Watch Straps or Watch Bracelets – Which is best?

Definition of a Watch Strap

Firstly a watch band is a more generic term for a watch strap or watch bracelet.

A watch strap is a watch band made of rubber/resin, leather, denim, nylon, cloth or other non-metal materials and is used to hold a watch on your wrist.

A watch bracelet is a watch band made from a metal link. This metal link can be composed of stainless steel, titanium, gold, silver or other metals. Like many ladies bracelets it may have a clasp to open it.

What is the Best Watch Strap or Bracelet?

This is rather subjective as it depends in part on your own personal preferences. However factors such as durability, personal comfort, scratch resistance, toxicology and style are also important. Hopefully the following info will help you make a decision:

Durability

Metal
Where durability is concerned metal bracelets are the strongest lasting over 20 years with stainless steel the most common.

Titanium watch bands are the most durable but tend to scratch easier then stainless steel unless they are surface treated to make them scratch resistant. However the durability and scratch resistance of titanium depends on the grade of titanium used.

White and yellow gold watch bands are softer than other metals, and are not as resilient under normal wear.

Leather
Leather watch straps usually last about five years, depending on the quality of the leather. The standard buckle closure adds wear and tear, but better leather bands offer a deployant buckle, significantly increasing the band's durability.

Synthetics:

Rubber is the most popular of the synthetics and provides good weather resistance, rubber is also popular for sports watches as it is light. I have found rubber watch straps to be more durable then leather watch straps but this depends on the quality of the rubber.

Nylon is fairly cheap, but does have a tendency to wear out quickly, if it catches on anything.

Plastics, such as PVC, are most often used for children's watches and are not very durable.

Style

• In most cases you are not confined to purchasing the watch band from the company that designed your watch.
• The width of the watch band does not have to be proportionate to the face of the watch. However insure that the watch band fits securely onto the watch case and that it is attachable.
• A contrasting metal colour can actually highlight the case. However insure that the colours don’t clash.
• Matte finishes on leather or metal or gold/silver plated finishes on metal bracelets can create a diverse and contrasting style.
• For a minimalist look, choose a matte band for a matte face
• Shinier finishes draw attention, but are more susceptible to scratches.

Comfort

Where comfort is concerned Watch straps win hands down over watch bracelets.

They tend to be:

• Lighter
• Softer
• Warmer
• More breathable

Putting on Metal bracelet watches can be uncomfortable, particularly on a cold winters day. Metal bracelets are also known to cause skin rashes in some people.

I have found rubber straps to be the most comfortable. They feel warm and lightweight. You barely notice that the watch is resting on your wrist.

Regarding leather, ostrich leather is one of the most luxurious materials for watch bands, with a particularly soft and supple feel, and a distinctive texture.

If you want a metal strap consider stainless steel which is in-expensive. However if you want maximum comfort consider a titanium strap. They are more lightweight, softer and warmer on the skin then stainless steel.

Titanium also has hypo-allergenic properties and is less likely to cause skin rashes which can be uncomfortable.

Price

• Stainless steel is the most common metal for watch bands and is affordable, starting around $20.
• Titanium is more expensive than steel and titanium bands usually start around $75.
• Gold bands usually start around $1,500.
• Cowhide or calf-leather is the most common leather for watch bands. Band prices range anywhere from about $15 to $100.
• Other popular leathers in the same price range include alligator, crocodile and stingray. Band prices start at $75, with many selections priced $200 or more.
• Rubber is the most popular of the synthetics and prices begin at $15.
• Nylon is quite inexpensive with prices starting at around $5.00.
• Plastics, such as PVC, are most often used for children's watches and are very cheap. Prices begin as low as $3.00.

Advantages of Watch Straps

• Lighter and more comfortable
• Softer and warmer against the skin
• Greater choice of colours, textures or patterns
• Easier to adapt or change
• Less likely to produce allergies
• Affordable
• Breathable

Advantages of Watch Bracelets

• More Water-resistant
• More durable
• Easier to put on
• Less likely to fall off
• More customized fit

Can I change my Watch Bracelet?

Thankfully the majority of modern and vintage watches have detachable bracelets which can be replaced with another bracelet or a standard watch strap so long as it is of a similar width.

If your Watch is a simple bracelet or and/or on standard lug connections it should be easy to replace your watch Bracelet and you do not have to obtain the new strap from the same manufacturer. The lug is the part of the watch that sticks out to hold the detachable strap or bracelet.

If you have a non-standard or model specific watch strap/bracelet connection you should try to obtain the new watch strap/bracelet from the manufacturer so that it is compatible and fits the case of the watch. If you cannot obtain this from the manufacturer you could try specialty strap makers who may be able to create a custom strap for your watch.

Fixed peg or pin connections on the watch require open ended straps and so are more difficult to replace once attached without damaging the strap. However such straps are commonly made and only require you to purchase the correct width.

If you own a watch with an integrated bracelet so that the bracelet and the watch case are a single piece then it is unlikely you will be able to replace the strap. This is rare so you should check with a watch specialist first to determine if a changing your watch bracelet to a strap is possible.