Changing the watch band is a great way to upgrade or customize a smartwatch. There are a lot of choices, from fluoroelastomer that wipes clean to leather and metal.
If you have skin sensitivities, look for a strap with anti-allergenic back lining or vegetable tanned leather that’s less irritating. Also consider the length of the strap: a quick measurement with a tape measure or a metric ruler (or the lug connectors on your current watch) should give you an accurate size.
Leather
Watch bands made of leather are a classic choice that can add an air of sophistication to any wrist-wear accessory. Some of the best leather watch straps are a bit on the pricey side, but they’re an investment that will last a lifetime. If you’re on a budget, try this affordable vintage leather watch band from INI. It has a gorgeous, crushed leather look that will patina over time, making it a one-of-a-kind watch accessory.
If you have a watch with a larger lug width, consider this heftier leather strap from Horween. The company has been producing leather goods for over a century, and their leather watch straps are known for their durability and quality. This particular watch strap is made from vegetable tanned leather that’s hand-stitched in the United States. It fits watches with lug widths between 19 and 24mm.
The folks at Shinola are known for creating clean, streamlined watches that’ll last the long haul. Their vast selection of leather watch bands are no exception, including this hand-sewed alligator leather strap. The rich brown color and unique alligator embossing make this a standout strap that’s sure to enhance any watch.
Another high-end option is this calf leather strap from Mio Jewelry. The artisan-made strap is thick and sturdy, which means it’ll patina beautifully over time and match any watch. It’s also incredibly lightweight, which makes it comfortable to wear for long periods of time.
For a more casual watch band, check out this one from Bas and Lokes. The brand uses a process called “osteanil,” which combines chrome and vegetable tanning to produce a durable strap. The Everett is designed to fit most watches, and it’s a great option for anyone who wants a casual strap that will go with any outfit.
Finally, if you’re looking for a high-quality leather band that won’t break the bank, look no further than this supple strap from Crown and Buckle. The rich brown color will match most watches, and the sturdiness of the strap will ensure it’ll last for years to come.
Metal
Stainless steel and other metal watch bands are extremely durable, making them a popular choice for those who use their watches in rugged environments. They also have a more formal appearance that can elevate the look of a watch and make it suitable for more formal or professional occasions. Metal watch straps are available in a wide range of styles, including link bracelets and sleek, modern designs.
When shopping for a metal watch band, it is important to choose one that matches the color of the rest of your accessories and fits your fashion preferences. For example, if you prefer to wear black accessories, choose a watch strap that is made of black leather. This will help your watch match your belt, shoes and other accessories for a consistent, put-together look.
Although some people believe that leather is a more informal material than metal, it really comes down to personal preference. Both materials are quite versatile and can be used to create a look that is perfect for any occasion or activity.
Many of the most popular brands of watches have both leather and metal bands available for their models. You may even find that your favorite watch model already has a metal strap, but you would like to replace it with a leather strap. If this is the case, you can still find an awesome leather replacement strap that will make your watch feel more luxurious.
Before purchasing a watch strap, it is important to know the size of your current watch band. This is usually printed on the back of your current watch, or you can use a metric ruler to measure the distance between the lugs of your watch. Once you have this information, you can find a watch band that is the same width.
It is also important to choose a metal watch band that is high-quality and will not require frequent maintenance. When choosing a metal watch band, always opt for stainless steel rather than low-grade aluminum. Stainless steel is much stronger, more durable and will not rust. In addition, look for a stainless steel watch band that has been 316L, which has added nickel and molybdenum to enhance strength and corrosion resistance.
Rubber
Rubber straps are often preferred for active wear because they’re sweat-resistant and flexible. They also offer more comfort than a leather bracelet and won’t scratch or bang against your wrist as easily, either. They’re also easy to clean and are a good option for a casual or sport watch.
There are plenty of options for a rubber watch strap, including vulcanized rubber (made from real caoutchouc trees) and synthetic versions made from polyurethane or PU. These are typically more expensive, but they’re also less likely to crack with time. Most are available in a wide variety of colors and have matching or contrasting stitching to help dress up the look of your watch.
The ISOfrane straps that shipped with Omega PloProf watches in the 1960s were a pinnacle of functional, comfortable strap technology. This modern version from Bonetto Cinturini is built with the same pliable polyurethane used in automotive hoses, and it’s designed to fit most wrist sizes. It’s available in 20mm, 22mm and 24mm lug widths with a choice of stitching color to match or complement the dial highlights on your watch.
Another great bang-for-the-buck rubber strap is this offering from Barton Bands. It comes in a wide range of colors and sizes, from 18mm to 24mm lug widths, and includes quick-release bars for fast, smooth strap changes without tools. The brushed stainless steel buckle and floating keeper add an extra touch of class. The strap itself is a soft, pliable polyurethane that’s tougher than silicone but more flexible and less clunky than nylon or plastic.
If you want a more dressy look, the tropic straps from Shinola are a solid option. The vulcanized rubber is thick and substantial enough to look appropriate on a brutish tool or dive watch, but it’s still a lot more comfortable than a stiff budget leather strap. The textured pattern on the underside of the strap is a nice touch, too, and the hardware is shiny and gunmetal-looking.
While Nato straps are built for military use and rubber ones are popular with water-adjacent professionals, many people want a more practical combination of these two styles. This is where a NATO/rubber hybrid like this one from Shinola comes in handy. It’s made in the United States by Stern of Minnesota, a company that has been making rubber products since 1969, so you can feel confident that your new strap is high quality and well made.
Interchangeable
Adding a new watch band is an easy way to change up the look of your watch. These bands are available in a variety of colors and materials. Some are made from leather and others from metal. They are designed to fit around the wrist or arm of the wearer. Most are attached to the watch using spring bars, which are small metal pieces that fit into holes on the band and the watch. Watch straps are also sometimes referred to as bracelets or wristbands.
Watches are a great accessory for any outfit, but they’re even more versatile when you have different watch straps to choose from. A leather watch strap is a stylish option for formal occasions, while a rubber or nylon strap can be worn for everyday activities and workouts. You can also find watch straps that are designed for specific types of activities, such as hiking and camping.
Many watch manufacturers offer a variety of interchangeable watch bands to make it easy for customers to customize their watches. Some even come with two or three complimentary bands so that you can have a few options to suit your style and needs. It’s important to know what size watch strap you have before purchasing a replacement, as these are measured in millimeters based on the width of the lugs, which is where the band attaches to the watch case. If you aren’t sure, try measuring a strap that currently fits you or checking the back of your current band for letters or numbers that may indicate its size.
The length of a watch strap is also important to consider, as it will determine how well the band fits on your wrist. It’s a good idea to have your wrist size measured before buying a new watch strap, as some bands are designed for specific wrist sizes and can be quite tight or loose. If you’re unsure about what strap is right for your wrist, ask an expert or check the strap’s description carefully for this information.
Interchangeable watch straps are a great option for any style of watch, as they allow you to switch between different looks without having to buy a whole new watch. These straps are also an inexpensive way to add a new touch to your watch and make it unique.
