Periodic rinsing of the band with warm water will help remove bacteria & fungus without significantly shortening the band's life. Popular replacement watch bands are often made of polyvinyl plastic, which is very soft (and smells like your swimming pool)."

The replacement bands Casio mentions at the end of this answer refer to the bands found in stores NOT the replacement bands they sell through authorized ......s. It is also worth keeping in mind that polyurethane can take a large variety of forms and not all bands are created equal; you will find that some models have bands which last a lot longer than others. And remember that conditions vary from location to location and person to person so while one enthusiast may find that his DW-6900 band lasts for ten years another may have to buy a new band in three years (for example). The only sure thing is that resin bands WILL break and have to be replaced at some point.

[James Haury]

You can replace the strap.What i want know is where to get nylon and leather leather straps for a G shock? I have a couple,but only one with me They do not seem to be reliably available.

[Cockpit]

According to the Casio Timepiece Repair Guide:
"... The same acids and proteins in body sweat which corrodes jewelry and leather will (in time) take out all of the moisture in the polyurethane plastic; leaving it shiny and brittle. Rough handling of the brittle plastic can break it easily. This is normal. Periodic rinsing of the band with warm water will help remove bacteria & fungus without significantly shortening the band's life.

Hi, thanks for sharing.

Does it mean that as long as I do not wear a watch, the bands (and probably bezels too) will not crack? I often refrain from buying collectible models because I know I will not bear to wear them and I don't want them to sit in the display case having to endure a cracked band/bezel years after and then not being able to find a replacement.

With regards to the "rinsing with warm water" part, from my understanding warm and moist environment promotes bacteria and fungus growth. So I am kind of confused here. Not doubting your source here but just very curious about the science behind it.

[tfar]

Hi, thanks for sharing.

Does it mean that as long as I do not wear a watch, the bands (and probably bezels too) will not crack? I often refrain from buying collectible models because I know I will not bear to wear them and I don't want them to sit in the display case having to endure a cracked band/bezel years after and then not being able to find a replacement.

With regards to the "rinsing with warm water" part, from my understanding warm and moist environment promotes bacteria and fungus growth. So I am kind of confused here. Not doubting your source here but just very curious about the science behind it.

It is likely that an unworn band will last a very long time and not become brittle particularly if not exposed to UV light.

Of course, moist and warm climates harbor bacteria but you are supposed to dry the watch off and CLEAN it. You know, it's like taking a shower and washing yourself. It's warm and moist, too. But you still smell fresher afterwards. ;)

Till

[casiophile]

Does it mean that as long as I do not wear a watch, the bands (and probably bezels too) will not crack?

Does not matter whether you wear it or not the band will still crack eventually. I have had NOS watches, never worn, and the bands cracked just sitting on my display shelf - more times than I can remember.