Your Guide To Watch Straps

Your Guide To Watch Straps

The face of a watch is where the real magic happens. That’s where unique mechanisms and inspired designs come into play, and it’s how jewellers primarily value luxury watches. But why should the face get all the attention? The watch strap it’s attached to is just as much of a style statement - it’s a mirror of the era in which each piece was created, and represents the lifestyle of the wearer.

In this guide, we’re going to delve into the variety of strap materials available, and touch on notable watch straps, to give some appreciation to what’s happening around the wrist. When buying a watch - especially one that doesn’t have a removable strap - you’ll want to pay close attention to the wristband.

Watch strap materials

In the past, the only decision dilemma was between leather and stainless steel. Today, though, more materials have entered the market, each bringing its own unique qualities. In no particular order (okay, insomeparticular order), here's your guide to watch strap materials and the statements they make. Strap in.

Metal bracelet

The classic bracelet can be crafted with stainless steel, gold, silver, titanium or a myriad of these. Although steel was traditionally the masculine choice, and gold the glamorous, modern-day enthusiasts wear what suits them. Since a metal bracelet tends to be on the weighty side, it might not suit individuals that lead an active lifestyle - unless it’s reserved for their Sunday Bests.

Leather

The leather strap is a versatile yet stylish statement. Alligator, crocodile, cowhide and now faux leather, this wristband takes you from smart to casual in a second. Comfortable and durable, with a retro look that stands the test of time, the best leather straps come from Europe, Italy, Germany and Switzerland.

Rubber

Once the domain of divers, racers and sportspeople, rubber straps are now also commonly associated with high-end pieces worn for smart-casual occasions. This pivot came around in the 1980s when Hublot introduced the use of rubber to luxury timepieces, and over the last few decades, we’ve seen more choices and higher quality in rubber straps. 

Nylon

A nylon strap is a truly practical approach to horology. Durable and affordable, but coveted largely thanks to its mix-and-match capabilities with other straps, the nylon strap can be lumped into two key categories: NATO and Zulu. The NATO strap originated with the British Army but has developed some playfulness since then, while the Zulu strap takes inspiration from NATO but adds extra resistance to wear and tear.

Physical Vapour Deposition (PVD)

A relatively recent trend in watch customisation, coating a strap with VPD creates a sporty, robust look. A few years ago, consumers and companies were choosing to customise watches with VPD to give them a striking monochromatic look.

5 watch straps that made history

Some iconic watch straps stand out in history. Whether that’s because of who they were created for, or because they divert away from the norm, these are the straps that made a ripple in the luxury timepiece space.

  • The Oyster

    Introduced in the 1930s and patented by Rolex in 1947, the Oyster bracelet is a preferred choice for classics such as the Daytona, Submariner and GMT. In good company on sporty models, dress watches and plenty in between, the Oyster bracelet is a classic that looks great on both men and women.

  • The Jubilee

    The Jubilee, also a bracelet pioneered by Rolex, uses an elegant, five-piece link design with smaller links than the Oyster. Most suited to fancier occasions, the 1945 Jubilee was introduced to coincide with the brand’s 40-year anniversary. At first, the Jubilee was made in solid gold for the Datejust, but its use eventually spread to other models, in two-tone and steel versions. 

  • The Royal Oak

    The Royal Oak steel bracelet was initially created for the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak. The Royal Oak bracelet is a favourite of many watch collectors and is unique in its look and design, light reflects beautifully off the Royal Oak and it moves seamlessly. Often voted the most comfortable watch bracelet on the market.

  • The Milanese

    Hailing from Milan in the 19th century, the Milanese watch bracelet is defined by a mesh design that can look as sophisticated as it does robust. Around the 1920s, German watch manufacturers refined the mesh strap, which today is popular on both vintage and modern timepieces - including the Apple Watch.

  • NASA

    An anomaly in our list but interesting nonetheless, the NASA strap was given to Apollo astronauts. It was long enough to wear with their Omega Speedmasters (the moon watch) on the outside of their spacesuits. 

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How to find your watch strap size

Every watch strap (also called a watch band) is measured by the width of the end of the strap - the part that attaches to the timepiece itself. If you’re switching up your strap - whether for aesthetics or practicality - you’ll want to make sure you’re using the correct strap size.

To find the strap size you need, measure the width of the lug. You’ll find the lugs on the watch head; they’re the attachments that hold the strap in place. 

The most accurate way to measure the lug is to use digital callipers, but failing this, a ruler will work.Measure in millimetresandround upif you need to round, since it’s better for straps to be tight rather than loose.

Now you’re ready to find your perfect watch strap! 

Need to replace a metal watch strap? Visit a professional

With the right tools and knowledge, you can probably change some watch straps at home. However, it’s a fiddly job and a wrong move could damage the watch head or the strap. Instead, visit a watch specialist such as Trilogy Jewellers who can make the changeover easily and safely. 

Book an appointmentin our London store for repairs or to browse our collection of rare, luxury timepieces.

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