For every watch aficionado, the ultimate wristwatch is more than a sophisticated dial or a complex mechanism. When a watch fits well and matches your style, it really starts to reflect your individuality. This is where the humble watch strap comes into play.
This guide explores the world of watch straps and shows how the right modification can improve style and comfort. We'll review the most common materials like rubber, stainless steel, and leather, stressing their advantages and offering advice for getting the best fit.
The Importance of a Perfect Watch Strap Fit
The watch strap fits the watch in a specific environment, both literally and metaphorically. Every watch strap uses texture, color, material, size, and shape to establish the scene, set the tone, and—most importantly—support the watch. A well-chosen watch strap should draw attention to the watch and support the narrative you wish to convey.
These days watches rarely fall into a single category. Creating the ideal watch strap requires combining several design elements that complement one another both visually and practically. With the advent of new materials and manufacturing methods, the previously wide gap between an athletic watch strap and a dressy watch strap has drastically shrunk.
As watch strap manufacturers attempt to stay up with current trends and adapt their goods, the sheer variety of options available might appear daunting. But we’ve got the cheat sheet!
A Brief History of Watch Straps
The earliest wristwatches, which were accessories targeted exclusively at women, were produced at the start of the 20th century and fastened with a clasp or buckle. The earliest known wristwatch is really from 1790; it was a watch attached to a bracelet.
But the men of that age preferred pocket watches, so this design was not very popular with them. Men preferred the big face of a pocket watch to observe the time, while wristwatches were deemed too tiny. And, due to their environmental exposure, wristwatches were too delicate to be worn on the wrist.
But soon enough, wristwatches would show their worth; worn by troops in World War I, they suffered great damage in the trenches. They made it possible for commanders to plan attacks and bomb drops exactly, which was crucial to the Allied forces' triumph.
With their penchant for wristwatches, the returning troops entirely flipped the trend. An interesting side note is that, compared to European military forces, fewer Americans were recruited into the war (1917). Hence, wristwatches did not become popular in the region until the 1920s.
Understanding Watch Strap Materials
One thing to note is that wristwatches can be really uncomfortable. Think about the uneasy sensation when you discover that the strap is piercing your flesh. With leather or metal bands, the issue is far worse. Hair may become lodged in metal bands in particular, which is an unpleasant sensation. But what watch strap materials are actually worth it?
1. Leather Watch Straps
The most versatile watch straps are the leather watch straps. They often have a pin buckle that the wearer may adjust to their desired tightness by inserting the pin through the appropriate hole. If the wearer's wrist size is not accommodated by the hole in the strap, one can be punched through the leather to make a new hole.
To guarantee that the newly created hole is just as tidy and even as the old ones, it is best to use a tool designed specifically for this purpose. You may even swap out the entire strap with one that is completely different in size, style, or color.
Fitting and Sizing
One advantage of the leather watch strap is its ease of adjustment in the event that the wrist grows or shrinks over the day. In a couple of seconds, the pin can be relocated to a different hole. Furthermore, the wearer won't need to have a leather strap fitted for them.
This implies that they won't have to wait for it to be properly adjusted—they may wear it as soon as they get it. But watch straps made of leather can deteriorate quite fast. The strap may occasionally appear tatty since the pin is inserted into the same hole every day. It is advised that a leather strap be changed regularly to maintain its finest appearance.
How to Clean a Leather Watch Strap
Since leather is a natural material, it will naturally break in and conform to your wrist. If you take care of it, a leather strap will be uniquely yours, and with age, it will only grow better. However, leather straps do need upkeep. You should be cleaning your leather watch strap regularly. To maintain the cleanliness of your leather watch strap, follow these steps:
- Use a dried microfiber towel to clean your strap. This will remove any dust or loose debris that might damage the leather during cleaning.
- Wet another microfiber cloth and dab it with a drop of mild, odorless hand soap. Gently clean the strap after rubbing the soap into the cloth. Move in gentle circular motions, much like you would while brushing your teeth.
- Rinse the cloth drenched in soapy water until the soap is gone. Wring the fabric to make it moist. Get rid of any soap residue that remains on the strap.
- Place your watch on a dry microfiber cloth and let it air dry. Don’t use a hairdryer to hasten the drying process. That will dry out the leather and may cause cracking.
2. Rubber Watch Straps
Sports watch fans tend to like silicone or rubber watch straps. Because it is sweat-resistant and waterproof, this material is perfect for active wear. This guarantees that the strap will remain comfortable even when the wearer is exerting oneself to the fullest extent possible.
Rubber watch straps are the most robust strap type since they can withstand a lot of pressure. There's a good reason why most outdoor enthusiasts and animal explorers wear rubber bands. NATO watch bands would also be a fantastic addition. Originally designed to be a regular military-issue strap, it offered an unrivaled mix of comfort and durability.
The fact that James Bond has been seen wearing NATO straps is the strongest testament to its perceived "coolness." A NATO strap was included with the 1964 Rolex Submariner in Goldfinger, and it strangely complimented the watch's design. The strap belonged to one of the crew members, enough to cement its status as the epitome of style in popular culture.
