Elevating Wristwear: The Discerning Watch Lover's Guide to Straps

Learn more about your favorite watch’s wrist companion.

The watch strap is often the first thing people notice about a watch, so it's important to choose one that complements your dial and your personal style. With a wide variety of straps available in different materials, colors, and styles, you can easily change the look of your watch to match any outfit or mood.

Building a diverse collection of watch bands is a smart and cost-effective way to revive your watches and your senses.

Watch bands are relatively inexpensive compared to watches, so investing in a variety of bands is a great way to expand your collection without hassle. A small collection of watches with a large assortment of bands will give you more options and make your collection more versatile. You can dress up a casual watch whatever with a leather or a silicone band. You can get different bands -always ready- to match every moments.

What is the difference between a watch band, watch bracelet, and watch strap?

While the terms "watch band," "watch bracelet," and "watch strap" are often used interchangeably, there are some subtle differences between the three.

• A watch band is the most general term and can refer to any type of material that is used to attach a watch to the wrist. Watch bands can be made from a variety of materials, including leather, rubber, silicone, and metal.
• A watch bracelet is a type of watch band that is made from metal. Watch bracelets are typically more durable and long-lasting than other types of watch bands, but they can also be more expensive.
• A watch strap is a type of watch band that is made from a non-metallic material, such as leather, rubber, or silicone. Watch straps are typically more affordable than watch bracelets, but they may not be as durable.

Here are a few of the most popular watch strap types:

• Rally: Inspired by the racing car straps worn by rally drivers, rally watch straps are typically made from perforated leather, which helps to improve breathability and reduce sweating. They are also known for their comfort and durability.
• NATO: Originally developed by the British Ministry of Defence in the 1970s, NATO watch straps are known for their durability, versatility, and comfort. They are typically made from nylon, but they can also be made from other materials, such as leather or rubber.
• Milanese: Milanese watch straps are made from woven stainless steel mesh. They are known for their sleek and modern look, as well as their comfort and durability.
• Tropic: Originally developed in the 1960s for use with dive watches, tropic watch straps are made from a soft, flexible rubber that is resistant to water, salt, and UV rays. They are also known for their comfort, durability, and versatility.

How to choose the right watch strap size

Watch band sizes are measured in millimeters based on the width of the watch lugs. This is the distance between the two metal protrusions on the back of the watch case where the band attaches.

To measure the lug width of your watch, you can use a metric ruler or a printable template. If you're using a ruler, simply place it across the lugs and measure the distance between them. Be sure to exclude the spring bars in the measurement. If you're using a printable template, simply cut it out and place it over the lugs. The template will have a hole for each lug, so you can easily measure the distance between them.

Once you have the lug width measurement, you can use it to choose the correct size watch band. Watch bands are typically sold in whole millimeter sizes, so if your measurement is between two sizes, it's best to err on the side of caution and choose the larger size. You can always trim it down to size if it's too big.

Choosing the right watch strap can make a big difference in the look and feel of your watch. By considering your personal style, the occasion, and the environment where you will be wearing your watch, you can choose a strap that is both stylish and functional.