A Guide to Luxury Watch Straps
If you are looking for a way to customise your luxury watch, changing the strap will give it a brand new look. There are plenty of options out there, ranging from humble nylon to dazzling gold.
We’ve outlined the main categories here to help you decide which watch strap is right for you.
Leather Watch Strap
When wristwatches were first worn by soldiers back in WW1, leather was the material of choice. These simple, functional watches were easier to access than a pocket watch, and when the wrist watch made its way into everyday fashion, the leather strap prevailed. Over the years, there have been a few variations available in leather, from thicker, more rustic looking straps for sport watches, to slim and refined straps for dress watches.
Stainless Steel Bracelet
Stainless steel is the classic material for a metal bracelet; it is very hardwearing and is, therefore, perfect to be worn every day. Steel bracelets can be found in a variety of styles, meaning that you don’t necessarily need to opt for a chunky bracelet. Stainless steel also includes the thin Milanese bracelet featuring tiny interlocking rings to create an elegant “mesh” look.
Titanium Bracelet
Typically found within rocks and sand deposits, Titanium was originally used in NASA’s construction of space and aircraft. Since then, its use has broadened and you can now choose Titanium for your watch bracelet. The benefits? Titanium is 30% stronger than stainless steel, but it is a lighter material – an ideal combination for something worn on the wrist. It is also hypoallergenic and will not rust or corrode in harsh conditions.
Gold Bracelet
If you are in search of a luxury watch strap, a gold bracelet is the answer! Gold is considerably heavier than stainless steel or Titanium, but if you are saving the watch for special occasions this would not be much of an issue.
Rubber Strap
A rubber strap may not seem like the first choice for a luxury watch; it’s a practical material that conjures images of tyres or wellington boots. However, for many high-end dive watches, a rubber strap is supple and comfortable for the wearer, not to mention that it’s fully waterproof. Omega, Tag Heuer, Breitling and even Rolex now offer dive models with high-quality rubber straps.
NATO strap
Finally, we thought we would add the NATO strap to the list because they make an eye-catching alternative to a metal or leather bracelet on a sport watch. Usually associated with the military, these modest nylon straps can be found in a variety of colours and patterns today. If you are looking for another way to wear a watch you already own, a NATO strap might be the ideal option for you.
Here at Cuttings, we have a good understanding of watch straps and can point you in the right direction if you are looking for a specific style. Just give us a call and we’ll be happy to help!