Is it OK to wet the leather strap? I mean, if it's an outdoor watch, it can get wet anytime. Does the strap not get ruined?

I wear mine kayaking, canoeing, swimming, etc. It gets a bit slimy when wet so I usually take it off to dry afterward. It will not due the leather any favors but I still make it last for a couple of years. I then buy a new leather watch band when It gets too worn.

How many holes are in the strap? For a guy, I basically have a woman's small wrist, and would need it to have 7-8 holes for a good fit.

There are eight (8) holes in the strap.

Moderate to loud tick. I have some hearing loss and can still hear it, so it can't be too quiet! Out of the four watches I own, all different ones, this is next to the loudest.