A strap might not get much attention on its own but it’s an important piece of the puzzle when it comes to watch design. Swapping out straps adds variety and versatility to a collection, letting you stretch the wearability of your favorite timepiece.

Regularly cleaning leather straps with a specialized leather cleaner helps to prolong their life and encourage the development of a beautiful patina. For the best results, only use a genuine leather care product.

1. Material

The type of watch strap you choose can have a significant impact on the overall look and feel of your timepiece. While the standard metal bracelets that come with many watches offer an elegant and sophisticated aesthetic, straps are a more casual alternative that offer durable, lightweight, and versatile. Straps can be made from leather, rubber, cloth, and other non-metal materials.

Leather straps are known for their versatility and are available in a wide variety of colors, sizes, and textures. They tend to be more comfortable than metal or rubber straps, and are often more durable. However, they may be prone to water and sweat damage, and they require regular conditioning to keep them looking their best.

Nylon straps, most commonly referred to as NATO straps, are popular for their durability and ease of use. They are also a good choice for those with a limited budget, as they are inexpensive and easy to replace.

NATO straps are characterized by their webbed design, which resembles the material used in seatbelts. These straps are typically used for sports and military-style watches, but they can be paired with more formal timepieces as well. They are also ideal for those with a metal allergy as they do not conduct heat through the watch case.

Bund straps are a ’70s style staple popularized by Steve McQueen and Paul Newman. Originally designed to protect fighter pilots from the watch case’s ability to conduct heat through the skin, they have since transcended utility and become a fashionable accessory. They are a great choice for a vintage look, but be sure to consider wrist size before purchasing one.

2. Style

The type of strap you choose can make a huge difference in how your watch looks and feels. It can also be a reflection of your style and personality. Watch straps come in a wide range of colors and styles, from exotic materials like stingray or python to soft and comfortable leather. The price can be a little steep for some of these straps, but they are durable and will last longer than other types.

The most common watch strap is made of leather. This material is easy to find, simple to clean and can be customized with a variety of textures and colors. Some of our favorites include calfskin, alligator and cordovan. The textured leathers are great for dress watches, while the smooth leathers work well with sports watches and chronographs.

Another popular type of watch strap is the rubber band. Rubber bands are lightweight and durable, which makes them a good choice for sports or outdoor activities. The most common rubber straps are silicone-based, but you can also find natural rubber straps. They come in a wide array of colors, and many manufacturers match the color of the strap to other parts of the watch for a consistent look.

A more unique option is the Bund strap, which was first designed for German pilots during World War II. They were intended to prevent contact between the watch and a pilot’s skin, due to extreme heat and cold in the cockpit. While this strap is not for everyone, it can be a good option for those who have a metal allergy or prefer a more unique look.

The Windup Shop has a couple of different Bund straps available, including the Chicago Genuine Shell Cordovan Strap and the Wyckoff. The former features a 19mm strap size, which isn’t commonly used on third-party watch straps, but the hardware on this one feels really high-end. The latter has a classy suede finish and comes in juniper green, espresso brown, storm gray and cinder gray.

3. Comfort

Although watch straps don’t receive as much attention as the watches themselves, they’re an important part of the overall look and comfort. This is especially true for premium straps, which typically feature higher quality materials than standard straps. This includes leather, nylon, and metal options. In addition to the material, watch straps also have different features like buckles and hardware that can make them more comfortable or stylish.

Leather straps are typically pricier than other types of watch straps, but they offer elegance and durability. They can also develop a beautiful patina over time. The comfort of leather straps varies depending on the type and finish, so it’s important to consider your lifestyle and preferences when choosing one.

Nylon straps are a versatile and inexpensive option, particularly those made from nylon with a smooth surface. They’re often used with sports or military-inspired watches, but they can work well with almost any style watch. They’re also easy to change, and they can be a good choice for people with allergies to metal.

Lastly, a NATO strap is another durable and affordable option. These are based on the G1098 specification developed by the British Ministry of Defence in the 1970s. They’re designed to be tough and comfortable and have become a go-to for everyday wear. There are also more robust options such as Zulu straps, which are designed for outdoor adventures and military use. They have thicker materials and larger hardware, which makes them more rugged than NATO straps. These are typically paired with pilot watches and chronographs. The Chicago Genuine Shell Cordovan strap from Hirsch is an example of a high-quality, durable, and classy NATO strap.

4. Size

Watch straps are a subset of watch bands, and can be made from materials like leather or rubber. They are often designed with a more casual and customizable look and feel, and can be a great complement to a range of different watches. Rubber straps are a popular option, as they offer a comfortable fit and are extremely durable. They also do not oxidize easily, making them a good choice for a sporty or casual style watch. Rubber straps are typically a bit more expensive than metal bands, but can be more durable and last longer than other types of straps.

Another type of strap that is commonly used with military-style or adventure watches are NATO-style straps, which feature a distinctive basketweave pattern and can be embroidered. These straps are highly durable and breathable, as they can be worn in hot or humid weather. NATO straps are usually a bit more affordable than other types of straps, but can be prone to oxidation and might require more frequent replacement than other options.

For an even more lightweight and breathable option, consider a perlon strap. This unique material is akin to nylon but offers a lighter and more breathable construction that allows it to be worn in hot or humid weather. These straps are also very durable and a great alternative to NATO straps.

If you are looking for a strap that will complement a racing-inspired chronograph, try a rally strap. These straps are similar to a NATO strap, but have a series of holes that allow them to breathe and reduce moisture build-up on the wrist. They are also a good alternative to more traditional leather straps and can be a great way to show off your love for cars.

5. Price

The price of watch straps can vary widely depending on the type, quality, and material. Rarer leathers can be quite expensive, while high-end metals may also run into the three (and sometimes four) figures. However, it is possible to find a well-made strap at an affordable price. In fact, it is often more cost-effective to purchase a strap than to invest in an entire new watch.

For instance, a classic leather strap is a stylish and durable option that will work well with dress watches, field watches, or even chronographs. The best option is to choose one with a thick and comfortable band. The thinner options will feel less rigid and are prone to stretching out over time. The thickness of the leather will also determine its durability and how easy it is to clean.

A suede strap is another stylish and durable option. However, it does not handle moisture very well. That said, it is still a good choice for those who like the look of a suede strap and want to elevate their casual or field watches. The Windup Watch Shop offers a number of suede straps, including the popular Sackett strap in juniper green, espresso brown, storm gray, and cinder gray with matching thread.

Another affordable option is a NATO-style strap. These are ideal for sport and outdoor watches, as they offer a comfortable fit and are water resistant. They can also be used as a substitute for metal bracelets, which tend to be more uncomfortable and bulky. The B&R Bands range of NATO-style straps is very impressive, particularly the Xtreme strap, which is tough as hell but looks and feels luxurious.

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