How to Clean a Rubber Watch Strap
It's quick to clean your silicone or rubber watch band at home with a few common household products. By following these recommendations, you can maintain the clean appearance and scent of your watch for years.
When cleaning your watch band, remember that abrasive or strong chemicals may cause harm, so be cautious. If your watch's rubber or silicone band is really grimy or smells, you can clean it with vinegar and baking soda. This is how you do it:
- Make a paste by mixing equal parts water and baking soda.
- Using a toothbrush with gentle bristles, apply the paste to the band. Be careful to enter all the nooks and crannies and difficult-to-reach places.
- Use fresh water to rinse the band completely.
- In a dish, mix equal parts vinegar and water.
- After dipping the band into the vinegar mixture, allow it to soak for a little while.
- After giving the band a good rinse in freshwater, blot it dry with a fresh towel.
- Reattach the band straps after allowing them to air dry fully.
3. Stainless Steel Watch Strap
When compared to other metals like gold and silver, stainless steel watch straps are the most economical and durable material utilized to make watch straps. Sadly, these straps cannot be made to fit everyone, so each one needs to be precisely adjusted to the wearer's wrist size.
Many people decide to have this adjustment made for them by taking their watch to the retailer or manufacturer. With the right equipment and experience, though, you can finish this procedure on your own.
Fitting and Sizing
If the watch strap is too small, you might need more links from the manufacturer. If the watch is too big, links can be removed to make sure it fits comfortably. Keep in mind that not every link in the bracelet can be removed, so it's better to make sure before trying any adjustments.
To change a metal watch strap at home, you need pliers, a jewelry hammer, and push pins. First, the watch has to be put on and secured around the wrist. Squeeze the strap together to ensure that the watch fits comfortably and tightly on the wrist.
After that, determine the number of links that must be cut to make the strap fit correctly. There should be an equal distribution of links on both sides of the clasp. This will ensure that the watch dial will align with the clasp and sit straight on the wrist.
The pin holding the link to the remainder of the strap should be removed with a push pin as the first step in the removal process. The pin will start to protrude from the opposite end.
Use pliers to remove the pin from the remaining distance. The strap may then be kept even by repeating this procedure on the other side of the watch.
Once the extra links have been cut, the clasp must be separated from these links. The same approach may be applied to this process. The push pin pushes out the pin that secures the clasp to the links, allowing pliers to be used to remove it.
How to Clean a Stainless Steel Watch Strap
To clean a stainless steel watch strap, use a soft cloth and soap or a brush with soft bristles.
- Wet your towel or brush with gentle bristles.
- Fill your towel or brush with soapy water.
- Scrub your strap gently.
- Thoroughly rinse your strap in clean water.
- Use a gentle, dry towel to pat dry your strap.
Case Study: Formex Essence ThirtyNine Wrist Straps
Although the Formex Essence Thirty-Nine collection is versatile, its real value is found in its flexibility. With the excellent strap choices offered by Formex, you can customize any Essence ThirtyNine watch to match your activities and style. Let's examine the three primary strap materials that Formex offers and emphasize the distinct benefits that each offers.
The Essence Thirty-Nine Deployant Leather Strap
The Essence ThirtyNine Deployant leather strap prioritizes comfort and easy customization. Like the rubber strap, it fits most wrists naturally thanks to its wide, comfortable 20 mm lug width. Like the rubber strap, the leather strap uses Formex's Quick Release spring bar technology. This eliminates the need for tools and enables simple strap swaps in seconds.
The Essence Thirty-Nine Deployant Black Rubber Strap
The Essence ThirtyNine collection's black rubber strap was also created with comfort and customizability in mind. The clever quick-release spring bar mechanism makes it easy to switch out the strap in seconds without the need for tools, and the 20 mm lug width guarantees a comfortable fit on most wrists.
This makes adjusting your watch to suit your style really straightforward. The clasp offers the greatest versatility since it can be switched between straps without any equipment.
The Essence Thirty-Nine Stainless Steel Bracelet
For everyday use, the Essence ThirtyNine Stainless Steel bracelet is a great option if you're looking for a sleek and modern style. Made of unbreakable stainless steel, it is incredibly durable and prepared to take on whatever task you set it for.
The bracelet has a brushed finish with mirror-polished bevels for a hint of refinement and is surprisingly comfortable. It fits naturally on your wrist by blending perfectly with the watch casing. Thanks to Formex's exclusive quick-release spring bar technology, you can quickly and easily swap out the bracelet's strap without any equipment.
Wrapping Up
A watch strap may command greater attention than the watch itself, so selecting the perfect one will pay off. A well-loved watch can be given a whole new personality, meaning it will be worn on the wrist more often than kept in a safe or watch box.
So, whether you prefer leather, rubber, or stainless steel, make sure to get one that makes you feel most confident. And if you need a nudge in the right direction, don’t forget to check out Formex’s range of premium watch straps and find the perfect one today!