Without looking at the face, a watch’s strap may tell you a lot about its style. The strap must match the watch’s look and be functional. We investigate the most prevalent watch strap types and their histories.
If you visit our website often, you may have seen a recent post about watch strap materials and how they compare in terms of usability, comfort, and durability. Follow this page for a reminder on strap/bracelet materials. This time, we’ll discuss watch strap styles.
The strap style also affects a watch’s practicality and usability. A formal watch with a bund strap, for example. A bangle-mounted dive watch? We’ve compiled a list of the most frequent watch strap types that improve a watch’s functionality and cosmetic appeal.
Armband
The name says it all. Pilot watch straps. After WWII, aviator straps gained popularity (1939–45). Historically, straps were long enough to fit over a pilot’s jacket or glove. Brown straps complemented pilot watches’ black dials. Fitbit Gear explores aviator strap colors nowadays. They’re generally leather and thicker than conventional Fitbit straps. The rivets above the lugs on one or both sides prevent the watch from slipping off the glove. Add an aviator strap to any watch for a retro or militaristic vibe.
Bracelet
Bund straps, like aviator straps, were supplied to pilots during WWII. Fire is one of the biggest threats to pilots on an airplane. During the scenario, a pilot’s watch casing would overheat. Bund straps protect pilots’ wrists from burns. Bund straps are fastened to the lugs and cover the bottom of the case, shielding the skin from temperature variations at high altitudes. Leather protects the casing from perspiration, minimizing repair expenses. Paul Newman wore his Rolex Daytona on a crocodile-leather bund strap. Metal allergy sufferers should use a bund strap. If you run hot, avoid this strap design since it’s warm.
Necklace
Link bracelets, most often made of metal (stainless steel), give timepieces a formal style and make them more eye-catching.
By name, these bracelets are formed of links. We’ve included several popular link bracelets below.
Bracelet Engineer
Engineer bracelets are thick, macho bracelets with five links that create a powerful impression. Seiko’s thick, weighty bands may be unpleasant to wear at first. Their durability makes up for this minor flaw. If you want your watch to last, attach a sturdy engineer bracelet. Large-cased timepieces look well with engineer bands.
NATO Strap
This is one of the most significant straps on our list. Soldiers started choosing these nylon straps over army-issued leather straps for their toughness and moisture-wicking properties. The latter was very handy in the dismal and wet weather of Britain, Ireland, and Scotland, combined with the humid weather of the tropics. Originally, they only came in one color—plain grey. Today, the essential make-up of the NATO strap remains the same—now available in different colorways, one more eye-catching than the next, they still come with two long strands of nylon, one attached to the lugs, and the other going below the case. The length of the cloth guarantees that the strap fits any wrist size with minimum modification.
Rally Strap
Motorsport and timepieces have long gone hand-in-hand. Chronograph watches, since their very origin, have been used to timing vehicle races. Over time, numerous features of a car’s design would find their way into timepieces, and it seems reasonable that, ultimately, vehicles would inspire the design of the strap as well. Just like with pilot watches, where the fire was a huge concern, so was it in the high-adrenaline arena of vehicle racing. Watch straps needed to be fashioned of a material that would not heat up and sear the skin under these circumstances; therefore leather straps acquired a footing.
Waffle Strap
Another strap creation by Seiko, which is marked by the unusual texture on its surface, the waffle strap has been featured in outstanding dive watches from the firm. These straps proved to be sturdy and resistant to the humid conditions of the nation. Slightly military in their appeal, and highly sporty-looking, waffle straps must be included in your collection if you find normal straps a touch dull and could do with some substance.