Watch straps play an essential role in a wristwatch’s general outlook. A good wristwatch with a crappy band won’t look as attractive. Luxury watches come in different types and styles, which are made of different materials. Wristwatch straps can be made from gold, silver, platinum, plastic, leather, or even stainless steel.
When choosing a watch, one should take note of what they are going to use it for. This would determine the type of strap you should be on the lookout for. If you plan on using your watch for hiking or similar activities, then a stainless steel strap might be more suitable and so on. Some luxury watch brands, like Breitling, produce watches with a variety of straps you can interchange. Other common types of watch straps include the following.
1. Leather Straps
Leather straps are arguably the most preferred types of straps. They have a very classic look and feel to them. There is also the conception that wearing leather is fashionable. It is the perfect material if you are looking for a watch band that will be comfortable and stylish.
The leather is strong, sturdy, yet flexible. There are also higher quality leather watch straps for those that are willing to spend more. A good quality leather strap will have a thicker back portion and will provide additional support for the watch. They are usually more expensive than rubber straps, but they will last longer and give your wristwatch a more fashionable and trendy look.
Leather watch straps tend to be a little more durable than stainless steel, and they come in a variety of colors, including black or brown. Some leather watch bands include colored stripes as well as other designs. Most people prefer to purchase leather watch straps that are soft to the touch and will feel comfortable to wear. They are also less susceptible to scratch or rust.
2. Stainless Steel Straps
Stainless steel watch bands, although very expensive, are also the most popular watch band material. They provide a glossy, classic look, and they can often withstand very high pressures.
The stainless steel wristwatch bands are great for everyday use and can withstand exposure from daily activities. Stainless steel watch bands are available in many different styles and materials. Many people prefer to purchase stainless steel watch bands because they are durable and will not develop scratches or other damage over time. However, the main problem with stainless steel watch bands is that they can rust, discolor, and stain easily. This is only bound to happen in bands that are of low quality.
3. Silicon Rubber Straps
Silicon rubber straps bend when pressure is applied. They are flexible and provide poor conductivity of heat. They do help to give your watch a techy, minimalist, or modern look. These kinds of straps are common in wristwatches built with high tech.
Silicon rubber watch bands are commonly used with men’s and women’s watches, but they are also ideal for children’s timepieces and even sports watches! Rubber watch straps come in many different styles and colors. Depending on the quality, silicon rubber watch bands can be prone to easy damage, so they may not always last as long as you want them to.
4. Magnetic Bands
For those that want to stand out from the crowd, there is the magnetic watch band. This type of watch strap works with tech types of watches and can hold two separate watch sides together! Magnetic watch bands are typically made out of steel, silver, or gold and will feature a one-of-a-kind watch face and look like a bracelet.
5. Fabric Strap
Most fashion watches come with a leather strap or a fabric strap, and there are different patterns to choose from. These straps provide a fancy look and feel of a fine watch while being convenient and comfortable to wear. The leather strap might be more popular, but the fabric straps are much more comfortable and affordable. It can be replaced easily if you need to change the strap.
The fabric straps offer many colors and patterns to complement any watch and are often used for ladies’ sports watches and fashion watches for a high-end look. They are great for casual and dressy looks alike. Fabric straps tend to get dirty and can easily be cleaned, but they may not last as long as the other type of watch bands.
In Conclusion
Quality watches straps are essential for a complete look. Different watch straps are designed to match all kinds of watches perfectly. The most popular type of watch straps in leather and stainless steel for those who are watch fanatics. These straps come in different forms and shapes to match specific watches. For those who want to keep up with the current fashion trends, cloth or silicon rubber watches are available in many different designs and styles.