Watch bands are one of the signature elements of any luxury watch. Not only do they help control the comfort of your timepiece, but they also play a pivotal role in the style and visual appeal of your watch. From the material to the artistic design, every aspect of your watch band should be a reflection of you.
So, what kind of watch band materials are best? How can you adjust different watch bands to be more comfortable? Finally, what can you do if you need to replace a watch band?
We will answer all of these questions and more, but first, let’s look at the different types of watch bands available to you!
Types Of Watch Bands
There are two basic distinctions between traditional watch bands that can help manufacturers and consumers alike. These are watch bracelets and watch straps. Though both fall under the umbrella of “watch bands,” they possess different qualities based on their designs and materials.
Watch Bracelets
Typically, bracelets are created using interwoven or mesh styles. This allows for more artistic versatility than traditional straps. One example is the Oyster watch band. This common design is almost always created using a form of metal (like stainless steel). Created by Rolex in the mid-20th century, the Oyster bracelet is made up of many square or rectangular pieces with interlocked joints. You can easily take off and put on your Oyster bracelet watch by locking and unlocking the clasp. The Jubilee bracelet features a similar design, though the pieces are usually smaller, making the band more malleable (regardless of the material).
Alternatively, Ladder watch bands are created using a series of interlocked and alternating square or rectangular pieces. Rather than forming a solid bracelet without spaces in between, the Ladder design features alternating pieces that create empty space between each joint. Not only does this provide greater breathability for your skin, but it also creates a more interesting visual design.
The watch bracelet styles discussed thus far all maintain widths that do not change. In other words, you could measure the diameter of the band at any two points and they would be the exact same. For a completely different style of bracelet, the Royal Oak offers a clasped band with interlocked joints that descends as the band gets farther away from the watch dial. Consequently, the band’s width is the longest next to the watch and the shortest by the clasp. This creates a unique look that is less common, but nonetheless popular among timepiece enthusiasts.
Finally, the Milanese is one of the most flexible bracelet designs, as it features extremely small, interwoven pieces that resemble a mesh band. In fact, the Milanese watch band is so tightly woven that it blurs the line between bracelet and strap. However, the Milanese is generally made of metal connected by very small joints, making it a bracelet by definition.
Watch Straps
While watch bracelets require small pieces connected via joints, watch straps are made of two solid pieces of material connected by a single buckle or locking mechanism. While bracelets are usually made of metal, straps tend to be made of leather, nylon, rubber, or similar materials that do not require joints to bend to the shape of the wrist.
Though watch straps tend to have a more comfortable feel and, in some cases, a more refined look, they do not offer as much stylistic versatility. There just are not as many watch strap types as there are bracelet types. The vast majority of watch straps are simple bands with metal or synthetic buckles. Most include a series of holes along part of the band to ensure that consumers with varied wrist sizes can wear them with ease.
This is one of the primary advantages that watch straps have over metal watch bracelets. If your weight fluctuates and you need to resize a watch bracelet, you will likely have to take it to a professional who can add or remove links. Alternatively, the size of watch straps with buckles can be adjusted in a matter of seconds. You just need to use a different hole on the strap.
Watch Band Materials
As previously mentioned, both types of watch bands can come in a variety of materials. That said, the most popular watch bracelet material is metal, while some of the most popular watch strap materials include leather, rubber, silicone, and fabric. However, the watch band material you choose will depend on your particular budget, style, and needs.
For example, a metal watch band is not always the most comfortable option, but it does offer a more eye-catching glean than most other materials. Additionally, metal bands are often inexpensive to manufacture, which means that you can find affordable luxury watches with metal bands at most retailers. Finally, if your watch band is made of a strong, water-resistant material like stainless steel, it can even be used for diving, sailing, and other water-based activities.
A leather watch strap is a classic look that will never go out of style, but it may not be the best choice for every occasion. Unlike strong, heavily coated metals, leather is a material that does not mix well with water. So, while it may make your watch look elegant and refined, it may not be a good option if you live a more adventurous lifestyle that puts you out in the elements on a regular basis. Fabric is similarly frail in inclement weather, though it is a far cheaper option than leather.
Finally, rubber and silicone offer some of the least expensive watch band materials. Not only do they hold up well in most environments, but they are often more comfortable than metal. However, rubber and silicone are not considered very “high-end” materials, particularly when it comes to watch bands. So, if you’re in the market for a luxury watch, you might be better off choosing a material like leather or stainless steel.
Watch Band Adjustment
As previously discussed, certain materials and watch band designs make watch resizing easier than others. If you have a metal band, watch links and watch pins will either need to be added or removed. This can make the adjustment process more expensive and time-consuming. Alternatively, band length and band size are not as much of an issue when your band is adjustable by default. For this reason, many consumers opt for bands with buckles that can be shortened or lengthened in a matter of seconds.
Watch Band Replacement
If you’re in the market to completely replace your watch band, you will typically need to contact your watch manufacturer. Otherwise, you may be able to replace the band through affiliated retailers. In any case, changing a watch band comes with varied costs and wait times. If you have a metal watch band with spring bars, it will likely cost more and take longer to replace the entire band. Alternatively, a leather or synthetic watch strap could potentially be replaced in a matter of minutes for a lower rate. Thus, you should always consider your schedule and budget when shopping around for the best watch strap replacement options.
We hope you found our watch bands guide useful! If you’d like to learn more about
buying a luxury watch, feel free to contact the experts at Ashford today!
